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Papi

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A scintillating standalone novella based on a true story coming soon from bestselling author J.C. Valentine.

Dating is hard.
Especially when it's a younger man.
Alejandro is everything I ever dreamed of:
Sexy.
Driven.
Dominant.
He's my Spanish lover.
My every fantasy come true.
My weakness.
And he wants me. All of me. Maybe even more than I have to give.
But the way he talks to me...looks at me...touches me drives me crazy in the best way possible.
And he knows it.
He knows the power he holds over me...and he wields it like a blade...
Straight through my heart.
Everything I have, everything I am, is in his hands...
Because Alejandro is everything and nothing I expected.
He may be my downfall...
But I am more than eager to take the plunge.

60 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2017

11 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Valentine

77 books2,006 followers
USA Today bestselling romance author J.C. Valentine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their amazing children and fun-loving dogs. When she's not writing stories of love, laughter, and steamy scenes, you can find her editing for fellow authors or spending time with her family. J.C. has been penning stories since childhood, though thankfully her writing has improved since then. She loves bringing heart, humor, and happiness to readers through her vivid imagination and love of words.

Like me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JCValentineAu...
Find me on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Visit my website: http://www.jcvalentine.come
Sign up for my newsletter and never miss a thing! http://bit.ly/1KxXWWB

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5 stars
45 (28%)
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66 (41%)
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32 (20%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,408 followers
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars
“When you finally reach the point where you feel good about yourself without the need for someone else’s approval, you’ve discovered true happiness.”

Not a la-la land romance!!!
Honest, a bit messy, raw, not perfect.

“I’m solid on my own. I don’t need a man to be the confident, sexy, unstoppable woman I am today.”
Profile Image for Chris  C - A Midlife Wife.
1,835 reviews462 followers
March 4, 2017
Short, Hot, Steamy, and OMG Delicious!

There is not much more to say about this yummy little novella. J.C. Valentine knows how to tantalize your senses and tell a great story. Starring a yummy dreamboat Latin Lover that will twist you up!

This does end with a cliffhanger but opens the doors for a hot book yet to come! Cannot wait!

* An arc was provided for my review consideration
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
March 8, 2017
"Papi", what can I say, let me try yummy, sexy , hot novella, and better yet based of a true story.
Sooooo, I am just dying to know how this all works out in the end!

Quick overview: Julie is recently separated from her cheating husband and has reached the point she is ready to venture into the world of dating again, but what do you do when the pool of freinds are all married and so are most of their freinds. You turn to a dating website. What you don't expects is to meet the Latin Lover of your dreams.

JC has me hooked yet again, she never fails to capture my intrest and hold it; and I believe this novella will dot he same for you.

Arc Graciuosly provided by author for an honest review, and honestly not a novella to miss!
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,403 reviews624 followers
June 25, 2018
So I read this little story twice now. I was trying to see if the first time I read it I wasn't in the right frame of mind so that's why I didn't get it. But sadly no, both times the story fell flat for me. Here's the thing that bothered me the most ... I feel like a huge amount of story was left untold. So for me, it makes this less a story and more a moment in time. There's no beginning, middle and end. There's not even a conflict. And add to that the end and I'm just like ... what did I just read?! The story read like the beginning of something to come. But that's not how its advertised. It says it's a stand-alone. So again ... color me confused lol

I'm a huge fan of J.C. Valentine. Have been for years. Not every story she has ever written has been my thing, but she's a talented story-teller. This happens to be one that didn't hit any mark for me. But I will continue to sing her praises :)

Copy provided for blog tour review
Profile Image for Emily.
5,875 reviews548 followers
March 22, 2017
Julie is starting over and ready to get back into the dating game. When she signs up for a dating website, she is not expecting much until she meets a man who checks everything on her list. Latin lover who she refers to as Papi, Julie is falling hard for the man and when they meet can it become something more than one meeting?

This was scorching hot. Does have a cliffhanger which I was not expecting but anxious to see where the story goes. I liked Julie, she is a strong character who deserves to have some good in her life. Great read.
Profile Image for Lucii Dixon.
1,104 reviews54 followers
March 1, 2017
Wow... just wow! Any woman in their right mind would want a hot Latino/Spanish guy to warm their beds, and their hearts, but to read the true experiences of this author has me a tad jealous haha! All I can picture is an Enrique Iglesias clone running around the streets of America in all his glory. Swoon.

Some scenes were hot, while others were filled with anxiety and I loved the dynamic switch between the two.

Another amazing read from this author. Is there nothing this author can't write? I WANT MORE PAPI!!
Profile Image for Candy.
408 reviews38 followers
May 22, 2017
It takes a lot of guts to share a story so close to home that you bare your soul with your writing. That is exactly what J.C. Valentine does by sharing re-telling of Julie & Alejandro's story. Julie is in the midst of getting a divorce from her husband of 17-years when she takes a risk & signs up for an online dating website. Alejandro is the sexy younger latino who reaches out to her post & let's her know that he is interested. What happens in a woman's journey through relearning how to take life one moment at a time & that it is perfectly ok to do what feels right regardless of the small voices in your head telling you it's not. This is a sweet & steamy short story that is full of self discovery & allowing one's self to enjoy what comes in the moment. This book is meant for mature readers.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.



Profile Image for Melyssa Winchester.
Author 32 books240 followers
March 2, 2017
description

Title: Papi
Author: J.C. Valentine
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Standalone Novella
Rating: ★★★★★

Review

description

When I picked up this story, I expected to become absorbed in it, but I didn’t expect that I would identify with it so much.

As a woman the same age as our lead character, who after being in long term relationships and having children, also wanted to start over and did so in an online dating capacity the way our heroine did, this story was like looking in a mirror.

The self doubt, having to put everything about yourself in a little box and hope someone bites and finds you interesting. Wading through the sea that is the random profiles and people that aren’t what they appear. Heck, even the multiple selfies the character took and then deleted because she wasn’t happy with the way any of them looked. I’ve been there and I’ve lived that.

Which made it so easy to identify with the journey that took place within this story. Coming into her own, gaining more confidence. Leaving your comfort zone and doing something you’re not familiar with at all.

Then there was the man. The papi to her “mami”. In typical J.C. Valentine style, their meeting, their heated sexual encounter later, and the lead in to it, it was all very sensual, steamy even. It worked for me and honestly felt right given the lead in to everything.

What happened between these two before and after their encounter even read very real to me. Even though I hoped he would be a little different than he was, sometimes, this is what happens and I think the author depicted that perfectly.

The fact that this was a story based around real life events, only added to it’s appeal for this reader. Because I’m willing to bet that there’s a lot of women out there, like this character, like me and maybe even like the author who waded through this crazy rollercoaster called starting over and I think that was the best part of it all.

Knowing I wasn’t the only one.

I would have loved to see this go a little longer. That’s my only real complaint really. Would have loved to see how it all played out because with the way it ended, it lends to more, so it’s my hope that we do see more of it in the future. Until then, I’ll just wait for the next J.C. Valentine penned experience and prepare to fall in love all over again.

My thanks to the author and all others involved in letting me read this before official release. This was definitely a journey I’m excited to have taken.
Profile Image for Misty Walker.
Author 27 books1,236 followers
March 1, 2017
Delicious novella exploring a newly separated mom of 3 and her journey into dating again. But not just dating anyone... dating Alejandro. Her dream man. One magical night makes promising forever seem like a possibility until it isn't.

I really enjoyed this novella, I hate that it had to end on a cliffhanger since it probably should be a full length book and not a bunch of short reads. But that is my only complaint and it's not a bad thing when you're readers are dying for more, right?

Can't wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Nikki.
563 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2017
This story is about Julie "Mami" who after she finds about her cheating husband she leave him and embarks on the world of online dating. Julie is an independent character, who respected herself to live a life as a single mom with 3 kids. I enjoyed the story of her and Alejandro "Papi" and how they meet. They took there time texting in this world of online dating, to get to know each other better.

This novella is short and sweet with a strong female character who knows what she wants in a man. The steam between the two characters was well written, and believable.


I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Latifa Morrisette.
2,581 reviews63 followers
February 28, 2017
Based on a true story, Papi may be short and sweet but it has a lot of heat. This book is bout getting back out into the world after the devestation of infidelity and divorce. Navigating unfamiliar those unfamiliar waters after years of years of marriage can be difficult, but when the right one comes along it can be down right steamy. I truly hope there is more to come for this book because it left me wanting a whole lot more.
Profile Image for Mommaleena.
678 reviews14 followers
Read
March 15, 2017
•Worth It
Yet another great story by J.C. Valentine! It's a quick short read, but DEFINITELY HOT! One you pick it up, you just cannot put it down until you've reached the end. I cannot wait for more!! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book, via IndieSagePR for an honest blog tour review. Due to sexual content this novel is recommended for readers 18 and older!
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews32 followers
March 7, 2017
As a wife and mother starting over after years of marriage can be hard, but a sexy Latino lover can fix that!
Papi is a quick, sexy read about a woman and a younger man, the kind of man she always dreamed of but also about a woman taking back her life. Doing something just for her, something deliciously uncharacteristic for her but soo so worth it!
Short and fast paced, I do hope there's more to this story to come!
Profile Image for Jennifer Lessard.
475 reviews23 followers
March 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
After I read the synopsis for this book I was instantly intrigued by it and drawn to it so I decided I had to sign up to request an ARC to read. The "romantic" in me couldn't resist and when it appeared on my kindle yesterday I was completely stoked! I have read many of JC's books so I was pretty confident that I was not going to be disappointed. I loved how well the book flowed and I really was able to connect with Julie and could feel the betrayal, the passion and the love that she felt, through the writing. And all of that made sense when I got to the end of the book. I really, really want to know what the next stage of Julie's life brings her. I'm most definitely praying for her story-book ending, she deserves it!
Profile Image for Mary Jo.
2,374 reviews59 followers
March 4, 2017
Beautiful. Honest. Real. Julie is divorced and misses companionship which leads her to a dating site. Not really sure she is ready to date but she dives in. Alejandro messages her which leads to many online chats that are effortless. This romance has a quick and natural progression, I wanted this to be my story it felt so real and honest. As with any great romance, miscommunication happens but will there be a happy ending for Julie. Love that J.C. based this on a true story and as a reader, I’m very curious what is real and what’s not. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
March 5, 2017
Papi is a short novella that has left me wanting more. I enjoyed Papi a lot and really enjoyed the realism of the story. The way that the character struggled with self-doubt after getting a divorce and then the struggle she felt of dating again is something that a lot of people coming out of along term relationship can identify with. I think the author done an amazing job with the way they wrote this story and the way that you could feel the emotions of the main character by the way the author wrote this story. I enjoyed the main character and the secondary characters within the story.



Julie was a strong character that was starting over after throwing her cheating husband out. Julie was a sweet and loving character that always put her kids first.



The male character of the story was the hot and sexy Alejandro that I instantly fell for when he sent the first message to Julie.



Papi is about Julie who is currently going through a divorce take a chance of online dating and meeting the man that she dreamed about Alejandro.



There was a lot I enjoyed about this story and one of these was seeing Julie getting out of her comfort zone when she tried online dating. I loved the way the author wrote the story by showing readers the emotions that Julie was feeling trying something new after getting out of a long term relationship. I found Julie was a very relatable character for a lot of people with her insecurities and self-doubts. There were a lot of steamy and hot moments between Julie and Alejandro, which showed the connection between the two. But the ending left me with a lot of questions and leaving me wanting to know what happens next for Julie.
Profile Image for Lori Vandenburg.
271 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2017
Julie is a soon to be divorced mom of three. She has lost her self which happens when you are a wife and a mom. In an attempt to restore her self confidence and find companionship, she tries online dating. She instantly finds Alejandro. He makes her feel instantly special . After meeting the chemistry between the two is undeniable. It was a little slow to start, but it picked up about midway. I'm not sure if it's suppose to be a standalone, but I hope it's not. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
March 7, 2017
Title: Papi
Author: J.C. Valentine

5 amazing stars



What the hell!?! Nooooooo! Papi just can't finish like that and especially without finding out what Julie decides to do! Bloody hell. Excuse me while I try to stop myself from going all stalker-ish to track J.C. Valentine down and find out exactly what happens between her and Alejandro. Trust me, the struggle is real people!

4 breath taking dreams



It's all there - hurt, anger, resentment, self confidence, but most of all, all of the emotions that acoompany starting over while trying to maintain that calm and collected facade for the sake of your children as you realize that everything you though would be forever comes crashing down on you. Then all the nerves that assaults you when you decide to start over, doubting it'll amount to anything and when that little message pops up.... god, i felt it all. I rode that damn emotional train right beside this author's real story and all i kept thinking was 'he better be the one to finally back his words and make her happy.' Now, all i can do is impatiently wait for the net part of this sotry that touched me in ways she probably has no idea, impacting me on a level that even shocked me. So my fingers are crossed, hoping that there is a happily ever after, somewhere.


*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books







50 Book Reviews
 Professional Reader
Profile Image for Liz.
3,716 reviews64 followers
March 17, 2017
Papi by J.C. Valentine is a short novella about a soon to be divorcee trying to navigate through her new life. But dating is hard, especially when you have kids, responsibilities and are no longer young. I loved this short story. It was hot and steamy and so much fun, but also felt real and honest. And just enough of a taste to fall for Alejandro.

Julie is staring over. She finally decided to ends things with her cheating husband. She knows she deserves better and wants to give her children a good life. But she also wants to start dating, but where does she start? She decides to explore online dating. Once she does, she “meets” Alejandro online and they hit it off.

I loved seeing that both Julie and Alejandro had concerns. Life is not perfect and letting someone new into your life after so long is not easy. Julie had insecurities and self-doubts. They got in the way of following through at first. Then reality sets in and decisions need to be made.

I loved this story. Julie and Alejandro were captivating and the chemistry was dripping off the pages. And that ending! I hope there is more where this came from!

I give Papi by J.C. Valentine 4 steamy stars!
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
March 5, 2017
This was a great short short. I love J.C. Valentine’s books.

This book is about a woman who has went through a divorce and trying to start again. I just loved what J.C. put in front of the book before you started the story. It said.”When you finally reach the point where you feel good about yourself without the need for someone else’s approval, you’ve discovered true happiness.” How true that really is.

Julie finds herself a single mom. It has been a long time since she has been in the dating game. She does not desire a relationship, she just wants to have some fun. She had to be a bundle of nerves.

I loved Alejandro. He was a man that put Julie at ease. It was perfect actually. He was the perfect guy to have a fling with. The question is what happens when you start to have feelings.

This is a sweet romantic story and do look forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Renee.
5,206 reviews73 followers
May 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Julie is recently separated from her husband. Raising her three kids and trying to find her happily ever after or at the very least trying to be happy again. She turns to a dating sight and meets the Latino man she has always had an attraction to. Will Alejandero be just what she is looking for in her life?

I like this based on a true story novella. It is a quick read and focusing on Julie and her quest to be happy and loved again. She's a strong woman deep in her families life since she has three children and an ex who still comes around. However he doesn't make her happy and everyone deserves to find their happy. This is Julie taking control of her personal life and doing what feels right for her. Sometimes the heart just wants what the heart wants.
Profile Image for Karen's Bookshelf.
470 reviews
May 22, 2017
Julie is going through major changes in her life, the biggest one being the end her marriage. Now that she is single again she wants to have a little fun and take a walk on the wild side. She just needs to find the perfect guy to go along for the ride . And Julie couldn't think of better place to start her search than on a dating website. That's how Julie meets Alejandro "Papi",and things move pretty fast from there . Is Papi all that Julie was looking for, or is he way more than she can handle?
If you're looking for a short read with hot love scenes, I think you'll enjoy this one. This ends in a cliffhanger so it's not your usual HEA. Overall a pretty good read and I give it 3 stars.
Profile Image for Ronda.
171 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2017
Hot! Good lord, if this is a true story then holy hell your life is amazing! You may have had to go through some seriously crappy stuff to get where you are, but things are really looking up for you! Great kids, great career, and a smoking hot love life. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews36 followers
March 7, 2017
This was a very hot, steamy, quick read! Very relatable to anyone who has ever experienced a first date. Can't wait to read more by this author.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Esther Haddie's Haven.
904 reviews58 followers
March 13, 2017
DISCLAIMER: I received an e-ARC of this book from IndieSagePR for honest review, as part of a blog tour.

Guys, Alejandro is Spanish. I rarely come across books with Hispanic/Latin characters and when I do, I jump right into them. I know, I know, there are probably several titles that follow Hispanic characters, but I just can't find them around me.
I love how this book is based on a true story. Book with fictionalized reality always catch my eye.
This is a fairly quick, FUN, read. And by fun, I mean Alejandro is amazing and worth hours of ogling. I will read this book many times more. I think that if you, as a reader, are looking for one of those quickie reads, this is that perfect quickie. Needs something steamy and sexy? This is perfect for satisfying that craving.
Oh, I don't know if any of you like listening to Latin music, but I happened to be listening to a Spanish playlist at random. You lose yourself entirely.

Sexy Spanish lover? Love it. Really great story? Love it. For those of you who can read and understand Spanish, do read the dedication in the beginning when you pick up your copy. That touched my heart. Literally melted.

March 17th
Profile Image for Prone to Crushes on Boys in Books.
1,181 reviews42 followers
March 17, 2017
3 Stars .....A steamy quick read about a woman trying to get back in the groove after 3 kids and a divorce from a cheating husband. Julie may have found what she needed from an online dating website.....Alejandro, the hot and spicy Latin heartthrob.

Since this is a short read, there is not much of a buildup, once they meet it is INSTA-LUST! Nothing is wrong with that. However, after some promises were made and broken, we end up with a little cliffhanger. So, I guess stay tuned to see what happens next with Papi and Mami.
Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,539 reviews59 followers
March 12, 2017
This story is written from some true life experiences, we may never know which parts are real but it doesn't take away from the story. Who hasn't went through the pain of betrayal and hurt. And trying to move on in life.
After 17 years of marriage, Julie finds herself alone with her three kids and has decided that it is time for her to be happy for herself. Her friend talks her into signing up on a online dating site. Yeah, that's not a scary thing. Can she find a good, honest man on a website?
Alejandro is the man that sends her a message and the sparks seem to fly from the first one. He is the Latin Lover she has been looking for. He may not be Mr. Right but he is Mr. Right now and he will help her move forward. But Alejandro has worked his way into her heart in a short time.
What will happen when it is time for him to move on with his job? Will Julie be able to move on without him? Will they be able to have a future together?
This is a great story about find yourself and finding happiness after your spouse rips your heart out and leaves you and the kids for someone else. I love J.C. Valentine and hate what's is going on in her real life and hope happiness has finally found her.
I hope there will be more of Papi and Mami to come on the future because that ending can't be all there is to their story.
**Copy provided by the author and this is my honest review**
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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