America's Sweetheart by Jessica Lemmon

Old flames burn bright.

When a disgraced starlet returns home to lick her wounds, she discovers that her high school sweetheart is just as tempting as ever.

Allison
When I left for California, I gave myself a new name and never looked back. Now my carefully crafted good-girl image is getting torn to shreds in the press thanks to my Oscar-winning A-hole of an ex-boyfriend. So I escape to the only safe haven I know and trust—my hometown—to take a breather while I plot my triumphant Hollywood comeback. However, when I arrive at my parents’ house, Jackson Burke answers the door instead. And suddenly the past comes rushing back...

Jackson
First kiss. First time. First love. Yep, Allison Murphy and I shared a lot of firsts back in the day. When she left, she took half my heart with her. Now she’s back in town, and even though I swore I’d keep my distance, her parents hired me to remodel their house, and I’m going to finish the job. But one hot kiss later, suddenly the press is calling us the next big celebrity couple. Sure, I’ll play the part, for Allison’s sake—but I refuse to let her close enough to break my heart all over again...

Book 5
Buy Links

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Penguin Random House

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in a run of books which are linked, but there is no need to read one to enjoy another. This is a sweet, second-chance romance which gives both the protagonists a voice, and an opportunity to make right what went wrong before.

I particularly liked that Jackson had made a success of his life – he may have a view that he was blue collar and not glitterati, but he had a successful business and clearly was a self-made man. It made sense that he had made the decisions he did, and allowed the story to move forward with much more parity between them than might have been expected. He is obviously also drop dead gorgeous and has morals... lucky Allison! That said, she may have been tainted by Tinseltown, but has the good sense to return to her roots to regroup and recover from a horrible situation. I like how the reveal is placed in the book, and the twists and turns that affect the progress of their renewed relationship.

This is an easy, fun, and entertaining read, thank you, Jessica Lemmon.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
I enjoyed the premise of this book, but found that parts of it took me out of the story. The characters didn't seem to have a lot of chemistry.

To me, the book was predictable, and I found myself skimming parts of it.

Also Available in the Real Love Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Eye Candy post.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Man Candy post.

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Rumor Has It post.

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Connect with Jessica

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of America's Sweetheart (Real Love #5) by Jessica Lemmon to read and review.

Rumor Has It by Jessica Lemmon

This is one bad boy who’s fit to print.

A notorious jock tackles life—and love—after football with a type-A journalist in this sexy standalone from the author of Eye Candy.

Barrett
As a former pro football star, I’m used to playing the field. After injuries cut my NFL career short, my second act as a broadcaster ended on live television when a hot mic picked up a little verbal... indiscretion. But this latest publicity stunt might just land me back on top—much to the chagrin of Catarina Everhart, the prissy, beautiful journalist who’s been assigned to date a bad boy (i.e., me) and write about it. Catarina swears I’ll never touch her, let alone kiss those full lips of hers. Based on our chemistry, I’m not buying it...

Catarina
Barrett Fox seems to be doing everything in his power to make me hate him. The cocky egomaniac is infamous for his bad behavior, and now, thanks to my boss’s harebrained schemes, he’s apparently my problem. As one fake date leads to another, I start to see a different side of Barrett. He’s close with his family. He does volunteer work. And, okay, he kisses like a dream. Am I really dating Barrett Fox? Or is he playing me? Because suddenly I’m risking my reputation—and my heart.

Book 4
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Lee’Anne – ☆☆☆☆☆
I loved this book! It’s refreshingly original, laugh-out-loud funny, and left me wanting more.

After an injury ends Barrett’s career as a professional football player, he takes up a career as a broadcaster until his mouth winds up getting him fired. Now, he’s determined to earn a second chance in broadcasting by garnering some good press by doing a few journalist columns for a local newspaper. Catarina isn’t sure what she did to deserve such a punishment, but her boss has informed her that her new assignment is ‘fake’ dating Barrett and writing five articles detailing what it’s like dating such a bad boy. Though the sparks are there, Barrett pushes every one of Catarina’s buttons and she doesn’t think she’s going to be able to finish this job – then once she gets to know Barrett better, an unlikely friendship emerges and becomes something more.

Barrett’s character is freaking hilarious, though he is also an ass about 80% of the time, I still absolutely loved him. Catarina is the perfect balance for Barrett, where he follows none of the rules and lives a very unstructured life, Catarina is the total opposite. The two butt heads at every turn, making this a very enjoyable and fast-paced read. This is the first book I’ve read by Jessica Lemmon but I’m definitely going to be looking for future releases after reading this one!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
A refreshing story of dating and romance – or should I say "non-dating." Barrett and Catarina are set up by her editor to pretend date for the summer as the subject of a series of columns to be written by both of the them. Only the newspaper employees would know that their dating wasn't real, everyone else would think that they were actually dating.

Over the course of the pretend dates, Catarina actually begins to like Barrett even though he gets on her last nerve at times. Barrett respects Cat's work ethic but likes to push her outside the box every once in a while.

The characters are well written and easy to relate to. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fourth book in the series, and although they are linked, you can definitely read this as a standalone.

In the interests of the online magazine she runs, Mia decides that Catarina should expand the reach of her column and write about dates. She has even chosen the man – Barrett, a retired NFL star who has just destroyed his second career as a sports commentator by berating a female referee.

They are the most unlikely mix, but as Catarina gets to know a little more about the real Barrett, the inevitable attraction develops. How they decide to deal with it is a lot more complicated. And Barrett's sluggishness at producing copy is also an issue, but once he reveals why, they become even closer. It is great fun watching them go on dates and listening in to their conversations... and the inventive places they find to get up close and personal!

With some good twists, and a couple of "what would I do?" moments, this is a fun, romantic, and entertaining story. Thank you, Ms. Lemmon.

Also Available in the Real Love Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Eye Candy post.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Man Candy post.

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Connect with Jessica

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Rumor Has It (Real Love #4) by Jessica Lemmon to read and review.

Man Candy by Jessica Lemmon

Is there room for two in that sleeping bag?
When it comes to love, a chiseled loner takes the scenic route in this irresistible standalone from the author of Eye Candy (“Truly the perfect romantic comedy.”—Lauren Layne).

Dax
After spending months buried up to my eyeballs in my family’s affairs, I’m ready for a break. The kind of break where I can spend two solid weeks camping and fishing in the company of absolutely no one. Then I find myself directly in the path of a drop-dead gorgeous tornado by the name of Becca Stone. Who can resist a night with a damsel in distress? Especially when she happens to be a leggy blonde? The last thing I expect is for Becca to show up on my cabin doorstep the next night, shivering in the rain and ready for seconds.

Becca
One minute I’m admiring the rock-hard jaw of the Magic Mike lookalike who walks into my bar, and the next I’m getting fired by my own brother. Loudly. In front of everyone. Luckily Dax Vaughn is a gentleman who aims his white-hot smile at me. Oh, it’s on. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am. Then a torrential storm washes out the main road and causes a massive power outage, giving us two whole weeks to enjoy each other’s company. At which point Dax will go back home, leaving “us” in the rearview mirror. That’s the plan. Or it was... until I started falling for him.

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆
3.5 stars

This is the third book in the series; they are linked, but each is a unique romance.

I enjoyed meeting Dax and Becca, and following their story, but I did find their on/off feelings for each other gave me whiplash! Usually, at least one of the leads is certain and attempts to persuade the other – here, they both were anti-relationship, but also clearly very attracted to each other. As they skirted around the issues, we get both their points of view, so are well aware of their feelings, but can't influence them actually talking to each other... I confess, I was invested in getting it sorted out!

It had some fun moments, some sweet ones, some sexy ones, and a satisfying ending. I enjoyed it, and was pleased when we had a brief catch up with Grace, too.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆
I enjoyed the characters of Dax and Becca, but it didn't hold my interest for long. The one-night stand vs more, seemed to drag the story down. Becca is seen by her family as flighty and someone who needs to be taken care of. Becca's self-esteem issues cause her to doubt herself, not only in following her dreams but her heart. Wanting more but believing that you aren't able to have it is devastating, and so she chooses to believe that love isn't meant to be.

Dax, on the other hand, knows what he wants. He's just not sure if he can build a foundation for Becca that will allow her to believe in herself and each other.

Also Available in the Real Love Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Eye Candy post.

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Connect with Jessica

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Man Candy (Real Love #3) by Jessica Lemmon to read and review.

Eye Candy by Jessica Lemmon

Don't trust lust at first sight.

One woman chooses reality over fantasy in this friends-to-lovers romance, a steamy standalone by "an author to keep your eye on" (Katee Robert).

Jacqueline
As an adult woman--and the vice president of a marketing firm--I shouldn't be waiting by my office window to ogle the mystery man who jogs by every morning at 11:45. Sure, he's a gorgeous, perfect specimen of the human race, but I can't bring myself to hit on a total stranger. However, my best friend-slash-colleague Vince Carson thinks I should do more than talk to the guy. In fact, he's borderline obsessive about "getting me laid." (His words.) But the more time we spend together, the more it's clear: The one I'm falling for is Vince.

Vince
Jackie Butler's got it bad for some pompous, over-pumped A-hole who struts his stuff past her window. That doesn't bother me. I know she deserves nice things. What does bother me is that she friend-zoned me big-time last year, so I can't ask her out myself. But what if I set her up with Mr. Steroids? Then, when he breaks her heart, I can swoop in and save her like the nice guy I am. Everything's going according to plan... until we share a ridiculously epic kiss. And suddenly anything is possible.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Rachael – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 Stars

This was a really cute friends-to-lovers tale. I really loved learning about Jackie and Vince's friendship. The way she was there for him when he was going through a really rough time and how he tried to be there for her as she stepped back into the dating world. Can't say that I really cared for his little game that he played, but I did think it was a creative way to help transition them to a new stage in their relationship.

They've both been hurt very badly in the past, as most divorces do, and it's hard for them to fully get past what happened to them in their last serious relationships (their marriages). While I could really like Vince, there were times when I thought he dropped the ball, badly.

However, all in all, this was a cute read and enjoyable story. And I can't wait to see where this series takes us.

I do have to note that I absolutely adored the author's note at the end about her husband.

A former job-hopper, Jessica Lemmon resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dog. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing super-sexy heroes, she can be found cooking, drawing, drinking coffee (okay, wine), and eating potato chips. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want.

Connect with Jessica

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Google+  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Eye Candy (Real Love #1) by Jessica Lemmon to read and review.