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Emerald Mountain #1
Just Friends
Taya Monroe is trying to pick up the pieces of her failed writing career and broken life after walking out on her cheating fiancé. The last thing she needs is a serious relationship. The last thing she wants is a fling. Then she runs into an old friend and ski partner—the one man she always wanted who never wanted her.
Ski Patroller Jordan Wiley is a single dad with zero time or energy for dating. When he reconnects with Taya, his attraction to her is even stronger than before she left him behind for a career in the city. But with a young son to think about, he’s determined to ignore his feelings. Again.
After a magical day on the slopes, a snow storm traps them in an avalanche of chemistry neither can deny. Will their friendship survive the weight of their passion or will they surface as more than friends?
Ski Patroller Jordan Wiley is a single dad with zero time or energy for dating. When he reconnects with Taya, his attraction to her is even stronger than before she left him behind for a career in the city. But with a young son to think about, he’s determined to ignore his feelings. Again.
After a magical day on the slopes, a snow storm traps them in an avalanche of chemistry neither can deny. Will their friendship survive the weight of their passion or will they surface as more than friends?
41 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2017
About the author
Stacy Gold
6 books201 followersCompulsive tea drinker. Outdoor sports junkie. Lover of good (and bad) puns.
Stacy Gold gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels. Her stories are packed with strong, independent women finding love and adventure in the great outdoors (Think Sarina Bowen or Elle Kennedy, but with skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, etc. instead of hockey/team sports).
When Stacy’s not busy reading or writing, you can find her dancing, laughing or playing hard in the mountains with her wonderful hubby and happy dogs.
Stacy Gold gave up her day job as Communications Director of a nonprofit mountain biking organization to write sassy, steamy, contemporary romance novels. Her stories are packed with strong, independent women finding love and adventure in the great outdoors (Think Sarina Bowen or Elle Kennedy, but with skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, etc. instead of hockey/team sports).
When Stacy’s not busy reading or writing, you can find her dancing, laughing or playing hard in the mountains with her wonderful hubby and happy dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 14, 2017
Taya is going through a rough patch and is staying with her sister’s family. They’re enjoying some fun on the slopes when her brother-in-law gets hurt. The last person she expected to run into is her old friend and high school crush, Jordan. Looking hot enough to melt the snow beneath his feet, Taya’s desire for him resurfaces. He invites her to come skiing tomorrow and she reluctantly accepts. It’s not like he’s interested in her, right?
Jordan can’t believe his good luck when he runs into Taya again. All his feelings rush back ten-fold but he’s a single dad now and he has responsibilities. The more time he spends with her, the stronger his passion engulfs him. When she gets stranded due to a snow storm and he offers his tiny little camper as shelter, he can’t resist her charms any longer. Will their friendship go up in flames or will they stay just friends?
I loved this ski romantic short story. It’s about second chances, unrequited love and doing what you love to do. Told in dual POV, you get both sides of the attraction, which I adored! Taya and Jordan have electrifying chemistry, so much so that my fingers were singed. I read it in one sitting and was sad when it ended. I want more!
If you’re looking for a romantic quickie, pick up this book. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
“I’d forgotten what it felt like to have fun. And to be around a man who looked at me like I was beautiful and strong, and smart enough to do anything.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
Jordan can’t believe his good luck when he runs into Taya again. All his feelings rush back ten-fold but he’s a single dad now and he has responsibilities. The more time he spends with her, the stronger his passion engulfs him. When she gets stranded due to a snow storm and he offers his tiny little camper as shelter, he can’t resist her charms any longer. Will their friendship go up in flames or will they stay just friends?
I loved this ski romantic short story. It’s about second chances, unrequited love and doing what you love to do. Told in dual POV, you get both sides of the attraction, which I adored! Taya and Jordan have electrifying chemistry, so much so that my fingers were singed. I read it in one sitting and was sad when it ended. I want more!
If you’re looking for a romantic quickie, pick up this book. Highly recommend!
Favorite Character/Quote:
“I’d forgotten what it felt like to have fun. And to be around a man who looked at me like I was beautiful and strong, and smart enough to do anything.”
My Rating: 5+ stars
This review first appeared: https://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
April 6, 2017
3.5
I wasn't aware that this is a very very short story when I first started it. Normally I am not a big fan of them but I can definitely say that I enjoyed Just friends but still would have prefered to read a full story.
I did like the skiing setting in the Washington mountains and the atmosphere was really cosy.
Taya and Jordan are lovable characters but even though they knew each other from high school, their connection felt very rushed to me and everything went a little bit too fast. A full story would definitely have been better to develop their chemistry and their relationship.
The writing style was fast-paced and enjoyable to read.
I wasn't aware that this is a very very short story when I first started it. Normally I am not a big fan of them but I can definitely say that I enjoyed Just friends but still would have prefered to read a full story.
I did like the skiing setting in the Washington mountains and the atmosphere was really cosy.
Taya and Jordan are lovable characters but even though they knew each other from high school, their connection felt very rushed to me and everything went a little bit too fast. A full story would definitely have been better to develop their chemistry and their relationship.
The writing style was fast-paced and enjoyable to read.
April 4, 2017
I didn't excpect to enjoy this story so much.
I thought it was too short to entertain me and fulfill my romantic needs but the writing was so good it caught my attention since the first page and the characters were so well depicted that I felt close to them right away.
I really hope there will be a sequel to this novella because I'm hooked and I want to read more about Taya and Jordan's relationship that just started.
October 14, 2018
Reviewed by JoAnne
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
At forty-one pages this was even shorter than a novella and was a super quick read. This is Jordan and Taya’s story and we learn of their friendship from eight years ago when they were in Jackson Hole together. When their paths randomly cross at the mountain it seems like the years just floated away but they needed to catch up on each other’s lives. Unfortunately, both seemed to want to give the abridged version and not specific details! The characters lacked the depth I’d hope to see even in such a short story.
The descriptions of the snow and the cold were vivid and made me feel that I was there. There was some playfulness between the characters but some reservations as well since neither knew what the other was really thinking. This caused limited communication at times. There were some steamy scenes that could melt the snow along with lots of ski terminology! There were some unexpected twists but some expected outcomes too. There is a chance for a happily ever after but the book ended too abruptly for me when there seemed to be more story to tell. There wasn’t the closure I was hoping for.
Gold is a new to me author and I want to read more of her books but hope for more depth and length. I’ve always enjoyed books published by The Wild Rose Press but it’s been a while since I’ve read any of their books. I hope to rectify that in the future.
Book provided by author
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
At forty-one pages this was even shorter than a novella and was a super quick read. This is Jordan and Taya’s story and we learn of their friendship from eight years ago when they were in Jackson Hole together. When their paths randomly cross at the mountain it seems like the years just floated away but they needed to catch up on each other’s lives. Unfortunately, both seemed to want to give the abridged version and not specific details! The characters lacked the depth I’d hope to see even in such a short story.
The descriptions of the snow and the cold were vivid and made me feel that I was there. There was some playfulness between the characters but some reservations as well since neither knew what the other was really thinking. This caused limited communication at times. There were some steamy scenes that could melt the snow along with lots of ski terminology! There were some unexpected twists but some expected outcomes too. There is a chance for a happily ever after but the book ended too abruptly for me when there seemed to be more story to tell. There wasn’t the closure I was hoping for.
Gold is a new to me author and I want to read more of her books but hope for more depth and length. I’ve always enjoyed books published by The Wild Rose Press but it’s been a while since I’ve read any of their books. I hope to rectify that in the future.
April 26, 2017
This was quick in more ways than one. Two friends who were back in the day were skiing buddies. They happened to share. A kiss during a time when Jordon Wiley had just broken up with his on again off again girlfriend. He had had always been attracted to Taya Monroe yet, when the kiss happened he couldn’t lose and good thing like a best friend if he messed it up by having a romantic relationship.
So, he said it meant nothing to him and that he felt nothing other than friendship for her. To throw her off. He did alright. After grad school, they went their separate ways. Taya always a little embarrassed that she had kissed him and told him how she felt. With him saying he was not into her the same way. They were just friends.
Let’s just say they lost contact. Whether it be over this or life in general. Then one day up on the mountain at a ski lodge parking lot she runs into him. Actually, he notices and seeks her out.
It turns out he is on the volunteer ski patrol and he is a firefighter full time. She’s amazed to see him. He hasn’t changed. Although, she knew she had gained several pounds. When he greets her it’s with a full body hug which does crazy things to her. To say their chemistry was off the charts is an understatement.
That is why I was so sad to see the author took this to a quick climax actually and literally. As well as throwing all the character’s issues into this rosy package like no discussion needed. The End! I really liked Jordan but felt Taya was lacking. I really feel it had something but then dropped the ball.
I give this: 3 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us a www.1rad-readerreviews.
So, he said it meant nothing to him and that he felt nothing other than friendship for her. To throw her off. He did alright. After grad school, they went their separate ways. Taya always a little embarrassed that she had kissed him and told him how she felt. With him saying he was not into her the same way. They were just friends.
Let’s just say they lost contact. Whether it be over this or life in general. Then one day up on the mountain at a ski lodge parking lot she runs into him. Actually, he notices and seeks her out.
It turns out he is on the volunteer ski patrol and he is a firefighter full time. She’s amazed to see him. He hasn’t changed. Although, she knew she had gained several pounds. When he greets her it’s with a full body hug which does crazy things to her. To say their chemistry was off the charts is an understatement.
That is why I was so sad to see the author took this to a quick climax actually and literally. As well as throwing all the character’s issues into this rosy package like no discussion needed. The End! I really liked Jordan but felt Taya was lacking. I really feel it had something but then dropped the ball.
I give this: 3 stars. Provided by netgalley.com. Follow us a www.1rad-readerreviews.
January 22, 2020
Just friends is a quick novella about once close friends, Taya and Jordan. They shared a love of being on the mountains and being near each other unfortunately Jordan was taken and when he finally was free, he wasn't in a great place to pursue anything with his friend who he was wildly attracted to.
Years later and some mistakes made and a lot of growing, these two reunite and things are electric between them. Of course they can't keep their hands off each other, but can they overcome both of their issues? It's not just Jordan anymore that he has to worry about and Taya is trying to rebuild her life after a bad break up and moving.
IT was quick and definitely left you wanting more. It was good but I could have used more.
Years later and some mistakes made and a lot of growing, these two reunite and things are electric between them. Of course they can't keep their hands off each other, but can they overcome both of their issues? It's not just Jordan anymore that he has to worry about and Taya is trying to rebuild her life after a bad break up and moving.
IT was quick and definitely left you wanting more. It was good but I could have used more.
April 24, 2018
An short and sweet (and steamy) read with well-rounded characters and a vibrant setting. (Sidebar: I really liked how Gold used the ski mountain setting and incoming storm to mirror the characters growing tension.) The story is highly engaging and the main characters, Taya and Jordan, extremely likable/relatable. The ending was a little abrupt, but only because I would have loved to read more about these two. Gold does an excellent job of establishing the characters' physical and emotional chemistry in a short amount pages. Highly recommended for anyone who loves contemporary romances.
October 31, 2017
I got a free kindle book called Just Friends from the author Stacy Gold. I love the book just didn't realize how short the story was but I just couldn't put it down by the time I got to the end of the book it just left you hanging can't wait for the next book to continue this book . Thank you Stacy Gold for the awesome book giving a 5 star rating I definitely would recommend this book to everyone
February 12, 2020
Cute but wanted more
So super hot and cute but it felt more like the first half of a novella or the beginning of a novel then a complete story. I don't know, it just left me feeling like there was more to explore to be really satisfying. Also if heroine had not touched her skis for 5 years there's no way she could do all day in crazy powder conditions.
So super hot and cute but it felt more like the first half of a novella or the beginning of a novel then a complete story. I don't know, it just left me feeling like there was more to explore to be really satisfying. Also if heroine had not touched her skis for 5 years there's no way she could do all day in crazy powder conditions.
March 3, 2017
Sizzling Attraction
Good reading from the beginning! The story grabs you and keeps you engrossed til the end. The Characters magnetic attraction to each other keeps you reading and cheering the relationship on!
Good reading from the beginning! The story grabs you and keeps you engrossed til the end. The Characters magnetic attraction to each other keeps you reading and cheering the relationship on!
June 14, 2017
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
July 8, 2021
I enjoyed this quick read about Taya and Jordan. I loved that they had been friends who lost touch and meet again while skiing. I loved that this is the start of their friends to lovers romance.
August 6, 2021
My review was originally on Romancing-the-Book.com but is now posted in full below.
At forty-one pages this was even shorter than a novella and was a super quick read. This is Jordan and Taya’s story and we learn of their friendship from eight years ago when they were in Jackson Hole together. When their paths randomly cross at the mountain it seems like the years just floated away but they needed to catch up on each other’s lives. Unfortunately, both seemed to want to give the abridged version and not specific details! The characters lacked the depth I’d hope to see even in such a short story.
The descriptions of the snow and the cold were vivid and made me feel that I was there. There was some playfulness between the characters but some reservations as well since neither knew what the other was really thinking. This caused limited communication at times. There were some steamy scenes that could melt the snow along with lots of ski terminology! There were some unexpected twists but some expected outcomes too. There is a chance for a happily ever after but the book ended too abruptly for me when there seemed to be more story to tell. There wasn’t the closure I was hoping for.
Gold is a new to me author and I want to read more of her books but hope for more depth and length. I’ve always enjoyed books published by The Wild Rose Press but it’s been a while since I’ve read any of their books. I hope to rectify that in the future.
At forty-one pages this was even shorter than a novella and was a super quick read. This is Jordan and Taya’s story and we learn of their friendship from eight years ago when they were in Jackson Hole together. When their paths randomly cross at the mountain it seems like the years just floated away but they needed to catch up on each other’s lives. Unfortunately, both seemed to want to give the abridged version and not specific details! The characters lacked the depth I’d hope to see even in such a short story.
The descriptions of the snow and the cold were vivid and made me feel that I was there. There was some playfulness between the characters but some reservations as well since neither knew what the other was really thinking. This caused limited communication at times. There were some steamy scenes that could melt the snow along with lots of ski terminology! There were some unexpected twists but some expected outcomes too. There is a chance for a happily ever after but the book ended too abruptly for me when there seemed to be more story to tell. There wasn’t the closure I was hoping for.
Gold is a new to me author and I want to read more of her books but hope for more depth and length. I’ve always enjoyed books published by The Wild Rose Press but it’s been a while since I’ve read any of their books. I hope to rectify that in the future.
June 24, 2019
This is a story of a long term unrequited love. When circumstances bring Taya back to her family, and when some fun on the slopes turn into an injury for her brother in law, the last person Taya expects to see is Jordan. Jordan has always been in love with Taya, but never acted on it. Now he's a single dad who has responsibilities. He soon realizes that responsibilities or not, he just control and contain his feelings for Taya, and when they get trapped in a snow storm together, things start to heat up pretty quickly.
March 27, 2017
A sweet and spicy story!
Such a fun, hot and sexy short story that is sure to get some chair lift daydreams started.
I look forward to more - hopefully soon!!
Such a fun, hot and sexy short story that is sure to get some chair lift daydreams started.
I look forward to more - hopefully soon!!
April 5, 2017
Great hot little read i really liked it.It's a great book well written and i loved every single second of it cannot wait to try more from this author.
April 7, 2017
netgalley
very quick good read.
very quick good read.
April 14, 2017
Just Friends is short and sexy, but not developed enough for my tastes. It's a sexy friends to lovers, second chance romance set on the ski slopes of Washington. Taya is having a bad day, or more accurately, a bad life. Her plan of becoming the next great novelist has bit the dust along with her relationship with her cheating bastard of an ex. So she's grateful to be out on the ski slopes with her sister and her sister's family, but her brother in law falls and injures himself and she has to take him down the mountain and back home. She hears her name being called and when she sees it's her old friend, Jordan, the one with whom she had a hot kiss years ago, she doesn't know what to think, but before long she's taken him up on his offer to go skiing with him the next day.
After a day of skiing, they find themselves snowed in and spending some quality time in his camper, baring themselves and telling their respective stories. The passion she had thought he didn't feel for her is actually more than present, and they indulge in a hot encounter that ends up with a job offer from him and an offer to share his life with him and his son on the weekends.
I like Just Friends, but think it would be even better if expanded into a full length novel. I'd love to know more about their relationship and if it works out. The chemistry is there, I just needed more, more emotions, more development of their friendship to lovers relationship, more about Peyton (Jordan's son), more about Taya and Jordan both separately and together.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
After a day of skiing, they find themselves snowed in and spending some quality time in his camper, baring themselves and telling their respective stories. The passion she had thought he didn't feel for her is actually more than present, and they indulge in a hot encounter that ends up with a job offer from him and an offer to share his life with him and his son on the weekends.
I like Just Friends, but think it would be even better if expanded into a full length novel. I'd love to know more about their relationship and if it works out. The chemistry is there, I just needed more, more emotions, more development of their friendship to lovers relationship, more about Peyton (Jordan's son), more about Taya and Jordan both separately and together.
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
April 17, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book, provided through NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Well, well, well… I honestly surprised by this book, in a good way. This book fell under erotica, and a short story, so I expected an extremely hot story with little characters and storyline development. And I was wrong, and I’m glad that I was wrong.
This book really is a short story, 3 chapters long only. However, the characters and the story were developed enough. The story flew smoothly and I felt connection to both Taya and Jordan. Another thing that I like was because both characters were just ordinary people with ordinary problem and struggle. There’s no poor woman-rich guy kind of thing. Really down to earth. The ‘hot’ part, though it was hot, it’s not more than contemporary-romance or romance-suspense genres that I usually read.
A really good short story. Love this!
Well, well, well… I honestly surprised by this book, in a good way. This book fell under erotica, and a short story, so I expected an extremely hot story with little characters and storyline development. And I was wrong, and I’m glad that I was wrong.
This book really is a short story, 3 chapters long only. However, the characters and the story were developed enough. The story flew smoothly and I felt connection to both Taya and Jordan. Another thing that I like was because both characters were just ordinary people with ordinary problem and struggle. There’s no poor woman-rich guy kind of thing. Really down to earth. The ‘hot’ part, though it was hot, it’s not more than contemporary-romance or romance-suspense genres that I usually read.
A really good short story. Love this!
April 19, 2017
Short, sweet, sexy and fun. A quick read of two friends that meet years later
And get a chance to be more.
Fast paced, passionate read that leaves you smiling.
And get a chance to be more.
Fast paced, passionate read that leaves you smiling.
May 3, 2017
Taya Monroe is trying hard to put her life back together. After walking out on a cheating fiancé and admitting that her writing career is far from what she wants, she needs some time to regroup. Reconnecting with her once best friend and crush does her a wonder of good. That's while she can keep them both in the Just Friends zone. She still remembers the sting of his rejection after the one kiss she's never been able to forget. Not ready for a new relationship and certainly not ready for a fling, she is determined to fight the attraction that could ruin a really good thing. Ski Patroller Jordan Wiley is a single dad with no time for dating. When he bumps into Taya on the slopes, he is surprised to find that the attraction between them is still strong and that the easiness of their relationship is there as well. But he knows it's best to not cross the line. Until they are stuck together during a snow storm and hormones get the best of them. Just Friends is a quick read romance, about two old friends who find each other at a time in their lives when things aren't perfect. They recognize the attraction between them never went away and that their feelings and genuine care for each other remained. Now, Taya and Jordan are faced with the ever difficult question of remaining friends or becoming more, when life is complicated and the risks are great. A sexy, sweet read for a lazy afternoon.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews