I Think We're Alone Now

by Claire Hastings

Put away that Aqua Net and slip into something a little more comfortable with one of twelve couples as they fall in love in Pine Grove.

Travis:

After six years in the Army, being a security guard for Pine Grove Galleria is underwhelming to say the least. But, it’s something while I wait on my acceptance to the police academy. Until I’m voluntold to play bodyguard for the pop princess Glitter...and I discover that under all that make-up isn’t just another spoiled radio star, but my best friend’s sister. And she’s all grown up....dialing all my senses up to eleven...

Elle:

That mob of fans screaming my name? No problem! My superstar alter ego performs to massive crowds no matter where we go – but when my security detail bails on me right before a show at my hometown mall, I’m left high and dry. Finding out that my brother’s best friend is his replacement? That catches me off guard, especially when sparks start to fly faster than a skee ball down the lane. Just how close is too close to your longtime secret crush turned bodyguard?

Welcome to Pine Grove, home of the Pine Grove Galleria! The 80's are roaring in.

Genres: Romance, Short Stories

85 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2021

About the author

Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband Drew live in Atlanta with their fur-child Denali.

She can be found here:

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Reviews

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break out the leg warmers, the hairspray and get ready to head back to the 80’s with this fun, brother’s best friend novella.

Travis is a mall security guard, until he stumbles upon a job as a pop stars security guard. That popstar just so happens to be his best friends little sister, Elle. It’s been years since he had seen her and things have certainly changed.

I absolutely adored this story. I loved the instant connection between Travis and Elle. They had an easy going vibe when it came to their relationship and were able to laugh and just have fun, but there was also INSANE amounts of chemistry and definitely put a mall dressing room into good use. Though everything isn’t always rainbows and glitter, there is a little bit of drama that is quickly resolved.

If you’re looking for a fun, 80s themed, brother’s best friend, security guard/popstar romance this is one to check out!

[Michelle Mastandrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and flirty romance that is the perfect indulgence for any true 80's lover!

While waiting on his police academy acceptance, Travis is working security for the Pine Grove Galleria where pop princess Glitter is set to perform. When her bodyguard unexpected quits, Travis is assigned to be her new replacement. Babysitting a spoiled pop star is not something he's particularly thrilled about but, he's about to get the surprise of his life. His new assignment is not only his best friend’s little sister but, a sweet and sexy woman who's starting to become his everything...

This book was such a blast to read. It had the perfect balance of sweet and sexy moments that had me enjoying this story page after page! Travis and Gisele had a spark that lit up the page! The added bits of 80's references allowed me to indulge in everything I loved about that Era!

This is a fantastic read that left me smiling from ear to ear and a longing to play some skee ball while blasting Tiffany from a boom box. It's a perfect short story to get lost in for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and some steamy sexy times!

Make a trip to the Pine Grove Galleria! You'll be glad you did! 😘

*I was generously given an ARC copy of this book by the author for an honest review *

[Angela's Book Addiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Think We’re Alone Now by Claire Hastings is a contemporary romance novella told in first person, dual POV taking place in the ‘80s, and blending the best friend’s little sister trope with the bodyguard trope.

Travis has a military background and works security at Pine Grove Galleria mall while he’s waiting on acceptance into the police academy. When pop star, Glitter, comes to perform at the mall, he’s assigned to replace her security detail. Travis isn’t thrilled about babysitting some spoiled teen star, but everything changes when he learns who’s underneath the costume because it isn’t a bratty teenager at all. It’s his best friend’s little sister, Elle, and she’s all grown up. Read the book to find out what happens as Travis guards Elle's body.

I enjoyed Elle and Travis’s story. They were both likeable and had great chemistry. As a child of the ‘80s, there was a huge nostalgia factor for me, and it was fun to travel back in time for a little while. This quick, steamy read was fun, fun, fun!

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***

[Come_read_with_me_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this best friend sisters romance.

Travis is Elle's brothers best friend. The same one she had a crush on when she was younger. Now he is her bodyguard. Will he still see her as his friends kid sister?

This novella is packed full of love, lust and the 80s. Win, win, win in my opinion. I loved Travis and Elle and I want, no need more of them. I loved their relationship. It was such a sweet, refreshing read.

Claire Hasting is definitely becoming into one of my favourite authors, her writing technique is brilliant. She brings rom coms to a new level.

Overall I enjoyed this book and I want to thank the author for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

[Yames Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Spanish & English Opinion ::
4🍭🍭🍭🍭

Brother’s best friend story? ALWAYS a great idea.
80s setting? YES, PLEASE
Sexy fun story with great writing? ABSOLUTELY @clairehastings_author

ENG ::

I always express how a Brother’s Best Friend story is one of my faves. Elle and Travis are a great couple with lots of chemistry and an original plot that brings them together.

The 80s setting with the mall and the mention of classic games and food court choices was amazing, and Travis was a fun guy. Another thing that I liked is the cool brother.

The story is short, sexy, sweet and enough to put anyone in a great mood surrounded by eighties memories and lots of romance.

ESP ::

Me encantan las historias del mejor amigo del hermano. Elle y Travis son una pareja con mucha química, dinámica previa y una historia original y divertida que los hace reencontrarse.

La década de los ochentas y el centro comercial son el setting que nos hace recordar marcas de comida de la época y videojuegos clásicos de entonces.

Travis es un personaje con diálogos graciosos (aunque no es su intención) y su amigo Brian es una variante increíble del clásico hermano en la historia, actuando súper relajado y cool.

Este libro es una lectura rápida, divertida, sexy y con un toque de nostalgia ochentera.

[Ashley Reading Stewardess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire has done it again. This time she takes readers on a bit of a journey through time, back to the 80’s. I devoured this book in one sitting while rocking out to 80’s music the whole time. I absolutely loved not only the 80’s nostalgia, but the relationship between Travis and Elle.

As with the couples of Claire’s other books, I found Travis and Elle to not only be realistic but that I could even relate to them. While I was never an 80’s pop star nor did I ever work as security at the mall, I have experienced that secret crush on a friend’s older brother and I can remember passing many a Saturday afternoon at the mall with friends and boyfriends growing up. The thing that really made me connect with Travis and Elle as a couple was their easy going manner with one another combined with their shared history of growing up together.

If ever Claire decides to revisit this couple and expand on their story, I will gladly drop whatever I’m doing to read it. While this is a short story, you won’t disappointed in picking this up since it has the oh so steamy romance wrapped up in the fun of the 1980’s. This is a book that’ll make you want to crank up your favorite songs from the decade and sing into your hairbrush while dancing around your room.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish we could have more Travis and Elle. These two have known each other for years, but Travis doesn't realize Elle is who she is until she gets to the mall for her concert. They have that reconnection and attraction that they act on, but neither one of them are very open with their words or feelings. I wanted more from them, more openness, more conversation, just more everything. This is a well done book by Hastings, and I love her work, but I want MORE! I Think We're Alone Now is a great addition the the 80's collaboration of authors.

[Hannah | Blessed Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story, and I definitely enjoyed it. :) I was hooked after the big plot twist in the beginning (spoiler, who? 🙈). I honestly read the majority of this book in one sitting because it was so good I low-key didn't want to put it down, haha. If you're looking for something short and sweet with a little heat, this is for you (or you're just a fan of the '80s. Either one). ;)

[MyDogAteMyBookReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorkable lovely 80s romance, caught me right in my feels. Was totally singing Tiffany while reading this! 😂 if you’re looking for nostalgia feels, read this. It’s a hot little novella with some laughs & steam. I’m looking forward to the rest of this series!

[K.G. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I wasn’t even born yet in the 80’s, so it was cool to look into the past a little!

I loved Elle and Trevor’s relationship! They seemed so perfect together and their banter was so fun to read 💕

If you love a good sexy security guard and brothers best friend romances, you should totally check this out!

Thank you Claire for writing yet another phenomenal story! ☺️🔥

[Breanna Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travel back in time where malls were the places to see and be seen and fashion was as unique as the phrases.

Giselle Roberts is tired of playing a pop princess. But she still has to. Being home means one more job before a break. When her bodyguard quits, enter her high school crush Travis Parker, a local security guard and brother’s best friend. She may have had a crush on him, but she’ll never be more than a kid sister to him. Or will she?

Gone is Gazelle and in her place is sexy Elle. Travis is having a hard time reconciling his new feelings for the girl he always thought of as a sister. But his job with her is temporary, right?

Claire Hastings delivers a totally awesome tale that sucks you back to the 80s faster than you can say Tiffany. The chemistry between Travis and Elle has sparks singing from the page and keeps you hooked until their happily ever after. So find your nearest jean jacket, pop a Tab, and hang out with Travis and Elle at the Pine Grove Galleria.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Think We're Alone Now" by Claire Hastings was an enjoyable novella featuring endearing characters and a fun, nostalgic 1980s vibe that reminded me of all the best parts of my early childhood. The story's main characters, mall security guard turned reluctant bodyguard Travis Parker and pop star Elle "Glitter" Roberts, knew each other as teenagers through Elle's older brother Bryan, who was also Travis's best friend. They hadn't seen each other in years, however, and Travis had no idea that Elle had grown up to become the famous (and beautiful) performer. When they met again on the day of Elle's performance at the mall where Travis worked, there was an instant connection between them, complete with intense chemistry and lots of flirty banter. Travis soon found himself guarding Elle's body in more ways than he anticipated, but their time together was limited by Elle's need to return to Los Angeles and Travis's pending acceptance into the police academy. Could they find a way to turn their relationship into more than just a fling?

Overall, "I Think We're Alone Now" was a short but sweet story with just the right amount of steam. I recommend this totally rad read for fans of contemporary(-ish) romance and romantic comedy and will definitely be checking out more books by this author in the future.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[J.E. Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malls, arcades, made-up pop stars, food courts, and mall concerts, yeah, that was a good chunk of the 80s.

Working at the Pine Hill Galleria is a placeholder job for Tavis at best, he tolerates the job, but then he gets a shot at babysitting a mall concert hopping pop star. Oh, what fun that could be.
Elle is a product of the times, a made-up personality. Whose alter ego is Glitter. A pop star who tours the country performing in shopping malls. Yeah, that sort of thing was done then.

Travis quickly makes a discovery. Glitter is, well, read the book and find out. Can't give up the spoilers! Travis is glad to take the body Guard job, which he turns into guarding her body. Things start to get steamy in a dressing room, but it's not because it is in Louisiana.

The novella is well written and flows nicely along. Even those nostalgic for the 80s will enjoy this book.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc for honest review , I was so excited to have been able to take part in this ARC for review by the very talented Claire Hastings (who happens to be one of my very favorite authors) I Think We’re Alone Now is such a fantastic read .This is such a great novella , and a cute story that takes you back to the 80,s . Brothers best friend romances are one of my very favorite tropes and Claire did such a wonderful job with the story and the characters . I loved Elle and Travis together , so much love , chemistry , angst , push and pull as well as funny and heartfelt moments in this book . There are also many big plot twist in this story . I could not put it down , from the very first chapter I was literally addicted . I would highly recommend this book . I absolutely loved it ❤️💜

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this took me right back to the days of hanging out at the mall and the arcade!

Travis is ex-Military and being patient while he’s waiting to be accepted into the police academy. Elle is a rock-star who performs at local malls. As she was preparing for her last performance her bodyguard for quits...Travis is at the place at the right time and he gets the job.

Travis protects Elle very well which causes sparks to fly!

Fun, sweet and quick read. I requested an arc and I’m proving my honest opinion.

[Melissa Sang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Travis and Elle!! I Think We’re Alone Now is a sweet and spicy novella that I couldn’t get enough of! I love how Claire gets to the point and didn’t drag out scenes more than they should be. She has a unique writing style that I enjoy and can’t wait to read more of her books! Also can I just bring up ORANGE JULIUS?! Omg yessss! I feel bad for kids now days that will never get to experience heaven in a cup! 😊

[J.E. Birk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure 80s happiness. I loved escaping back to the time of mall concerts and crimped hair, and Travis and Elle are utterly delightful together. If you remember Jem and Holograms with fondness, you will most definitely love this book. Big thanks to Claire Hastings for this lovely and sweet escape down memory lane.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Think We’re Alone Now

I'm seriously digging this 80's series. Some of them are more true to how it really was in the 80's and some of them are full of 80's cliches and obviously written by an author born well after the 80's but they are all super fun and take me back to a time that was more carefreecompletely

safe and free of abuse and cheating, no ow/om drama,

[Pam Snell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such an awesome book!!! Takes place in the 80’s, which I can relate to. Elle and Travis have an amazing story! He is her brother’s best friend and gas always thought of her as a little sister. Elle has always had a crush on Travis. Now they are all grown up and he is her bodyguard!!! Love this book!!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Elle is a singer and needs a bodyguard. Trevor is a mall security guard and also Elles brothers best friend. Elle has been crushing on Trevor forever. Will Trevor ever see Elle as a woman or will she always be the pain in the butt little sister?

[Chris Wheary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, sexy, quick read

It was fun reading this short romance set in the '80's, especially since that's when I was a teenager. The chemistry between Elle and Travis is hot, and I always love a hea ending.

[Jeanette montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend!!!!

This is my first time reading any of this authors books, and can’t wait to read more.

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.

[Georgia Coffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and steamy throwback to the 80s! I so enjoyed this brother's best friend romance novella. It's a quick read with plenty to love - humor, heat, mall concert, and skee ball. Grab this one stat.

[Iluvbooks44 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend!!!!

I loved this book from start to finish.

I love the characters and the story.