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Solo
Soren Lock has held a torch for his ex, the mother of his 7-year-old daughter, for as long as he can remember. Even though life has kept them apart, a piece of him has always believed they would come back to each other in the end. That is…until she shows up in Sandalwood with a new fiancé.
Ozzy Zelasko has been dealt a pretty rough hand in life, so she tries to keep complications to a minimum. She has two jobs that help her scrape by, and she spends her free time with her ailing grandmother, and trying to paint when she can. But she can’t help the way her sexy new boss makes her heart skip a beat.
When Soren and Ozzy find distraction in each other, they find a way to free themselves from the emotional rollercoaster of life, just for a little while. But the two are both committed to keeping everything as uncomplicated as possible. Can they find a way to make this unexpected connection work long-term? Or are they both destined to face life solo?
Ozzy Zelasko has been dealt a pretty rough hand in life, so she tries to keep complications to a minimum. She has two jobs that help her scrape by, and she spends her free time with her ailing grandmother, and trying to paint when she can. But she can’t help the way her sexy new boss makes her heart skip a beat.
When Soren and Ozzy find distraction in each other, they find a way to free themselves from the emotional rollercoaster of life, just for a little while. But the two are both committed to keeping everything as uncomplicated as possible. Can they find a way to make this unexpected connection work long-term? Or are they both destined to face life solo?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
ebook
First published March 1, 2023
12 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Liota
34 books441 followersJillian Liota is a Southern California native currently living in Kailua, Hawaii. She is married to her best friend, has a three-legged pup with endless energy, and acts as a servant to two very temperamental cats.
Jillian writes contemporary and new adult romance, and her books have been praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.
She has a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and she is passionate about all things improvement, development and organization.
She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband, reading romance, watching a handful of horrible reality TV shows, and exploring the island she calls home.
Jillian writes contemporary and new adult romance, and her books have been praised for depth of character, strong female friendships, deliciously steamy scenes, and positive portrayal of mental health.
She has a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and she is passionate about all things improvement, development and organization.
She’s also a big fan of taking walks with her husband, reading romance, watching a handful of horrible reality TV shows, and exploring the island she calls home.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 4, 2022
Headlines:
Single dad
No complications
Chem-is-try
This prequel novella was such a smart reading decision for my friday evening. It was an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read. Soren was a single dad, balancing owning and running a bar and half hung up on his ex. Ozzy was his employee, a bit of a hot mess at waiting tables and they had a hostile dynamic.
That hostile dynamic didn't last...it became some sparky something. They were such a fab couple to read, with a belieavable connection that didn't feel insta-declaration. There were some deep topics along the way, heart strings were pulled and I felt it. I really liked where this story ended up.
This was such a well written novella, the right amount of depth and plot with sizzle to warm things up. Highly recommend.
Single dad
No complications
Chem-is-try
This prequel novella was such a smart reading decision for my friday evening. It was an easy and thoroughly enjoyable read. Soren was a single dad, balancing owning and running a bar and half hung up on his ex. Ozzy was his employee, a bit of a hot mess at waiting tables and they had a hostile dynamic.
That hostile dynamic didn't last...it became some sparky something. They were such a fab couple to read, with a belieavable connection that didn't feel insta-declaration. There were some deep topics along the way, heart strings were pulled and I felt it. I really liked where this story ended up.
This was such a well written novella, the right amount of depth and plot with sizzle to warm things up. Highly recommend.
March 6, 2022
"I can almost hear her battling with herself through the phone. It’s a struggle I’m all too familiar with, the one where independent people try not to rely on anyone else for help. It’s the life I live every day, and listening to the silence as Ozzy tries to convince herself she’s fine on her own makes me sad. For both of us. For everyone who feels like they are a burden."
THIS. This is why I love Jillian Liota's writing.
For a novella, this was amazing! When Soren's baby momma was still kind of in the picture, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the story, especially with it being short. I'm not a fan of love triangles. In the way only Jillian Liota can, the story progressed in the best way and was anything but a love triangle. I love the realistic and complex emotions Soren and Ozzy dealt with, and how they started something together that brought to light their similarities. I felt like they were just meant to find one another. I don't want to give too much away, but obviously I'd recommend you check this one out. It also has me ridiculously excited for, Sure, which is book 1 in the Sandalwood series coming out March 22nd.
THIS. This is why I love Jillian Liota's writing.
For a novella, this was amazing! When Soren's baby momma was still kind of in the picture, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about the story, especially with it being short. I'm not a fan of love triangles. In the way only Jillian Liota can, the story progressed in the best way and was anything but a love triangle. I love the realistic and complex emotions Soren and Ozzy dealt with, and how they started something together that brought to light their similarities. I felt like they were just meant to find one another. I don't want to give too much away, but obviously I'd recommend you check this one out. It also has me ridiculously excited for, Sure, which is book 1 in the Sandalwood series coming out March 22nd.
March 1, 2022
Soren is a father just trying to do his best running a bar and being the best dad possible to his daughter. He’s ex does come to spend time with him and their daughter but it is always on her schedule and when it is convenient to her, yet Soren has always thought she would be back to stay permanently. When he thinks things are going to be taking a turning point she throws a loop at them with her new fiancé so Soren is left confused, not sure what to make of this, but trying not to dwell on it. He needs a distraction.
Ozzy was this cute character that lived her life as she wanted, took care of her grandmother, and I loved her but she felt lonely. These two probably shouldn’t mix but their attraction is off the charts and undeniable. Will they follow their chemistry or will it mess with their hearts? Will they decide to try for more or walk away living life solo?
This may have been a short story but it was full of steam and heart. I loved the characters, their backgrounds, and I really hope we get to see more from them in the future.
Ozzy was this cute character that lived her life as she wanted, took care of her grandmother, and I loved her but she felt lonely. These two probably shouldn’t mix but their attraction is off the charts and undeniable. Will they follow their chemistry or will it mess with their hearts? Will they decide to try for more or walk away living life solo?
This may have been a short story but it was full of steam and heart. I loved the characters, their backgrounds, and I really hope we get to see more from them in the future.
March 3, 2022
I really enjoyed the prequel to the Sandalwood series. Soren is a single dad. He thinks he wants something and that it will eventually happen, but through a series of events he realizes a few truths. Ozzy is trying to get through life and caring for her grandma. She also has certain ideas, but realizes that they are different than what she was taught and opposite of what her grandma stood for. . I loved these two together and Millie was awesome. I don't like the selfish Toni, but I'm sure if Jillian writes her story, I will end up rooting for her. I can't wait for the next books. I was given the opportunity to read a copy of this book.
March 22, 2022
This novella is currently free from Prolific Works
3 stars
This novella is an informal prequel to Jillian Liota’s upcoming Sandalwood series, set in the small coastal town of Sandalwood, where we meet Soren Lock, owner of the local bar and devoted single dad, and Ozzy, his new employee who has a very inconvenient crush on her boss.
Soren is a single guy who keeps his liaisons with women short, waiting for the day that the mother of his 7-year-old daughter will come back to them for the happy ever after he’s always assumed they would have. So when she comes to visit their daughter with a new fiancé in tow, it throws his life into a bit of chaos.
Ozzy has had a rough life, and she’s working two jobs to get by – one of them is in the bar owned by Soren. She’s his newest hire, and is completely mortified when one of her workmates spills the beans to Soren about her crush on him.
Their lives have complications, but their sizzling attraction proves to be the perfect excuse for a steamy night together to blow off some steam and take them out of their heads for a little while. Neither of them expect it to be the life-changing encounter that it is, though, so when they get the opportunity to do it again, they jump on it – strictly casual and with a time limit so they don’t become attached.
But of course, things aren’t that simple. Feelings become involved, making their complicated lives even more complicated. Neither of them wanted a relationship, but they don’t seem to be able to let the other go.
I enjoyed this short story. I liked both of the characters, their chemistry is fantastic, and the sexy time is really steamy. We get to see the beginnings of their emotional connection, with the hint of romance, and I’m hoping we get to see more of this couple in future books of the series, because I’d love to see their happy ending for real.
3 stars.
This novella is currently free from Prolific Works - https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/5...
3 stars
This novella is an informal prequel to Jillian Liota’s upcoming Sandalwood series, set in the small coastal town of Sandalwood, where we meet Soren Lock, owner of the local bar and devoted single dad, and Ozzy, his new employee who has a very inconvenient crush on her boss.
Soren is a single guy who keeps his liaisons with women short, waiting for the day that the mother of his 7-year-old daughter will come back to them for the happy ever after he’s always assumed they would have. So when she comes to visit their daughter with a new fiancé in tow, it throws his life into a bit of chaos.
Ozzy has had a rough life, and she’s working two jobs to get by – one of them is in the bar owned by Soren. She’s his newest hire, and is completely mortified when one of her workmates spills the beans to Soren about her crush on him.
Their lives have complications, but their sizzling attraction proves to be the perfect excuse for a steamy night together to blow off some steam and take them out of their heads for a little while. Neither of them expect it to be the life-changing encounter that it is, though, so when they get the opportunity to do it again, they jump on it – strictly casual and with a time limit so they don’t become attached.
But of course, things aren’t that simple. Feelings become involved, making their complicated lives even more complicated. Neither of them wanted a relationship, but they don’t seem to be able to let the other go.
“We both said things in our lives were too complicated for anything serious. Well, maybe I’m okay with things being complicated if it means I get to have you in my life.”
I enjoyed this short story. I liked both of the characters, their chemistry is fantastic, and the sexy time is really steamy. We get to see the beginnings of their emotional connection, with the hint of romance, and I’m hoping we get to see more of this couple in future books of the series, because I’d love to see their happy ending for real.
3 stars.
This novella is currently free from Prolific Works - https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/5...
April 30, 2022
Solo was my first book by Jillian Liota. And although it is a short story, she packed a lot into it and I think I need to read more in this world and just more from her in general.
Solo is actually Soren. He is a bar owner in a small town beach town called Sandalwood. He is a single father to a little girl and is holding out hopes for his baby mama to return to him and their daughter. But he has an employee that has a little crush on him. HE would never cross that line with an employee, but he may make it awkward when he confronts said employee about her crush.
Ozzy has very little experience with waitressing, but landed a job at Soren's bar. She is younger, but has a lot she has put on her shoulders. She works 2 jobs to make ends meet and she takes care of a grandmother that isn't technically her grandmother. This young woman has a heart of gold, but isn't sure where she is going with anything.
These two seemed destined to help each other out with their needs and I liked the story that Ms Liota was able to create from this short story. It had a lot of depth to the characters and their journey to one another. I've heard the rest of the Sandalwood series were books about single parents and those are my catnip. I will be back to check out more Jillian Liota if she can fit this much into a short story. I felt like I got to know the characters and definitely want to experience more with them to see their potential. I fell that this prequel is a great starting point to a new author for me.
Solo is actually Soren. He is a bar owner in a small town beach town called Sandalwood. He is a single father to a little girl and is holding out hopes for his baby mama to return to him and their daughter. But he has an employee that has a little crush on him. HE would never cross that line with an employee, but he may make it awkward when he confronts said employee about her crush.
Ozzy has very little experience with waitressing, but landed a job at Soren's bar. She is younger, but has a lot she has put on her shoulders. She works 2 jobs to make ends meet and she takes care of a grandmother that isn't technically her grandmother. This young woman has a heart of gold, but isn't sure where she is going with anything.
These two seemed destined to help each other out with their needs and I liked the story that Ms Liota was able to create from this short story. It had a lot of depth to the characters and their journey to one another. I've heard the rest of the Sandalwood series were books about single parents and those are my catnip. I will be back to check out more Jillian Liota if she can fit this much into a short story. I felt like I got to know the characters and definitely want to experience more with them to see their potential. I fell that this prequel is a great starting point to a new author for me.
March 1, 2023
This is the first book by Jillian I have read. It is also the prequel to her new Sandalwood Series. Both Solo and Ozzy like to keep things simple and uncomplicated in the romance department. For different reasons though. Solo is a single dad to a seven-year-old girl. He is also the owner of the lighthouse. Ozzy is the newest employee of the lighthouse. Solo seems to be harder on Ozzy for some reason. Then when he learns she has a crush on him things begin to make sense. He realizes that she interests him too. The first woman in a while. Things change for Solo when his ex shows up to see their daughter with her new fiancé. Maybe a week-long fling with Ozzy is just the distraction he needs. Ozzy knows she has feelings for Solo but she can’t resist a week-long fling with him. Who knows by the end of the week things could change for both of them. Can they find a way to make this work long-term? I love Ozzy and Solo. Both put so much into taking care of others and putting them first. They have a chemistry that is hard to resist for either of them. They both manage to get under each other’s skin more than they originally wanted. Could this fling turn into a happily ever after? Great job Jillian. I look forward to the next book in this series. I will also be looking at Jillian’s other books.
March 1, 2023
3.85 Stars
This is my first story by this author, and I enjoyed it. Soren is a single dad who owns a bar and he is an amazing dad to his 7-year-old daughter. Her mother spends time with her when it allows on her schedule but most of the time she is out with her band on the road. But he always thought that when she has had enough, she will come home to him and their daughter. But this time she came back with a fiancé, and he is totally thrown for a loop. Finding distraction in the newest hire at his bar is maybe not such a good idea right…
Ozzy started a new job, and she has a huge crush on her boss. Till someone tells him and now she finds him highly annoying. She knows that nothing will ever happen, and she is just trying to get through life and caring for her grandmother. So, getting involved with her boss is a no-no… right…
Shame I felt sorry for Soren when he finally realized his ex was a selfish witch and she was not coming back to him. But I liked the fact that he was an awesome dad and when he too involved with Ozzy it was just supposed to be a distraction, but nothing is ever that simple. And with both of them not wanting a relationship, well things get complicated very quickly. Enjoyed the story and loved the characters 😊 Well except for the selfish ex, lol
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
This is my first story by this author, and I enjoyed it. Soren is a single dad who owns a bar and he is an amazing dad to his 7-year-old daughter. Her mother spends time with her when it allows on her schedule but most of the time she is out with her band on the road. But he always thought that when she has had enough, she will come home to him and their daughter. But this time she came back with a fiancé, and he is totally thrown for a loop. Finding distraction in the newest hire at his bar is maybe not such a good idea right…
Ozzy started a new job, and she has a huge crush on her boss. Till someone tells him and now she finds him highly annoying. She knows that nothing will ever happen, and she is just trying to get through life and caring for her grandmother. So, getting involved with her boss is a no-no… right…
Shame I felt sorry for Soren when he finally realized his ex was a selfish witch and she was not coming back to him. But I liked the fact that he was an awesome dad and when he too involved with Ozzy it was just supposed to be a distraction, but nothing is ever that simple. And with both of them not wanting a relationship, well things get complicated very quickly. Enjoyed the story and loved the characters 😊 Well except for the selfish ex, lol
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
March 6, 2022
I always love everything by Jillian Liota, and I am looking forward to this new series from her! This is a quick read, and you get a glimpse into this new world. This one follows Soren (a bar owner) and one of his employees, Ozzy. Soren has been hung up on his ex for a very long time and he is not prepared for his ex to show up at his door with her new fiancé. Ozzy has a crush on Soren - and he knows it. There are some awkward moments with them but that all changes one night when Soren decides he's going to give into his attraction of Ozzy after deciding it's time to let go of his past. Ozzy and Soren both have complications in their lives, and they aren't planning for anything past the week they have planned together. Will that change and will they both decide what is important in their current lives? Definitely give this one a read, and I look forward to the next book in this series!
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review! However, I buy all of her books as well - I enjoy them that much! :)
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review! However, I buy all of her books as well - I enjoy them that much! :)
February 28, 2023
Soren is a single dad to his 7-year-old daughter, and he owns and runs a bar, but he still has feeling for his ex-wife, and always thought she would come back to him some day, but that is all dashed when she arrives in town with her new fiancé. Ozzy has had a tough life, and she works two jobs to make ends meet, whiles spending her free time with her ailing grandma, and one of her jobs in waitressing in Soren’s bar. This is a well written quick read, which is an emotional roller coaster, with challenges, romance, dynamics, family, which leads to a steamy, heartfelt, and entertaining page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 27, 2022
I have never read this author before and it was a nice introduction to her books.
Ozzy and Solo love story is so good! It made me want the other books of the series and I will look it up.
Ozzy is young and it taking care of her grandmother who is in a facility care. She has two jobs and it is intense. Solo is her boss at the bar she is a waitress and has problems of his own. He is still in love with his ex-wife and is a single parent. These two souls kind of heal themselves together. It is so lovely to read their story.
I just loved it!
Ozzy and Solo love story is so good! It made me want the other books of the series and I will look it up.
Ozzy is young and it taking care of her grandmother who is in a facility care. She has two jobs and it is intense. Solo is her boss at the bar she is a waitress and has problems of his own. He is still in love with his ex-wife and is a single parent. These two souls kind of heal themselves together. It is so lovely to read their story.
I just loved it!
March 28, 2022
Introduction to a new series. Enjoyable single parent, bar owner, somewhat forbidden romance. Ozzy and Soren, have quite uncomfortable interactions. They definitely didn't have a good start at all. There are issues Ozzy is dealing with but there has always been something about Soren that pulls him to her. It just makes things complicated. Single dad Soren, is just going through live, being the best dad he can to his daughter. Life gets somewhat complicated when he just can't get Ozzy out of his head. I enjoyed this story and looking so forward to the rest of the series.
July 22, 2024
Give me more of Sadlewood
Ahhh I love Soren and Ozzy, but I need more please!! Beautifully written make sure you have tissues! Fingers crossed Jillian writes an extended epilogue or Millie's own story!
Ahhh I love Soren and Ozzy, but I need more please!! Beautifully written make sure you have tissues! Fingers crossed Jillian writes an extended epilogue or Millie's own story!
March 3, 2022
I’m not sure why this doesn’t deserve 5 stars. I really liked, it’s sweet and fun and sexy. It’s just wasn’t mind blowing but I will definitely read more from this author.
March 7, 2022
This is how a single parent story should be written! Soren was HOTTTTTTT and the most incredible father! Ozzy was so much more than she appeared to be. I loved that both threw their inabitions out the window and gave love a chance, even if it was scary or uncertain. The drama and emotions were in full effect in this novella. I kind of wanted more of the baby mama's story but I was glad there was some closure to that aspect of the storyline.
March 13, 2022
Loved this prequel to the Sandalwood series. A hot, bad, single dad. A steamy romance with a coworker. 🖤
March 19, 2022
Really enjoyed this quick and dirty read. Just like the book, but also dealt with some real topics in the short book. Very hot and sexy!
April 5, 2022
Soren is an amazing dad who is still stuck on his ex. When Ozzy comes into his life, things change. A great, quick read with steaminess and some twists and turns.
April 28, 2022
Enjoyable read
February 19, 2023
short n sweet. fast-paced, but you can still feel the chemistry between the mc's :)
April 24, 2023
Soren and Ozzy.. ugh gotta love the banter. As much as Soren thinks he likes being alone.. when Ozzy needed someone and he showed up… ugh… just melted my heart. Loved these two.
Quick read and into to the Sandalwood series.
E Book
Quick read and into to the Sandalwood series.
E Book
December 27, 2023
2.6⭐️
Tiene potencial, lamentablemente es muy corto y eso impide que la relación tenga un desarrollo.
Tiene potencial, lamentablemente es muy corto y eso impide que la relación tenga un desarrollo.
April 17, 2022
This is a great novella from Jillian to start off this new series about hot, single dads.
Izzy is scattered, hasn’t had the best life and is doing her best to get ahead and finish school. She works several jobs and her grandma is the center of her universe.
Soren is a grumpy, bar owner that’s doing his best as a single dad. His baby mama is quite a character and I am not a fan! Lol
Jillian writes these characters so beautifully - this book is heartbreaking, angsty, hot and full of healing. Although this was a novella I feel we learned so much about these characters.
Looking forward to the other books in the series.
Izzy is scattered, hasn’t had the best life and is doing her best to get ahead and finish school. She works several jobs and her grandma is the center of her universe.
Soren is a grumpy, bar owner that’s doing his best as a single dad. His baby mama is quite a character and I am not a fan! Lol
Jillian writes these characters so beautifully - this book is heartbreaking, angsty, hot and full of healing. Although this was a novella I feel we learned so much about these characters.
Looking forward to the other books in the series.
April 17, 2022
Ohhh I love a Prequel, and really loved getting a little insight to what Sandalwood is going to look like when we visit there for real in a few weeks.
🖤 Small town
🖤 Single Dad
🖤 Chemistry
Oh wow did I love Solo, what a guy! There is definitely a lot more to him that what first meets the eye.
Ozzy is a beautiful soul, one filled with so much love and with a not so nice past. I love a strong female.
I really liked this pair together a lot, I just wish their story was longer.
Loved sweet Millie, what’s not to love ❤️
Great little story in a great setting.
🖤 Small town
🖤 Single Dad
🖤 Chemistry
Oh wow did I love Solo, what a guy! There is definitely a lot more to him that what first meets the eye.
Ozzy is a beautiful soul, one filled with so much love and with a not so nice past. I love a strong female.
I really liked this pair together a lot, I just wish their story was longer.
Loved sweet Millie, what’s not to love ❤️
Great little story in a great setting.
January 8, 2023
For a novella, there was a definite slow-burn feel to the story. I did want to know more about Ozzy, but that’s only because I couldn’t get enough of these characters. I didn’t love the way Soren’s last relationship ended because it made Ozzy seem like more of a rebound. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Liota’s books, it’s that the story may not always play by all the typical romance novel rules. Instead, the story stays true to life. Sometimes that means that things get a bit messy. But it’s okay, because there will always be that HEA that we all know and love. And it will be super satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews