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Small Town Temptations #1
Tempting Her Neighbor
Tired of big city life, software developer Cole Sampson moves to a small Canadian town to get some peace and quiet. Unfortunately, his keep-the-hell-away-from-me vibes don’t work on his gorgeous new neighbor.
Waitress Rachel Malone is intrigued by the hot curmudgeon living next door and his very sexy scowl. Sure, he keeps shutting down her every advance, but before long, she finally catches his interest.
A red-hot, sex-only relationship is what they want. But Cole can’t get over the fact he likes cuddling, and Rachel won’t let herself fall in love, not when she’s finally decided to follow her dreams and move to the city. Still, it’s just sex. Isn’t it?
Waitress Rachel Malone is intrigued by the hot curmudgeon living next door and his very sexy scowl. Sure, he keeps shutting down her every advance, but before long, she finally catches his interest.
A red-hot, sex-only relationship is what they want. But Cole can’t get over the fact he likes cuddling, and Rachel won’t let herself fall in love, not when she’s finally decided to follow her dreams and move to the city. Still, it’s just sex. Isn’t it?
174 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2017
About the author
Laura Jardine
13 books107 followersLaura studied engineering, worked in mineral exploration, and now writes contemporary romance. She lives in Toronto with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 30, 2018
Review available at Under the Pages.
April 21, 2017
Pretty good and a bit kinky too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have some mixed feelings about this book I was able to review. Short and sweet, the author gets right down to business and brings us a story light on chatter that focuses on the life of the characters.
I am a bit wishy-washy on how I feel about Rachel. She is pretty aggressive towards a cranky homebody guy that doesn't really want to know anyone. But then the author starts warming these two up, and we get some big city heat from this small town couple. The sex-only relationship suddenly becomes more with a bit of light bdsm and hot talk.
Towards the end, I liked Rachel's character more and more and the balance between the two worked better for me. A few hot scenes and some great hot talk brings this novella style story up a few notches.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have some mixed feelings about this book I was able to review. Short and sweet, the author gets right down to business and brings us a story light on chatter that focuses on the life of the characters.
I am a bit wishy-washy on how I feel about Rachel. She is pretty aggressive towards a cranky homebody guy that doesn't really want to know anyone. But then the author starts warming these two up, and we get some big city heat from this small town couple. The sex-only relationship suddenly becomes more with a bit of light bdsm and hot talk.
Towards the end, I liked Rachel's character more and more and the balance between the two worked better for me. A few hot scenes and some great hot talk brings this novella style story up a few notches.
July 16, 2017
I don't usually read novellas ... the reason is only that I like a longer book. Weird, I know ... it's just that if it ends up being something that I really like, then I want as many pages as the author is willing to crank out, you know? Anyway, I went against my usual "rules" and decided to give this one a go. Not too shabby.
I really enjoyed our hero of the story - Cole. He was all grumpy and prickly. He reminded me of my husband. For some reason, I think that stand-offish personality is sexy as hell. I don't know why ... most of the time people think that these grouchy dudes are assholes but they really aren't ... there is usually a very good reason behind the donkey attitude. Then again ... sometimes there isn't and the dude is really just a jerk. Anyway ... Cole was a good dude. I enjoyed his grouchy attitude and the reason why he was that way. You also get to experience a pretty interesting (and extremely slow) transformation within his personality and I always enjoy a good character metamorphosis.
I kinda liked Rachel as well ... but not as much. It was literally her character that kind of irritated me. She's the kind of chick that wants to just have fun, which is fine. I have no problem with a woman wanting to just go out there and have a much sex as possible - more power to you if that's your deal. But she would say how this is how she is and she's not apologetic for how she is but then in the same breath, she would whine and bellyache that people pick on her and if she was a dude, no one would say a thing about her promiscuity. Look, lady. You can't have it both ways. Either you don't care what people have to say or you do. Anyway, it was just the hypocrisy of her ... is that even the right word? If it isn't, hopefully you know what I mean.
This isn't your run of the mill, sickeningly sweet romance novel. It's a bit gritty at times and definitely raunchy and naughty at other times. One thing that did stand out is that it's not really what I would consider a romance ... you don't see the romantic interaction between our two main characters ... you see this animalistic need to mate. It's not flowery with a bunch of scented candles and massage oils, it's more get your rocks off, wham-bam thank you ma'am. All in all, not a bad book, but not one to read if you're looking for the mushy love-sick page turner with the dashing guy and the girl next door wallflower.
* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *
Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!
April 13, 2017
3.5
Gotta love that old double standard. A man sleeps around and he's complimented. A woman exhibits the same behavior and she's called a slut. Nice book, showed the downside of living in a small town.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Gotta love that old double standard. A man sleeps around and he's complimented. A woman exhibits the same behavior and she's called a slut. Nice book, showed the downside of living in a small town.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 15, 2018
What I liked: Sexually inexperienced hero with an experienced heroine. He had 2 previous lovers and both were unsatisfying, leading him to believe he wasn't any good at it; she had been with many guys. I love when the playing field is switched like that. These details are the reasons for the 2 stars.
What I disliked: Rachel's promiscuity was mentioned in every chapter, more than once. The whole town looked down on her and bad mouthed her because of it, including all the men she'd slept with except one. After a while it stopped being "yay for modern women" and became "I really don't give a sh*t." I always wonder if authors repeat certain things continually because they think readers are too dumb to catch on the first 100 times.
Cole's antisocial behavior and poor attitude were talked about constantly as well. It got tiring quite early in the story. He's a misanthrope, and we are reminded of it every time he speaks, or thinks, or blinks, or breathes. Some reviewers said that he's not antisocial; he's an a$$hole. I don't agree with that, but it could be because I like a$$hole heroes and would expect much worse from one than what we get from Cole.
What I hated: This involves safety gang stuff. They acted out Rachel's fantasy .
What I disliked: Rachel's promiscuity was mentioned in every chapter, more than once. The whole town looked down on her and bad mouthed her because of it, including all the men she'd slept with except one. After a while it stopped being "yay for modern women" and became "I really don't give a sh*t." I always wonder if authors repeat certain things continually because they think readers are too dumb to catch on the first 100 times.
Cole's antisocial behavior and poor attitude were talked about constantly as well. It got tiring quite early in the story. He's a misanthrope, and we are reminded of it every time he speaks, or thinks, or blinks, or breathes. Some reviewers said that he's not antisocial; he's an a$$hole. I don't agree with that, but it could be because I like a$$hole heroes and would expect much worse from one than what we get from Cole.
What I hated: This involves safety gang stuff. They acted out Rachel's fantasy .
September 16, 2020
I didn't care for this one from the start. I didn't like how crabby Cole was, how he seemed to hate everyone. Rachel was mildly better, until she started talking about how sacred she was to leave the small town, though she hated living there. Even as it seemed like that something was finally going to happen between these two I gave the book up, realized I didn't care what happened. This one just wasn't for me.
October 10, 2021
No plot, all vibes, sexy, steamy, I like that the FMC just unapologetically loves sex, that really worked for me. Also, while reading, the tone felt really familiar somehow, despite this author being new to me (or so I thought). Turns out Laura Jardine is also Jackie Lau.
May 28, 2018
*3.5 stars*
Want to read
March 27, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/27/2020)! 🎁
April 27, 2017
Quick Summary: DNF
Rating: 1/5
Recommend: No
Audience: Adult
Status: Contemporary
Other: Trashy. This story was...there are no words.
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 1/5
Recommend: No
Audience: Adult
Status: Contemporary
Other: Trashy. This story was...there are no words.
Source: NetGalley
May 1, 2017
I received this ARC copy of this book from NetGallery for an honest review. I whole heartedly recommend this book. I give this book 5 stars. The storyline was believable and surprisingly entertaining. This book is great read. I can't wait for the next book by this Author.
September 19, 2017
This book was crazy and full of surprises. I like the writing style and how true this story really is. Being a girl and sleeping around with men, then you are considered a slut, but if you were male, you would get a trophy.
In a small town, Rachel is the slut who sleeps with every guy she lays her eye on which was her way of dealing with her own problems and just to forget. Her not so happy, but sexy new equally named neighbor, does not know anyone, but that was about to change. Every time Cole tried to stick her foot in the door, Cole shut her out not wanting anything to do with him. After he gives in, the rest of the story just turns into sex. Towards the end, I ended up loving Rachel because she developed and Cole balanced her out.
In a small town, Rachel is the slut who sleeps with every guy she lays her eye on which was her way of dealing with her own problems and just to forget. Her not so happy, but sexy new equally named neighbor, does not know anyone, but that was about to change. Every time Cole tried to stick her foot in the door, Cole shut her out not wanting anything to do with him. After he gives in, the rest of the story just turns into sex. Towards the end, I ended up loving Rachel because she developed and Cole balanced her out.
May 4, 2017
**3.5 Stars**
Cole, though he craves the solitude and is often snarly, is currently wishing he didn't have it. Well, at least until he's done moving. When a gorgeous blonde offers assistance, he again starts wishing, but this time it's that he was better at peopleing.
Rachel thought she was pretty clear with her attraction to her sexy new neighbor, but he didn't seem to pick up on the clues. She can't help but wonder what his story is, while questioning why he intrigues her so. She knows part of it has to do with the fact that he's new, which means he hasn't heard about her reputation yet. *Stupid double standards*
Cole, still his usual grumpy self, has realized Rachel was in fact hitting on him the other day, and is doing so again today. However, he is not the relationship type and thinks she is, which could get awkward as they share a street. But, oh man, the things he wants to do to her. Even with his limited sexual experience, he just knows they'll be explosive together. When Cole is informed of Rachel's "extensive" background, instead of being relieved, knowing they could have sex with no expectations, he's disappointed he isn't special.
When Rachel finally gets to do one of the things she's dreamed of with Cole, the feelings it brings out in her are unexpected. However, the hurt immediately following is nothing new. So much for her hopes he'd be different than the others. Thankfully, Cole apologizes the next day and is actually sincere in it. He confesses his lack of experience and Rachel offers to help.
It isn't long before Cole and Rachel are spending their free time together whenever possible, as well as enjoying the intimate encounters that bring them closer each time. But Rachel is determined to leave her hometown, refusing to let anything or anyone detail her plans again. As for Cole, due to the actions of his father during his childhood, has never felt he was destined for a family of his own. However, both seem to be having a change of heart.
Will Cole accept that he's never wanted a relationship before simply because he was waiting for Rachel all along? Can Rachel admit her growing feelings for Cole? Will Rachel have to choose between Cole and her dreams of moving? What happens when Rachel, out or desperation, tries to push Cole away? Will it backfire or accomplish her goal? Will Cole and Rachel get their HEA?
One-click now and follow along as two people meet and realize everything they thought they wanted, or didn't want, before was wrong.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
Cole, though he craves the solitude and is often snarly, is currently wishing he didn't have it. Well, at least until he's done moving. When a gorgeous blonde offers assistance, he again starts wishing, but this time it's that he was better at peopleing.
Rachel thought she was pretty clear with her attraction to her sexy new neighbor, but he didn't seem to pick up on the clues. She can't help but wonder what his story is, while questioning why he intrigues her so. She knows part of it has to do with the fact that he's new, which means he hasn't heard about her reputation yet. *Stupid double standards*
Cole, still his usual grumpy self, has realized Rachel was in fact hitting on him the other day, and is doing so again today. However, he is not the relationship type and thinks she is, which could get awkward as they share a street. But, oh man, the things he wants to do to her. Even with his limited sexual experience, he just knows they'll be explosive together. When Cole is informed of Rachel's "extensive" background, instead of being relieved, knowing they could have sex with no expectations, he's disappointed he isn't special.
When Rachel finally gets to do one of the things she's dreamed of with Cole, the feelings it brings out in her are unexpected. However, the hurt immediately following is nothing new. So much for her hopes he'd be different than the others. Thankfully, Cole apologizes the next day and is actually sincere in it. He confesses his lack of experience and Rachel offers to help.
It isn't long before Cole and Rachel are spending their free time together whenever possible, as well as enjoying the intimate encounters that bring them closer each time. But Rachel is determined to leave her hometown, refusing to let anything or anyone detail her plans again. As for Cole, due to the actions of his father during his childhood, has never felt he was destined for a family of his own. However, both seem to be having a change of heart.
Will Cole accept that he's never wanted a relationship before simply because he was waiting for Rachel all along? Can Rachel admit her growing feelings for Cole? Will Rachel have to choose between Cole and her dreams of moving? What happens when Rachel, out or desperation, tries to push Cole away? Will it backfire or accomplish her goal? Will Cole and Rachel get their HEA?
One-click now and follow along as two people meet and realize everything they thought they wanted, or didn't want, before was wrong.
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
April 29, 2019
Originally reviewed for Red Hot Books
Tempting Her Neighbor is book one in Laura Jardine’s Small Town Temptations series. In it, Cole Sampson, a curmudgeonly, misanthropic software designer, moves to a small town to get away from all the people in the big city. Cole had an abusive father and it’s caused him to be mistrustful and generally grumpy. He’s hoping small town life will allow him to live simply and in peace.
Have I mentioned Cole hates people?
Cole hates people like I hate bathing suit shopping, with an unholy passion. Unfortunately for him, his neighbor, Rachel Malone is not getting the people hating message.
Rachel Malone has lived in Georgeville her entire life and hates it. She’s always dreamt of leaving the small town, with its gossipy citizens and complete lack of takeout options and sexy guys for the big city, but is held back by fear and anxiety. She feels bored, burnt out and unfulfilled, that is until she sees new resident Cole. There’s something about Cole that pushes all of her buttons and makes her continue to chase him even with his grumpy, antisocial attitude.
The two eventually begin a sexual affair that blossoms into a wonderful, healing relationship. The problem the two will have to overcome is that Cole wants to stay in Georgeville and Rachel can’t wait to leave.
Tempting Her Neighbor is more an Erotic Romance than a straight-up Romance. For the majority of the book, Cole and Rachel have a purely sexual relationship. What makes this book different is that Rachel is the more experienced of the two partners and she spends a lot of time guiding Cole through new experiences like, outside blowjobs, light spanking and voyeurism. Rachel is the one whose sexual fantasies are explored through Cole, and Cole, really, just learns how to listen to a woman, snuggle and not be an asshole. Girl power!
One of the things I struggled with in Tempting Her Neighbor was the author’s Canadian enthusiasm. I’m a Canadian and, culturally speaking, it’s like being the ugly younger sister to the glamorous, smarter, older sister the USA. The USA is where all movies, books and television take place, all fads starts there and you’re not ever famous unless you are famous in America. Canadians have a bit of a complex about it (although less of one since 2016) and it’s why whenever Canada is referenced in something popular we will crow about it constantly in a semi-obnoxious way. You like Ryan Reynolds or Seth Rogan or Alex Trebek? They’re Canadian. You like Supernatural? It’s mostly filmed in Canada. You’re a diabetic? Well, a Canadian scientist co-invented insulin. This complex is absolutely one of the reasons I picked up Tempting Her Neighbor. Canada was mentioned in the blurb. At the same time though this whole complex or enthusiasm for Canada thing is one of my biggest issues with the book.
Laura Jardine has set her book in the Canadian province of Ontario. Cole is from Toronto (it’s where Drake is from) and he moves to Georgeville which, according to my very brief map search seems to be a fictional town. Laura Jardine is constantly referencing Toronto, Ottawa where Cole’s mother lives and the capital of Canada. Jardine also mentions John A Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister and other Canadianism. She mentions all this Canadiana so much that I found it tedious. I can only imagine what a reader from the US or another part of the world might feel like. Yes, I liked seeing Canada mentioned and used as a setting, but I felt like I was constantly being beat of the head with it which is not ever how you want your readers to feel.
Tempting Her Neighbor was an alright book. I enjoyed the characters, particularly the fact that Rachel was the more experienced partner, but felt the sheer amount of Canadian Pride bogged the story down in tedium. Also, in Canada we spell neighbor with a “u”. It’s “neighbour”.
Rating: C
Tempting Her Neighbor is book one in Laura Jardine’s Small Town Temptations series. In it, Cole Sampson, a curmudgeonly, misanthropic software designer, moves to a small town to get away from all the people in the big city. Cole had an abusive father and it’s caused him to be mistrustful and generally grumpy. He’s hoping small town life will allow him to live simply and in peace.
Have I mentioned Cole hates people?
Cole hates people like I hate bathing suit shopping, with an unholy passion. Unfortunately for him, his neighbor, Rachel Malone is not getting the people hating message.
Rachel Malone has lived in Georgeville her entire life and hates it. She’s always dreamt of leaving the small town, with its gossipy citizens and complete lack of takeout options and sexy guys for the big city, but is held back by fear and anxiety. She feels bored, burnt out and unfulfilled, that is until she sees new resident Cole. There’s something about Cole that pushes all of her buttons and makes her continue to chase him even with his grumpy, antisocial attitude.
The two eventually begin a sexual affair that blossoms into a wonderful, healing relationship. The problem the two will have to overcome is that Cole wants to stay in Georgeville and Rachel can’t wait to leave.
Tempting Her Neighbor is more an Erotic Romance than a straight-up Romance. For the majority of the book, Cole and Rachel have a purely sexual relationship. What makes this book different is that Rachel is the more experienced of the two partners and she spends a lot of time guiding Cole through new experiences like, outside blowjobs, light spanking and voyeurism. Rachel is the one whose sexual fantasies are explored through Cole, and Cole, really, just learns how to listen to a woman, snuggle and not be an asshole. Girl power!
One of the things I struggled with in Tempting Her Neighbor was the author’s Canadian enthusiasm. I’m a Canadian and, culturally speaking, it’s like being the ugly younger sister to the glamorous, smarter, older sister the USA. The USA is where all movies, books and television take place, all fads starts there and you’re not ever famous unless you are famous in America. Canadians have a bit of a complex about it (although less of one since 2016) and it’s why whenever Canada is referenced in something popular we will crow about it constantly in a semi-obnoxious way. You like Ryan Reynolds or Seth Rogan or Alex Trebek? They’re Canadian. You like Supernatural? It’s mostly filmed in Canada. You’re a diabetic? Well, a Canadian scientist co-invented insulin. This complex is absolutely one of the reasons I picked up Tempting Her Neighbor. Canada was mentioned in the blurb. At the same time though this whole complex or enthusiasm for Canada thing is one of my biggest issues with the book.
Laura Jardine has set her book in the Canadian province of Ontario. Cole is from Toronto (it’s where Drake is from) and he moves to Georgeville which, according to my very brief map search seems to be a fictional town. Laura Jardine is constantly referencing Toronto, Ottawa where Cole’s mother lives and the capital of Canada. Jardine also mentions John A Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister and other Canadianism. She mentions all this Canadiana so much that I found it tedious. I can only imagine what a reader from the US or another part of the world might feel like. Yes, I liked seeing Canada mentioned and used as a setting, but I felt like I was constantly being beat of the head with it which is not ever how you want your readers to feel.
Tempting Her Neighbor was an alright book. I enjoyed the characters, particularly the fact that Rachel was the more experienced partner, but felt the sheer amount of Canadian Pride bogged the story down in tedium. Also, in Canada we spell neighbor with a “u”. It’s “neighbour”.
Rating: C
September 15, 2017
Cole was moody, grumpy and definitely not a people person, living in the City was not for him, far too many people and far to noisy, a quiet little is what he wanted where he could keep himself to himself and enjoy the peace and quiet. He wasn't interested in making friends or having a relationship. His first day in the quiet town of Georgeville should of been the warning sign that he wasn't going to get the peaceful life he moved here !!
Rachel had grown up in Georgeville and didn't have the best reputation but she didn't care, she wasn't going to be here forever, her dreams of moving to a City where forever at the front of her mind, she just needed the courage to do it.
Nothing exciting ever happened in the little town so when Rachel see's she has a new neighbor about to move in she cant resist approaching him, God this man was not approachable and jeez he was moody but that didn't put her off, if anything it made her more determined to tempt him.
Rachel is not a quitter and soon has Cole just where she wants him, their chemistry is HOT and fantasies become real !
Cole and Rachel both wanted different things for their future and they definitely didn't expect what was happening, neither of them wanting to give up their dreams could meant the end of something that hasn't really started !
This was my first book by Laura Jardine, it was well written and the flow of the story worked well. I really liked the characters of Cole and Rachel and their different personalities were great together. I felt Rachel was the stronger character and I really would of liked Cole to be a bit more of an alpha male when it came to Rachel but that's just my opinion. Plenty of sex scenes to keep you going too !!
May 8, 2017
Oh, what can I say about this story? It’s sizzling hot for sure, but also had me snort/giggling and wanting to knock heads together.
Cole Sampson is a cranky old man in a smoking hot bod! Anti-social to the nth degree, Cole moves to a sleepy little town in the hopes of finding the solitude he desires. Only meeting his sexy new neighbour stirs desires within him of a completely different sort *winks*
I felt an affinity with Cole and his ‘keep away’ vibes. I think I have been known to emit the same vibes on occasion too *snorts*
Rachel Malone yearns to break free from her small town and the small minds contained within. God forbid she owns her sexuality. It’s 2017, people! Now she just has to get over her own fears and make her dreams of moving to the city a reality. Only the arrival of her tempting new neighbour makes her question what she really wants from life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Full of smexy scenes to live up to the Scorched title, but with a healthy dose of heart. The one negative I had was the repeated mention of Rachel’s supposed ‘reputation’. So she likes sex, so what? You have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince. Y’all know what I’m getting at *winks*
This was the first work I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more with hopes of returning to Georgeville soon.
Note: Copy kindly received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Cole Sampson is a cranky old man in a smoking hot bod! Anti-social to the nth degree, Cole moves to a sleepy little town in the hopes of finding the solitude he desires. Only meeting his sexy new neighbour stirs desires within him of a completely different sort *winks*
I felt an affinity with Cole and his ‘keep away’ vibes. I think I have been known to emit the same vibes on occasion too *snorts*
Rachel Malone yearns to break free from her small town and the small minds contained within. God forbid she owns her sexuality. It’s 2017, people! Now she just has to get over her own fears and make her dreams of moving to the city a reality. Only the arrival of her tempting new neighbour makes her question what she really wants from life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Full of smexy scenes to live up to the Scorched title, but with a healthy dose of heart. The one negative I had was the repeated mention of Rachel’s supposed ‘reputation’. So she likes sex, so what? You have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince. Y’all know what I’m getting at *winks*
This was the first work I’ve read by this author and I look forward to reading more with hopes of returning to Georgeville soon.
Note: Copy kindly received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2018
Small town heat….
“Rachel Malone had a reputation…”
Yes, she did. If owning one’s sexuality, and enjoying sex, meant raising the eyebrows of her small-minded, small town neighbors then that is what Rachel was going to do. No apologies. No stammering. She was a good person who just happened to enjoy pleasure and wasn’t afraid to go after it…
“She was leaving Georgeville, and nothing would stop her.”
And that was too bad because while Rachel was plotting the quickest way out, Cole and only just arrived, yearning for a slower, small town pace. He wasn’t sure what to make of Rachel at first, wasn’t sure he knew how to handle her confidence, her ability to be open and straight-forward. He did however, quickly know it was something he was going to do his best to figure out…
I love small town romance. There’s something about it that appeals to someone who grew up in the suburbs. I can’t imagine what it is like to know everyone and they know you. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but intriguing… Except when you are made to feel bad about your choices, choices that are entirely your own. Being judgmental is a human thing, however, and that you can find anywhere… How Cole and Rachel figured things out while having enthusiastic, steam the windows encounters made for a quick but hot, hot read… ~Diane, 3.5 stars
“Rachel Malone had a reputation…”
Yes, she did. If owning one’s sexuality, and enjoying sex, meant raising the eyebrows of her small-minded, small town neighbors then that is what Rachel was going to do. No apologies. No stammering. She was a good person who just happened to enjoy pleasure and wasn’t afraid to go after it…
“She was leaving Georgeville, and nothing would stop her.”
And that was too bad because while Rachel was plotting the quickest way out, Cole and only just arrived, yearning for a slower, small town pace. He wasn’t sure what to make of Rachel at first, wasn’t sure he knew how to handle her confidence, her ability to be open and straight-forward. He did however, quickly know it was something he was going to do his best to figure out…
I love small town romance. There’s something about it that appeals to someone who grew up in the suburbs. I can’t imagine what it is like to know everyone and they know you. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but intriguing… Except when you are made to feel bad about your choices, choices that are entirely your own. Being judgmental is a human thing, however, and that you can find anywhere… How Cole and Rachel figured things out while having enthusiastic, steam the windows encounters made for a quick but hot, hot read… ~Diane, 3.5 stars
May 5, 2017
Cole Sampson is not a people person at all, in fact, he is rude to keep them away. He's tired of big city life, so he moves to a small Canadian town, hoping for some peace and solitude. What he didn't count on was his sexy new neighbor, or how much he wants her. Rachel Malone was a small town girl who wants out, but never quite got the courage up. She's a waitress, who enjoys sex, and has a bit of a reputation since she's not inclined to have a relationship. So she's super excited when her new neighbor is hot. However, he's not easy when it comes to trying to get him in her bed. Tempting Her Neighbor is a shorter story that I enjoyed. This is the first time that I've read Laura Jardine, and it won't be the last. Her talented writing came off a bit different, with Cole being a bit inexperienced, but I really liked that. However, I just didn't quite imprint on the characters like I like, and the end seemed a bit rushed. With that being said, I am excited and intrigued to read more of her work!
May 4, 2017
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from IndieSage PR*
I liked this. It was refreshing, fast-paced and fun with that little bit of heartache. I really liked Cole because he's so antisocial, and gives off the jerk vibes I love from alpha males; unlike them, however, he's not so experienced with the opposite sex, which is why this was so surprisingly new for me when his eye would widen at every new sexy thing Rachel did for him. It made me smile. I also liked Rachel and how she owned up to liking what she did. Everyone has their own preference on what turns them on and I commend her for not feeling bad because someone else thinks she's a slut or loose. The small town is horrid to her with their judgments, so I was relieved right alongside her when Cole came to town. I liked their combo and it was a nice, fast read that was both hot and sweet.
I liked this. It was refreshing, fast-paced and fun with that little bit of heartache. I really liked Cole because he's so antisocial, and gives off the jerk vibes I love from alpha males; unlike them, however, he's not so experienced with the opposite sex, which is why this was so surprisingly new for me when his eye would widen at every new sexy thing Rachel did for him. It made me smile. I also liked Rachel and how she owned up to liking what she did. Everyone has their own preference on what turns them on and I commend her for not feeling bad because someone else thinks she's a slut or loose. The small town is horrid to her with their judgments, so I was relieved right alongside her when Cole came to town. I liked their combo and it was a nice, fast read that was both hot and sweet.
May 6, 2017
girls what's my weakness? MAN!
Okay, so this book isn't filled l with hot sexy guys running around but one hot guy who aims to please. He is grumpy as grumpy can get. Cole moves to a small town to have peace and quiet and to not be bothered by neighbors. Ha! Small towns are known for friendly nosey neighbors. But what he wasn't prepared for was the sexy as sin neighbor who wants to bang his brains out! But Cole doesn't do relationships and he's sure that's what it takes to get into bed with her. However, Rachel has other plans.
Both of them has a issues of assuming to know what the other is thinking. This leads to a few hurt feeling and some cold showers.
For me this is a great little read to escape the world for a little while. The author does a good job of showing how small towns have more gossip than they have people.
Heat level - 5
Okay, so this book isn't filled l with hot sexy guys running around but one hot guy who aims to please. He is grumpy as grumpy can get. Cole moves to a small town to have peace and quiet and to not be bothered by neighbors. Ha! Small towns are known for friendly nosey neighbors. But what he wasn't prepared for was the sexy as sin neighbor who wants to bang his brains out! But Cole doesn't do relationships and he's sure that's what it takes to get into bed with her. However, Rachel has other plans.
Both of them has a issues of assuming to know what the other is thinking. This leads to a few hurt feeling and some cold showers.
For me this is a great little read to escape the world for a little while. The author does a good job of showing how small towns have more gossip than they have people.
Heat level - 5
May 22, 2017
I had mix feeling while reading Tempting Her Neighbors because the substance is lacking in the feelings department. Cole is an antisocial guy who moves to a small town in the hopes of being as seclude as he can possible get while still being a member of society. Rachel is the town girl who has no qualms in her sexuality. When Rachel sets her sights on her sexy antisocial neighbor, she will stop at nothing to get a taste. Cole resist as long as he can but little by little Rachel chips away at his walls. I really enjoyed the fake that Rachel was so aggressive in her pursuit of Cole. Once Rachel catches Cole, they engage in a sex-only BDSM relationship that blossoms into more. Tempting Her Neighbor is a good quick steamy novella with a whole lot of spice. I like it so I would give it 3.5 stars.
(ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchanged for an honest review)
(ARC provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing in exchanged for an honest review)
August 9, 2017
Pin the Tail on the Romance time! My TBR list is at 475 of 1534 books, so I spun the magic random number generator app to get book #741: Tempting Her Neighbor by Laura Jardine
Why Was This In My TBR: I think I got it on sale. I know I bought it because someone told me about a short, antisocial hero. Sold!
Is It Part of A Series: Small Town Temptations (1)
Review: I really wanted to like this more than I actually did. As soon as my friend told me about a short, antisocial, sexually inexperienced hero, I hit the one-click button. I love grumpy heroes. But there is a fine line between antisocial and jerk, and Cole crossed that line too many times for my taste. He wasn't just introverted, he just plain didn't like people. In fact, Cole calls himself an "antisocial dick" and after a few chapters, I started to agree with him.
Why Was This In My TBR: I think I got it on sale. I know I bought it because someone told me about a short, antisocial hero. Sold!
Is It Part of A Series: Small Town Temptations (1)
Review: I really wanted to like this more than I actually did. As soon as my friend told me about a short, antisocial, sexually inexperienced hero, I hit the one-click button. I love grumpy heroes. But there is a fine line between antisocial and jerk, and Cole crossed that line too many times for my taste. He wasn't just introverted, he just plain didn't like people. In fact, Cole calls himself an "antisocial dick" and after a few chapters, I started to agree with him.
June 6, 2017
I really wanted to love this book. It checked so many of my boxes- a Canadian setting, a grumpy yet kind of nerdy hero, neighbours. Unfortunately, this book was just off the mark for me. I didn't particularly like either main character. We were reminded constantly that Rachel had a bad reputation but wasn't a "slut" she just loved sex. It didn't come across that way to me- it seemed like she was trying to convince herself that she wasn't a "slut". Ugh, I hate that word. I'm so not into slut shaming and every time it was mentioned in the book it made me cringe.
Then there was Cole. He ended up growing on me more by the end but through most of the story he wasn't just a grumpy, socially awkward guy. He was a full out asshole. Deliberately being mean and rude so people wouldn't talk to him, it made his character a not nice guy to read about.
Overall, there was very little character development, next to zero chemistry between and hero and heroine and WAY too much sex (including a surprise cuckhold/ threesome scene that I would imagine would be jarring if you're not into reading that). If some of the very random sex scenes had been replaced with some plot about the characters relationship or even just more about who they are I could have seen myself connecting with them a bit a more.
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Then there was Cole. He ended up growing on me more by the end but through most of the story he wasn't just a grumpy, socially awkward guy. He was a full out asshole. Deliberately being mean and rude so people wouldn't talk to him, it made his character a not nice guy to read about.
Overall, there was very little character development, next to zero chemistry between and hero and heroine and WAY too much sex (including a surprise cuckhold/ threesome scene that I would imagine would be jarring if you're not into reading that). If some of the very random sex scenes had been replaced with some plot about the characters relationship or even just more about who they are I could have seen myself connecting with them a bit a more.
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 23, 2018
Really enjoyed this. Super grumpy, anti-social hero meets sweet heroine with a bad reputation. She helps him move furniture into his new apt. She's interested in a physical-only thing and propositions him multiple times before he says yes. He's attracted to her, but he prefers to avoid people and isn't experienced as a boyfriend or a lover. They get together and find that they have amazing chemistry and similar adventurous spirits. He discovers that he has a heart, after all. She's sexually open but relationship-shy. She chases him for sex, but he chases her for love. It's cute, sexy, different.
May 2, 2020
This was just not my bag. I'm not anti-erotica by any means but I've read better ones. For me, all the characters were like cardboard cut-outs with the exception of the main characters. But even then the self-deprecating nature that Rachel had was not endearing at all. And Cole adjusted awfully quick to being around people for someone who professed to prefer being solo.
This is more like a 1.5 but I rounded up to two because while I wasn't a huge fan the sex scenes were steamy, they were plentiful, and I did push through even if it was just for a read-a-thon prompt. I wouldn't read this again though and likely won't keep it in my library
This is more like a 1.5 but I rounded up to two because while I wasn't a huge fan the sex scenes were steamy, they were plentiful, and I did push through even if it was just for a read-a-thon prompt. I wouldn't read this again though and likely won't keep it in my library
May 5, 2017
3.5 Stars
This was a good book, but it just wasn't for me. I just wasn't invested in the characters like I usually am when reading. I liked how Cole and Rachel were just the right person for one another. I liked how she brought out a different side to Cole that he didn't even know he had. Cole rather deal with numbers and codes instead of people, but Rachel is just too tempting. Cole is a lone wolf that comes off has kind of of a jerk. Rachel can see through the facade. Cole and Rachel are scorching hot together.There is one scene that's smokin' hot!
This was a good book, but it just wasn't for me. I just wasn't invested in the characters like I usually am when reading. I liked how Cole and Rachel were just the right person for one another. I liked how she brought out a different side to Cole that he didn't even know he had. Cole rather deal with numbers and codes instead of people, but Rachel is just too tempting. Cole is a lone wolf that comes off has kind of of a jerk. Rachel can see through the facade. Cole and Rachel are scorching hot together.There is one scene that's smokin' hot!
June 27, 2017
If Sheldon Cooper was a charter in a romance novel... he would be Cole Sampson! The hole time I read this book I could not stop thinking about how much he reminded me of Sheldon!
Waitress Rachel Malone (this version of Penny) likes one night stands. That is her thing. So, she knows Cole would be a challenge she was willing to take on. There is something about him that intrigues her. Maybe the fact she knows he would not want a relationship with her.
But what happens when both seem to want more from the other??
Waitress Rachel Malone (this version of Penny) likes one night stands. That is her thing. So, she knows Cole would be a challenge she was willing to take on. There is something about him that intrigues her. Maybe the fact she knows he would not want a relationship with her.
But what happens when both seem to want more from the other??
May 16, 2017
Tempting Her Neighbor is a short read about a guy who doesn't want to associate with people in general and his neighbor who wants him. Cole is a hard fellow to get a read on and I wasn't sure if I liked him at first. Even though this book is short, the author covers a lot of both characters lives and I enjoyed it. I do wish it had been longer. I wasn't ready for it to end. This is my first book by Laura Jardine but will not be my last.
October 6, 2017
"Tempting Her Neighbor was a sweet, sexy read about a complete introvert and a social butterfly that live in the same small town. Cole wants to remain hidden but Rachel wants to move out of the small town and fly to spread her wings. Both are so stuck in their own heads that neither seem to realize there is more than what they know.
I loved watching Cole come to live with Rachel and I enjoyed how Cole managed to calm Rachel. It was enjoyable to read.
I loved watching Cole come to live with Rachel and I enjoyed how Cole managed to calm Rachel. It was enjoyable to read.
April 7, 2019
Fun & sexy read
The number of great books I find through random tweets is really quite impressive yet unexpected. Really enjoyed the sex-positive message in this one, plus the contrast if an experienced heroine with a less experienced hero.
The number of great books I find through random tweets is really quite impressive yet unexpected. Really enjoyed the sex-positive message in this one, plus the contrast if an experienced heroine with a less experienced hero.
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