Arlene Bowers is as tough as nails. She has survived a less than perfect marriage, managing to move past it to run her own diner. Her abrasive exterior has always been a way for her to hide behind the darkness and pain that she has endured, but a recent, violent attack and several disturbing phone calls have that tight hold on her emotions wavering.
Seb Griffin showed up in Cedar Tree eight … eight months ago and was hired on at Arlene’s Diner as a cook. An ex-con with secrets of his own, Seb walks a fine line. Since he began working at the diner, he’s developed feelings for his fierce, stubborn boss, and the need to keep his distance from her, to protect her, is a daily struggle.
When it appears that Arlene’s past has come back, rearing its ugly head while her defenses are low, Seb steps up and claims responsibility for Arlene, praying that he can keep her safe from whatever is coming her way.
Due to content of a sexually explicit nature, this book is recommended for a mature audience only.
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on ‘HUNDRED TO ONE’:
“Freya manages to work her literary magic in constructing two very believable and lovable protagonists whilst engaging the reader in a sort of mystery stalker-drama with plenty of thrilling, often emotional moments but still manages to break up the angst and heavy material with class and subtlety in the form of some witty banter and terrific dialogue from the supporting characters and Arlene’s sass and sarcasm.”
– Hooked On Books Blog
“I love this series because the characters are real people. They have faults, health issues and do not have perfect bodies or careers. The storylines are fantastic and believable and the sex is super hot cause it flows with the story and is not exaggerated.”
– Author D.M. Earl
on ‘SLIM TO NONE’:
“Fantastic Debut Novel Full of Love, Intrigue, and Spicy Lovin’!”
– Author Gina Sorelle
“This is a story with brilliant and outstanding characters that you all should read!! Slim to None is original, mysterious, sexy and absolutely amazing!”
– Mia’s Point Of View
“I fell in love with Emma and Gus in Slim To None. Freya Barker has created these characters so well they will melt your heart.”
– Debb’s Reads Blog
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Absolutely unbelievable book that will have you hooked at first word
What can I say that hasn’t already been said in previous reviews? This story has everything and more that has you wrapped up in the storyline wondering what’s on the next page.
I’m sure most people know of a Arlene and Deb who has appeared in their lives at sometime each has the own unique style and traits. It’s what brings you back to that diner and has you saying best dang place ever.
But it takes a special author to bring out what makes Arlene who she is and her friends who know that she’s struggling and who’ll fight to bring her out of the darkness into the light again. Sebastian is also haunted by his own demons so it’ll be Arlene who’ll be there and make even his sister Faith shine even brighter for both of them. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Bravo Freya Barker fantastic book.
I tend to approach the next book in a series with caution, especially when I loved the first book so much. However it was totally unwarranted here. Freya delivers a fantastic story once again.
I loved Arlene when I read Slim to None. Her no nonsense demeanor was phenomenal. She was the quintessential no bullshit, kick-ass, tough as nails best friend. You’d assume that the type of mate to compliment her would be a softy, but Seb is as alpha as they come.
I love that Freya’s characters are real. The women are voluptuous and have attitude. The men are hot and protective. The suspense keeps you reading until the end. And the love scenes, HAWT!
I’m glad to get Arlene’s full story. She was a side character in the first book of the series and you could tell she had been through something difficult. And now that I know, difficult is too nice of a word for what she has been through. Talk about a tough woman. To go through all that she did and continues to face, would crack most people. Arlene is a very guarded person but she has valid reasons for it. If anyone deserves a HEA, it’s her.
Seb was a bit of a surprise for me. He was very protective of Arlene no matter how much she fought him on it. He is also another character you get introduced too in the first book and I knew there was more to his story as well. I was sad to hear about the things he has been though but it also made his pairing with Arlene even better. They fit.
So far, I’m really enjoying this series and all the characters. I also listened to the audiobook version and highly recommend it. The narrators did a really great job with these characters. Great book!
I loved getting Arlene and Seb’s story! Arlene has definitely had some hard, bad, nightmarish times and recent events have only added to them. I knew going in that Seb was going to be just the one to help her, despite her tough exterior, but I never knew what she had hidden. He was everything perfect for the job and I loved how he took such care of her body and heart.
This is filled with lots of drama and action even as it’s sprinkled with humor and iced over with some hot steamy times that made me quite envious. With a few twists I never expected and so many secondary characters that added to the story, I once more fell in love with the magic this author gives us with her mature characters and plots.
It’s been a while since I couldn’t put a book down and read the entire thing in one day. Once I started Hundred to One, I had a hard time pulling myself away from the story. I probably should have read the first book in the series but Ms. Barker does an excellent job of offering insight that helps a reader fill in the back story. The story is quick paced and the characters are real. There are no billionaires or models, just regular people who are past the new adult phase of their lives but still manage an active sex life and connect on an emotional level.
I love strong heroines and Arlene is as strong as they come. She has dealt with a great deal at the hands of an abusive spouse and more recently at the hands of a vengeful attacker. While her demeanor is tough as nails, her cook, Seb, sees through her to the vulnerable woman within. The couple has chemistry that is off the charts and while Arlene fears surrendering her heart to another man, Seb is patient enough to let her realize they belong together. Secrets abound in this book, for both Seb and Arlene, but they play well into the storyline and move the action forward.
Seb is mostly the strong silent type but his devotion and need to protect Arlene are endearing. When he does open his heart and speaks from it, no woman could resist such a man. He is the total alpha male: hot, sexy, dominant and protective. His devotion to his sister is heartwarming as is love for Arlene. The book has many twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing as to how all of the plot points connect together. The characters interact well together and the banter is so natural, I could hear similar conversations with my own friends. I will definitely be reading the rest of the Cedar Tree series and recommend that you do the same.
Favorite Quotes:
“I can’t believe my parts are still working after all these years. I thought for sure I had dry rot.”
“I know I’ve been had, but I have to admit, it makes me feel better. Still, I’d rather swallow my own tongue than admit that any time soon.”
“I have to admit, the little nickname Spot is making me a little tingly. I guess it should make me feel like a dog, but it only makes me feel special.”
“You are a rock, and you might slide or threaten to be washed away, but wherever you’d end up, you would still be a rock. And I’m hold on so you’ll get far, and I won’t allow you to fall apart.”
“Do you realize how unique it is to find what we have? With our backgrounds, both of our @# up histories? We were a hundred to one odds. Who could have imagined that you and I would hit it off, let alone fall in love. I won’t want perfection… you don’t want perfection, we both want real and this as real as it gets. Wrinkles, blemishes, nose hair and hang-ups… All of it.”
“Help? You asked for help? Pigs must be flying.”
My Review:
Still blissing with this over forty character series and Freya Barker’s style – she has wicked good skillz. Lots of feels in all directions with this volume. Ms. Barker has definitely mastered the art of writing sensual scenes as she had me gasping and clutching wildly about for libation, as I could not take my eyes off my beloved kindle even to spare a quick glance up for the location of my glass. The humor, dialogue and bickering had me barking and snorting – I love ladies that can call each other a “cantankerous cow” or lovingly argue and state “Kiss my ass,” only to receive a reply such as “Clean it up and I’ll consider it.” Arlene’s story is considerably more angsty and intense than the first book, although just as well written and even more intriguing and steamy – yeah baby. I have a new BBF and his name is Seb. Swoon. More!
5 shining stars
When reading Slim to None (Cedar Tree #1) you get a pretty good picture of Arlene and her strong defiant nature. I liked her then but I love her now.
Arlene comes completely to life. We now understand the whys to Arlene feelings that she cannot be nurturing but she is in her own way. Her gruff, snarky exterior is a way to protect her from letting people get to close. But, when someone sneaks in she has a heart of gold and loves fiercely. Willing to protect them will all she has. She is far from perfect in her eyes but she gives you all she has.
In walks mister tall, sexy, inked ex-con Seb. From a distance he comes daily to do a job, while secretly being there to make sure nothing happens to this strong woman. He never expected to find himself attracted to her. We pretty quickly see that Seb has very deep feelings for Arlene and will stop at nothing to protect her. Seb has many secrets himself that just make you love this man even more.
This story will grab you and hold you until the last word. With each event that happens, it gives you a little more insight to the characters. I love that even though the focus is on the main characters you still feel very connected with the others of the book. Freya actually makes you feel like a regular at the diner getting to know everyone from your visits for some friendly service and yummy peach pie.
I cannot wait for some more Cedar Tree excitement.