Ninja at First Sight

Knitting in the City #4.75

by Penny Reid

This is a previously-published edition - ASIN: B016XD4WRE

Prequel to the USA TODAY BESTSELLER 'Happily Ever Ninja'

What do a cynical former Marine and a sheltered former Olympic contender have in common?

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

He has a girlfriend and she’s never been kissed.

He’s sullenly sarcastic and she’s earnestly empathetic.

He can’t stop thinking about her.

She knows she should keep her distance.

Nevertheless, when opposites attract the results may be unexpected, but they’re also undeniably magnetic.


This novella is the expanded origin story for Greg and Fiona. The first 16k words of this novella are from the short scenes included in 'Scenes from the City', which is no longer for sale.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Novella, New Adult, Humor, Fiction

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2015

About the author

Sign up for the newsletter of awesome: www.pennyreid.ninja/newsletter

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she writes kissing books. Penny is an obsessive knitter and manages the #OwnVoices-focused mentorship incubator / publishing imprint, Smartypants Romance. She lives in Seattle Washington with her husband, three kids, and dog named Hazel.

FOLLOW PENNY:
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Twitter: www.twitter.com/reidromance
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Just Released:
October 20, 2022: Folk Around and Find Out, Good Folk: Modern Folktales, Book 2

Upcoming Releases:
December 13, 2022: Drama King, Three Kings Series, Book 2

Currently Working On:
2023: Pride and Dad Jokes, Ideal Man, Book 1

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!



PENNY REID!!! I am so in love with this woman’s writing! Her books are so entertaining, fun and smart. Even though this is only a novella, it’s one of my favorite things I’ve read this year. Greg and Fiona are fantastic- by far my favorite Reid couple I’ve read about to date!

Fiona is a freshman in college. She is not necessarily shy, more a bit of a hermit. She’s a smart, compassionate, kind and quirky person. I love her character.

“Not everyone is capable of fighting the great fights. Not everyone is brave and strong and powerful. Let them have their causes. Allow them their victories, when victories can be had, without begrudging the wrongs that they right. Attending to injustice, no matter how small, is always a worthy cause.”

Then there is Greg. Greg is a little older than Fiona, he got a late start at the college thing because he spent his first few years out of high school as a Marine. Greg see’s something in Fiona. He can tell she is special and different from all the other college students. He pursues her in the best way.



I adored Greg. He made me laugh so much. All his debates, funny one liners, and the way he appreciated Fiona just the way she was.

“You’re appalling.”
“It’s pronounced appealing, Darling.”



“Your jokes are terrible.”

“It’s pronounced tremendous.”

As a reader, there isn’t much better than reading a book that keeps a smile on your face the entire time. Every single page kept me smiling. Penny Reid really knocked it out of the park with this one and I can’t wait to read Greg and Fiona’s full story in Happily Ever Ninja!

“Life isn’t a fifty-fifty split, that’s just being lazy. Burdens are weightless, worlds change, and love endures when both people are contributing their maximum.”




[Penny Reid]

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Buy a Signed Paperback Copy from Penny's Store

[Ophelia's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite book of all time
I just finished my favorite book of all time! I have never felt so much while reading a book. Never in my life have I ever cried while reading and yet after reading this book and it wasn't tragic or anything quiet the opposite! I bawled my eyes out. You have to understand I am not a crier in fact I can count the times I cried in the last 3 years on one hand. It feels so personal to share this on Facebook... I love Fiona and Greg they may not be everyone's cup of tea but I understood them I saw myself in them especially Fiona! Their talks were stuff I always debated with myself because I have no one to talk to about such matters. I think from now on if anyone wants to get to know me I would just hand them a copy of Ninja At First Sight and say there that's the key to my soul. I'm speechless and I'm in awe of Penelope Reid. I swear lady you better watch out you just got a crazy person addicted to your crack and now no one and nothing can compare. We're soul mates Penny. We are. And I want more. I will make a campaign to get more of their college time.
I felt so much, I experienced so much and as Fiona said that's what matters. You made my heart happy.
Oh my God how can I ever pay you back.
There is only one downfall. No man will ever compare to Greg and I swore to myself long ago I'd never settle which means I'm so going to end up a lonely cat/book lady. But that's okay because I'll always have Greg.
My British marine.
Ah my chest feels tight. So much love.
Now I'm going to read Ninja Happily After. I so hope I love it just as much.
So much originality, so much love, REAL LOVE. The love I crave.
"My favorite book of all time" for so long I wanted to use this sentence! I saw people say it about books but I never had one! All of the books I read become a blur when someone asks me which one is my favorite. No more.
Yes it's odd, yes it's different, yes it doesn't have sex in it, yes it has REAL LOVE.

[Samantha Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

**5 Fan-Frickin-Tastic Stars!!!**

So I'm officially a fangirl. I love Penny Reid's novels and this novella has just made me fall harder. With every new book in this series the couple becomes my new favourite and Greg and Fiona are definitely my new favourites. And this is only an origin novella! To say I am excited for their story 'Happily Ever Ninja' is putting it mildly! It's the best romance novella I've ever read. The chemistry, the banter, and best of all how three dimensional they are. Penny's characters always are but packing all that into 40K is tough to do for any author and this is a triumphant success. That's what makes her my favourite contemporary romance writer. Yeah. I said it. FAVOURITE.

Penny, if we are ever at signing together I will attempt to not be a creepy ninja stalker around you.

I said try.

No promises.

[Dee Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****5 ~Gentoo Penguins Stars*****

(ARC kindly provided by author)

You know me; all things Penny Reid make me so happy, I just gotta dance...






This Knitting in the City novella is about, how Greg and Fiona met when they were in college.

Both of these characters are very intelligent so naturally they were attracted to each other, immediately. But Greg already had a girlfriend and Fiona was too shy and trying to force herself to be more social, which made them settle into a nice friendship at first.

Greg very soon realizes he can't survive any longer without being romantically involved with Fiona. She's been the protagonist of all his thoughts and dreams since the moment he first saw her. He has no choice but to break up with his girlfriend so he can officially pursue Fiona.

Fiona has lived a very sheltered life up until she moved away to college. She's eager to soak up all the college experience and she often finds herself fascinated by people's behaviors. She's completely enthralled by Greg and she's very happy to be pursued by him.

Fiona has zero experience when it comes to love and Greg is only happy to teach her everything he knows and what's even more special to him, is that he gets to be her first everything...



Greg and Fiona's story is very romantic but also very PG rated because one; these are young college kids and two, cause Greg wants to take things slow with Fiona. Even though the steam factor is pretty low, I found myself getting highly excited and aroused while reading this book, and you ask why? how? Well... Greg's highly knowledgeable, cocky and extremely charming personality had me going crazy with lust. I couldn't help myself and had to attack my husband, and I might have called him Greg at some point during said attack. (Sorry TMI)

I'd already loved Fiona from all the previous books in this series and it makes me giddy with happiness, that we'll get to read her story on Happily Ever Ninja.

In the next book which comes out on January 2016, we will read about Greg and Fiona's story as a married couple. These characters are so eloquent and fun, that I'm sure their love story is going to be very amusing and completely memorable. I fall in love with this series even more with each book that comes out, and I hope it never ends; I hope Penny never stops writing about these amazing characters.

My Ninja At First Sight music playlist:
*Nothin' Like You by Dan + Shay
*One Call Away by Charlie Puth
*In Your Dreams by Chef'special
*Marry You by Bruno Mars

[Catarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Ninja Stars.



This story works as a prequel for “Happily Ever Ninja” and serves as a prequel for Greg and Fiona’s story.
We had already seen a little bit of them in Scenes From the City, and this novella spreads out that story.
As ever, Penny Reid managed to write a refreshing and completely addictive story, and once more I completely fall in love with one of her stories.
Saying that I am excited for their book is an understatement… 2016 can’t come soon enough so I can finally read their full story.

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Review to come...









Gah! I knew I would beat up myself after finishing this one, cursing like the mad person I must be because I don't have the rest of the story...
Penny, why are you so evil?
Review to come

Arc offered in exchange for an honest review
More reviews and book talk at :

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Ninja at First Sight
Series: Knitting in the City #4.75
Author: Penny Reid
Release date: November 21, 2015
Cliffhanger: No
HEAHFN



I am an unashamed die hard fan of Penny Reid. I'll read anything she releases: standalones, trilogies, novellas, factoids on the mating habits of sharks...whatever. I'm first in line. Fiona and Greg stole a little piece of me when I was introduced to them in Scenes from the City, a compilation of short stories starring each one of her couples from the Knitting in the City series. This is the lengthened version of that short story, and gives us the background of how Greg and Fiona met, fell in love, and started their journey in matrimony.



Fiona is a young woman who is an overachiever in some areas in her life, but in other aspects, is more of an observer rather than a participant. She has discipline, intelligence, and an ability to see things in ways that others don't. Her pragmatic mind is something I could dive into and swim around in for days. Penny gives us (yet again) a heroine with intellect and independence that I can really admire.

He's chased my melancholy away with his kisses and touches, and of course I'd enjoyed every minute of it. But reason told me it would be a mistake to allow anyone-even Greg-to be the master of my happiness.

Fiona gives it to Greg straight-no apologies or intimidation. His brusque and biting attitude is enough to make anyone pause. But Fiona sees through his rigidness, she's strangely drawn to it in fact. She's sees something in him that she identifies and connects with.



In the beginning stages, we get plenty of longing and suppressed heat that was absolutely delicious to observe. Greg's broodiness and apparent silent craving grew more intense and irrepressible. It threatened to rupture his resolve to keep his distance at any moment. At first, they seem a somewhat mismatched pair, but his cynicism was an unexpected foil to her innocence. Her complete lack of experience with boys was as shocking to him as it was enticing. And it made me want to see how he would handle her-delicately or fiercely. And it was a perfect mixture of both.

"Shouldn't you be playing up your good points? Isn't that what guys do when they're interested in a girl?"
"But you've never been kissed, he responded, his tone still flat but his eyes dancing with mischief, "and you've never dated. This is my chance to ruin you for anyone else."

There's a respect that you feel between the two. A sense that they value each other and hold their opinions dear and precious. I loved that about them. To feel genuinely valued for who you are is the basis of every strong relationship. Too many times a couple start a life together purely based on attraction and those are doomed to crash and burn. With this couple, I envision tough times ahead, but the faith that they can weather any storm together.



To find a love that endures time, the complications of life, and the stresses that strain every relationship and wear them down slowly is something that people don't see as exciting or romantic in this genre. Maybe it's too real and too close to home. But Penny manages to take a concept that many would find disinteresting and breathes life into it with her humor and a genuineness. It will make you beg for just a little more time to spend with Greg and Fiona. Penny Reid took on a difficult subject and owned it in a way only she can do. I'll be Impatiently waiting for Happily Ever Ninja with bated breath and twitching fingers.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 **GIMME MORE** STARS



I LOVED IT! Funny, sexy, smart and so adorable. Gah...I'm in love!

[Rachel L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um I need the next book NOW! I need more Fiona and Greg in my life!!!!

Ninja at first sight is the prequel novella to Happily Ever Ninja, and details how Fiona and Greg met in college and how they fell in love. The banter was the best part of this book, I honestly couldn't get enough of this couple. Seriously by the end I was screaming because when I was finished I couldn't go straight into the next book. Luckily the sneak peek calmed me down.

I highly recommend for those who already love Penny Reid stories and for newbies to her books. This won't take you long to read and will leave you wanting more.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can this little novella be so absolutely perfect?? Novellas are never my jam, they feel like a tease and I always want more when I am done. BUT not this one, I loved this and instead of feeling shorted when I finished, I felt this huge amount of happiness.



This novella seriously made me smile the entire time. It has Penny’s typical intelligent writing, I mean really this woman is a genius. I love how her characters are so smart and quick-witted. I am also so excited to read Happily Ever Ninja.

Fiona and Greg are two college students, but just from this limited interaction I think there is so much to their characters. I love that Fiona’s childhood shaped her into a young woman who is mature, kind and badass. I loved that Greg is the older, former solider and honest to a fault. Then the way this one ended…HELLO!! I squealed with excitement!

Teasers created by me with stock images purchased from depositphotos.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute novella about the meeting and falling in love of Fiona from the “Knitting in the City” series and her husband Greg, set twenty years before the series starts. I really enjoyed Greg’s oddball British charm, and their college dorm romance. Fiona was an interesting character, and I liked watching her adjust to college life.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.

[FMABookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I say this about most every Penny Reid book, but I mean it this time… the story of Fiona and Greg is my favorite ever from Penny Reid!

In this prequel standalone novella for Knitting in the City book 5, 'Happily Ever Ninja', Reid is crafting one of the most romantic love stories I have ever read. It is, without doubt, that Fiona and Greg will be one of my favorite couples in my reading experience. Their mutual respect, admiration and love is refreshing. I imagine there will be many single, and not single, women wishing for a man like Greg! He is strong, dominant, brilliant, and incredibly romantic.

❝And when you were nineteen you were harmless?❞

❝You know better, Darling. I’ve never been harmless. And it’s a good thing too, because you don’t want harmless.❞

Their discussions are not just funny, they are witty, and sexy. Two brains coming together challenging one another… I am not sure there is anything sexier than that?

❝But if you truly own her, own her heart, if she is truly yours, abandoned to you, you cannot discard her. She is where she belongs, hence the ownership.❞

❝Possessions don’t have thoughts or feelings; they’re inanimate objects.❞

❝Ah, but the women are never inanimate, not the way I do it.❞

Swoon!

Have you ever read a book and felt like you gained new brain cells? That just by reading it, you were suddenly smarter? That’s what happens when I read a Penny Reid book. Her characters are intelligent. When they argue, they use logic. When they talk, they use words that, often times, this college educated woman needs to use a dictionary to understand. Their words aren’t lazy, they are clear, and descriptive. Their intelligence does not allow for arbitrary plot devices. Instead, Reid’s stories are romantic and realistic. I can read a book from her and think, “Yep, that could totally happen.”, or “Wow, that is similar too…” The story of Greg and Fiona is a perfect example.

In Ninja at First Sight, the story is simple, yet realistic. Two young adults meet at college and fall in love.

What made this story different from other college romance novels, was the ‘way’ they fell in love. I felt like I was a fly on the wall intruding on special moments. Because I ‘felt’ it happen, that moment when they realized they loved each other. This is a relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. Instantly, they realized they were attracted to each other. Yet, the slow burn of their relationship was perfect.

❝Prepare yourself to be kissed now.❞

There was never a doubt about Greg’s devotion to Fiona. He was passionate. He was protective and loyal. And he took his time getting to know her. He loved her mind and body and spirit.

Fiona was equally as passionate, yet not as worldly as Greg. At 18, she felt lost in social situations as well as relationships. So it took her time to understand what she was feeling, to put a label on it.

I read the first part of this in Scenes from the City, so much more was added, making this story even more stunning. This story captured the essence of a relationship, the spark of romance, and the excitement of first love. I am anxiously awaiting Happily Ever Ninja.

ARC graciously given by Penny Reid!!

[S.M. West · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Gentoo penguin STARS

"Three words.
Eight letters.
Mind blown."

I'm in awe of Penny Reid...I don't know how she managed to get so much heart and soul into a novella. Fiona and Greg...the strong attraction, chemistry, witty banter and smart debates...were awesome!




"Our short exchanges had yielded the strongest attraction and connection I'd felt for another person, and it felt heavy with significance."

Every time I read one of Penny's books, the H/h become my favourite couple. Her characters are so real, complex, funny and true!



"I want to be your first kiss...I want to be your first everything."

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgot how much I love Fiona and Greg...

I admit, I got the order mixed up. Yesterday, I had a baking day and started listening to Happily Ever Ninja. For some strange reason, I went on Goodreads and realised that this short story came before instead of after like I had originally thought. Without hesitation, I stopped and fixed this disaster of epic proportions. I HAVE to read them in order.

I enjoyed this introduction to the characters and it definitely gave me a little insight into how things started for Greg and Fiona. To be honest, I was a little surprised.

The narrator does a fantastic job and I found her voice and accents a pleasure to listen to.

Now, time to get back to where it's at...

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charmingly sweet, hilariously smart and achingly romantic story about first and everlasting love.

As a child being an Olympic hopeful, Fiona had a less than normal upbringing while spending most of her time training. Having her Olympic chances cut short due to a brain tumor during her early adolescence changed her priorities completely. Now in remission, Fiona is content to be a normal college student and observe the people and goings on around her. But there’s nothing normal about the impossible to ignore pull she feels towards the prickly, sarcastic, totally off-limits ex-marine who lives on the other side of her building.

Greg doesn't believe in things such as soul mates or love it first sight even though he hasn't stopped thinking about her from the moment he saw her, regardless of the fact that she doesn't seem to notice him. However the moment she literally bumps into him they can't stop the rapid-fire banter, quick-witted exchanges and irresistible attraction. Knowing her is even more compelling and finding out that she's never been kissed makes him want to claim every one of her firsts for the rest of her life.

I can't believe I hadn't read a Penny Reid book! Please hit me over the head and call me all kinds of foolish for not picking up one of her books before! Her characters and story are charmingly addictive and the dialogue and writing style voice a remarkable intelligence. I was completely enamored with the book and can’t wait to read more.

The romance between the sarcastic cynic and the pragmatic optimist hooked me completely. It made me laugh, smile, giggle and fan myself. I loved that both Greg and Fiona are smart with very distinct and outstanding personalities. They seduced my mind with their fast, sharp and flirtatious banter and sweet interactions. I highlighted just about everything and would have loved to include every single interaction between them.

“I’ve been so careful, taking things slow, because I wanted to fall in love with your mind and heart first, not muck it up with arms and legs and appendages. You’re brilliant. And soulful. And beautiful. And clever and kind.”

I adored Fiona’s tender and empathic heart and well-reasoned, pragmatic mind and I totally swooned for the complex, dry humored, Shakespearian spouting man with a sexy posh British accent and body to match who wouldn’t settle for less than unconditional and everlasting love.

“If it’s possible to have a partner who gives all of themselves without reservation, who looks forward to working and sacrificing for me just as I look forward to doing the same for her, who can’t help but love ferociously, brutally, and unconditionally—and even perhaps without reason or sound judgment—that’s what I want.”

I loved that we got to see how they met and their love naturally flourish through Fiona’s eyes. How even with his abrasiveness he was still fascinating. Even though he was at times self-deprecating, she saw every facet about him. In short, I loved their love. It amazed me how much was packed into this novella!

“I loved his goodness and wrongness, his unwavering priorities and his mulishness. I loved his patience—granted, I also hated his patience—and I loved his wit.”
____________________________

Ninja at First Sight is novella #4.75 in the Knitting in the City series by Penny Reid. It’s a prequel novella to Happily Ever After, book #5 in the series. I strongly recommend it to every contemporary romance lover out there. It’s a sweet and sexy romance that you’ll gobble up in a single reading. Even though it can be read as a standalone, I’m sure you’ll want more. Told from the heroine’s point of view with a happy ending.

5 Ninja stars

Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2jSZq90
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Author's Pinterest board -> https://es.pinterest.com/reidromance/...

For another great review and even awesomer pics go to Alesk’S review -> https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

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[Sophie's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 NINJA STARS



Fiona is finally a college student who lives away from her overwhelming parents. After being secluded for most of her youth, due to brain cancer, she's now free to live in a world where they won't act like she's fragile. Time to make new experiences, although there's a small problem. Fiona is quiet and shy, a hermit otherwise. One of the girls decides to change that for her.



Fiona meets Greg, a senior with whom there's chemistry and gives her a sparkle of hope that she's capable of having feelings. He understands her but he also challenges her and vice versa.

"Because I look at you, and I think, you and me, we're going to get married one day."

I can't reveal more, since this is a novella, so I'll keep it short. I really love Penny Reid's heroes and heroines. Even when I don't always understand them and their thoughts seem a little complicated for my simple brain, I still adore them. Fiona and Greg, the way they met and their journey in this prequel novella was making me smile and I couldn't help but root for them. I felt like we could have one more chapter on what happened after the ending, but I suppose there will be plenty of that in Happily Ever Ninja.

I believe that even if I didn't know the author, I would understand that it was Penny by her writing style, she's really unique and I can't help but feel the desire to grab Happily Ever Ninja right away.

[Angela (Reading Frenzy Book Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Dear Penny Reid,

We need to have a “Come to Jesus” talk. Don’t EVER make me fall in love with characters, get me fully engaged in their story, and then end the book abruptly—with a freaking cliffhanger no less—WHEN MY KINDLE SAYS I’M ONLY 85% INTO THE BOOK!! (Yes, shouty capitals and exclamation points are necessary.) You filled up the last 15% with author’s notes, a list of other books you’ve written, and a sneak peek of the first chapter of Happily Ever Ninja! I don’t want a taste of the next book; I want the whole enchilada! If you do it again, I swear I’m never reading another book of yours. Oh who am I kidding? I love your flawless writing style, your intelligent underdog heroines, your humor, your yummy heroes, as well as your smart and witty banter. I’m addicted to your books, so I can’t possibly stay away.

Yes, I know Ninja at First Sight is only the prequel to Happily Ever Ninja, and thank the good lord the rest of Fiona and Greg��s story will be available soon. Still, a little heads up that I’m about to reach the end of the book would be much appreciated. Mmm-kay?

Yours truly,
~Angela

[Joshita ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.75★

“I want to be your first everything.”

WHAT CAN I SAY!

I did not expect to like Greg so much but he was the BEST! I don't know what I am gonna feel like when I read the full-length book but this novella was sooooooo good! Penny Reid is my religion from now on.
I am in love with Greg Archer!!!!!!! He is the One person I can stop eating fried food for...and all the other One Direction member too.

[Lady Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"5 Shiny Ninja Stars!"




First, I want to say



Penny Reid: You incredibly talented, smart, wonderful- story-telling-super ninja!



Second, I want to say THANK YOU for writing this novella about Fiona and Greg's origins!.
From the synopsis of Happily Ever Ninja, I'm speculating that it will take place present day, and will continue on with the flow of the rest of the series.

I do hope (perhaps beg) that you'll continue on with writing other novella's about Greg and Fiona's life from where this one left off.
This couple could have their own series, and the novella's could/would give us (your faithful minions) a more in depth look at Fiona and Greg's (what seems to be) incredible, mysterious history.

Loved this story!
Fiona is one of my favorite characters.
She's super smart, kind, compassionate, logical, and see's through the bull-shit.
I really enjoy seeing the world through her eyes.
How she analysis everything, studies it, and sifts through the rubbish to get to the guts of what's important.
She forces herself to get out of her comfort-zone to be more social, and engage with other people.

Greg is a wonderful character!
He's cantankerous, obnoxious, smart, guarded, and sexy




He's also fallen head over heals for Fiona.
With her- He's compassionate, patient, loving, and he loves to challenge her.






I love that he wants to be ALL of Fiona's firsts.



... and that he admits to being a selfish bastard when it comes to her





Congratulations Penny for another great story, and wonderful installment to the series!





IT'S LIVE!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Ninja-First-Sig...

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait is going to feel like torture!!

This little gem of a novella is the origin story for Greg and Fiona, who we got a glimpse of in Scenes From The City. Ever since reading about them in Scenes, I fell in love with their story. Really, I fell for Greg. A sarcastic, intelligent, impassioned, tall, dark and handsome stranger with a British accent?! Oh, HELL TO THE YES!

Fiona and Greg have always been in the other Knitting in The City books, predominantly Fiona, but she really caught my interest in Scenes and here. I loved reading about her quiet and intelligent mannerisms. Her naïveté, her quest to learn all there was to learn about college life, her outlook on things. Finally, as a leading heroine, I know I'm going to adore her. Then there's Greg. Good Lord. That man is incredible. But then again, it's PR writing, so you know the hero will be delectable.

Greg's and Fiona's origin story was everything I expected. I love their banter, their witty comebacks. The chemistry between them in this novella was electrifying. But now the wait begins...and I'm impatient for more of them! This was the perfect amount to wet my appetite, but also maddening because January is still too far away.
Regardless, loved this!

* Arc graciously provided by Penny Reid for review *

[Feminista · Rating 1 out of 5]

How disappointing..

Another book following the misogynistic trope. The dialogue in this book makes it seem as though the characters are feminists. But most of Penny Reid's books (except for one book that I can think of) boil down to the one thing she always highlights. The relative inexperience of the heroine when compared to the hero. In the case of several books, it has been that the heroine is a virgin. In this book, it is that the hero says to the heroine, I want to be your first everything. Instead of the heroine's witty barb back of how sexist that is/what would he be her first everything when she clearly won't be his? She feels heady with infatuation.

Something that really bothered me was that the hero flirted with the heroine when he was in a relationship with someone else. He admits that he checked her out. If he really fell for her, he should have broken up with his girlfriend. Except do you know when he does it? When he breaks up with his girlfriend? After he finds out that she is completely and utterly inexperienced. That's right.

Another thing, since when is it okay to humiliate people? It was not cool how the hero insulted and hurt the heroine's Valentine's date. It was also not okay for the author to make a point that the heroine's Valentine's date let her split the bill. So freaking what? Grow up. Why does that need to be pointed out in the middle of the book. Of course, we get a stark contrast with the hero insisting on paying her part for their first date. And lastly, it was so unoriginal for the author to make the heroine's Valentine's date's kiss to be icky and gross. Really unoriginal.

I expected better from this author.

[A_Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 10th book in my re-Reid-athon (I am making my way through my Penny Reid gems, re-reading her entire Hypothesis, Dear Professor, Knitting in the City and Winston Brothers series).

5 "MY GIRLFRIEND IS A NINJA!" STARS!!!!

This is the utterly unputdownable prequel to Happily Ever Ninja, focusing on the time when Greg and Fiona first meet in College and fall in love.


Prepare yourself for an onslaught of classic Reid witticisms (is that a word?). They roll off the page with perfect timing.
The genius delivery of dialogue and sexy smirks almost killed me as I repeatedly inhaled too much oxygen in between snorts of laughter.

Greg is absolutely drool-worthy as Reid's signature cocky hero. I didn't even mind that he called Fiona "Darlin'" or that he supported his paying for every meal with an argument about skills, talent and a man's equal contribution to a relationship.
Regardless of this little blip, he's the intellectual pillar in Penny's ninja-verse, and his super logic can only be rivalled by .....

The adorable innocence and bravery of our heroine. Fiona is that perfect blend of super-smarts, sheltered upbringing, and goodwill that we've come to expect from our kick-ass Penny Gals. And she can climb walls. So she's actually like a super adorable cross between Spidey and the Black Widow. But with less Spandex.

Another awesome story from a truly gifted writer. I can never get enough of Penny Reid books... she is my ultimate author-girl-crush. The Queen of Quirky Romance.
Ninja at First Sight is funny, insightful and incredibly romantic.
I can't wait for the next installment!!


5 Blew me away Stars!!!

[Norah Una Sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking love Penny Reid. Her characters are not only the best,but the funniest and the most entertaining. That doesn't, of course, mean that her characters don't deal with serious issues - because the do,they really do. Greg and Fiona are seriously amazing. They are unique,but still relatable, they are smart and funny and their dialogues are the best. I love how they can talk about literally anything because that just shows how comfortable they are with each other and how much they understand each other. They both survived terrible things but you can see how those things made them stronger and more appreciative of life. This novella is sexy,smart and funny. Classic Penny Reid.

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review for Ninja at First Sight will be consolidated with my review for Happily Ever Ninja.

Happy New Year! <3

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Prologue to The Main Event! Stars
* * * * * In Kindle Unlimited-The Whole Series FREE!
Spoiler Free-
This is the Beginning to an Adventure Penny Reid Readers will not want to miss...
This starts it all for Greg and Fiona...

The introduction to the minds of these two...
The first experience of meeting and the playful yet stomach fluttering recognition of this could be something important for both of them...

We feel the longing...
We feel the need...
We are there for it all...

Delicious!

Do Not Despair...Its big brother/sister is coming soon in...
Happily Ever Ninja...


Neanderthal Seeks Human (Knitting in the City, #1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Neanderthal Marries Human (Knitting in the City #1.5)
Friends Without Benefits (Knitting in the City #2)
Love Hacked (Knitting in the City, #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beauty and the Mustache (Knitting in the City, #4; Winston Brothers, #0.5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Happily Ever Ninja (Knitting in the City, #5) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dating-ish (Knitting in the City, #6) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Marriage of Inconvenience (Knitting in the City #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


A gifted copy was provided by author for an honest review.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love these books!!! Penny Reid has a true gift for romantic comedy! Although her characters have their weaknesses she spotlights their strengths, which I love!
Wonderful characters, brilliant story and genius writing!

Reread March 2018– In this book Fiona meets Greg. First love is all encompassing. Even though we know they are married in todays books its lovely to see how they got there and how fragile love is at the beginning.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve (re)read one of Penny Reid’s books and boy have I missed them. It was so comforting coming back to this. I can always count on her to deliver brilliant books.

Fiona and Greg are one of my favorite couples due to their superb banter and their ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings and struggles to each other. It’s their “origin” story which was just as heartfelt as their primary/main story was. This book also leads into something you don’t often see in romance: a couple whose relationship has been, and still is, long distance. Gah, the emotions, the relatability….sigh

I do have to say, it felt a tad unbelievable knowing an 18 and a 23 year old were saying the things they were, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be true. The discussions they had were meaningful. I feel like you actually get to know a person by the kinds of conversations they had than the normal small talk that happens when meeting someone new.

It was an absolute delight to see where it all started for them, after seeing glimpses of them interspersed throughout the series. Perfect transition into their present day romance in book 5. I can’t wait to reread the next. Smiling already 💛

[Elizabeth Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Reid. You kill me.

Every love story is different because every person is different. And if love is anything, it's connection. A giving of oneself to another person. So that giving, that connection, takes a different form in every love story. But it's rare that one author can capture the uniqueness of disparate love stories while simultaneously making them relatable as Reid has done with the Knitting in the City series.

Ninja at First Sight is gorgeous. Sweet. Tender. Brave. Real. Greg and Fiona are magnetic. Read this little novella and enjoy it. Then go listen to Peter Gabriel's "The Book of Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZQIf... and cry a few happy, longing tears before you immediately preorder their full novel Happily Ever Ninja.

You're welcome.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ninja at First Sight is a prequel, or as the author calls it an origin story. Fiona hasn't had the usual life experiences of other women her age. First she was an elite level gymnast and member of the US Olympic Team with all the rigours of training. Then just as she was about to achieve her goals, she was diagnosed with brain cancer and went through radiation therapy.

Now at the age of 18, she is defying her parents to attend university. She is naïve and inexperienced but embraces campus life, the good and the bad as only someone who has faced their mortality can.

“Girls aren't beautiful, they're pretty. Beautiful is too heavy a word to assign to a girl. Women are beautiful because their faces show that they know they have lost something and picked up something else.”
- Henry Rollins

Penny Reid is a genius. She is a master story teller. Her books are always surprising. I expect tropes, honestly I don't even mind them....but I love that Penny Reid is a trope free zone.