“I wish that I had Jesse’s Girl”Successful Texas lawyer, Reade Walker, curses that damn song every time it plays, all too aware of the irony of its lyrics. After all, he has been secretly and painfully enamored with Jesse’s girl, Gwen, for nearly a decade. It was love at first sight for him, but sadly she’s not his girl. She belongs to the one man who betrayed him and knows Reade’s hidden family … hidden family secret. Yet Reade can’t seem to love anyone except the one woman he can’t have. Or can he make her mine?
When Gwen Clark’s senator husband runs off with his intern and all their money, the ensuing scandal turns her life upside down. Deserted, penniless and desperate to provide for her six-year-old daughter, Gwen has no one to turn to but Reade Walker. The one man her heart desperately wants, but her pride dreads having to ask for help. Despite welcoming them into his home, it seems like Reade can barely stand being in the same room with her anymore, let alone under the same roof—in the same bedroom. But Gwen is determined to get her life back on track. It is past time to rediscover her own dreams…if only she can keep her aching heart from breaking all over again.
Song lyrics by Rick Springfield Jessie’s Girl, 1981
ABOUT:
-HEA (Happily Ever After) ENDING
-STANDALONE (not part of a series, no cliffhanger, fully wrapped-up novella)
-“FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS” CONTEMPORARY ADULT ROMANCE
-INSTA-LOVE with a MEET CUTE
-CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE based on the pop song of the same title.
-HEAT LEVEL: HOT
AWARD WINNING NOVELLA:
-2018 Orange Rose First Place Winner for Best Romance Novella by OCCRWA.org
-2018 Cleveland Rocks Romance Contest 1st Place Winner for Contemporary Short
-The Catherine 2018 2nd Place Winner from Toronto Romance Writers
-2018 Unpublished Maggie Awards Finalist
-2018 Golden Rose Contest Finalist – 2nd Place
-2018 Unpublished Maggie Awards Finalist
-Maine Romance Writers 2017 Strut Your Stuff Finalist
-Pages from the Heart 2017 Finalist – Third Place
more
This is the first book that I read from Tara September. I really did like it. It was a nice story about Gwen and Reade who were friends before they went their separate ways. She was married to a guy named Jesse who left her for a younger woman and took all their money. Gwen was left with nothing and a scandal on her hands and she had no one to turn to except Reade. Reade has always loved Gwen from afar but when she picked Jesse, he stepped back. They were able to find each other again and slowly work their way back to what they both wanted. Gwen will have a bit of a shock but she will be able to overcome it and finally get the life she should have had.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read this novella at the beach and it was a pure joy. Loved the main characters, fabulous dialog, small-town setting, and just the right amount of backstory. I’ll watch for future books by this author!
Reade and Gwen will have you cheering in their corner after the drama Gwen had to endure by the betrayal of her husband. Reade fell in love with Gwen from the moment he saw her but lost out to Jesse. When Jesse’s betrayal played out in the papers and tabloids, Reade made sure he would get back to his girls to make sure they were protected. Now that he has Gwen where he wants her, Reade’s determined to keep her but will her ex try to get back what he lost and succeed doing it?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the way Reade cared for Gwen and Maddie, his concern for them equivalent to his own family.
Always loving her but respecting her relationship with Jesse, his childhood friend and later nemesis.
When she was publicly humiliated by Jesse, Reade rushed in and saved her from poverty and abandonment.
I liked the way her struggles in her marriage helped to open her eyes to the way Reade treated her and Maddie, more of a partner and father than Jesse ever was.
I wished Jesse was made to suffer more for his selfish behavior, but I’m blood thirsty when it comes to cheaters!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a very sweet story. My rating was actually 3.5, but only because while I really liked the story and I really enjoyed it, it wasn’t one of those books that grips you or has a lot of depth to it. It was very easy to read and very enjoyable. I thought Reade was practically perfect and was disappointed that he isn’t real. Of course, it wouldn’t have mattered if he was anyway because he only loved Gwen. His patience and control was extremely admirable. I would have punched Jesse a lot sooner if I had been in his shoes. Or if I had been in Gwen’s shoes for that matter. She was definitely a better woman than I was to spend six years married to a man who so obviously didn’t care about her or their daughter. But the good thing is Gwen and Reade found each other in the end and were finally happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Gwen has a real *fun* show thrown her way when her husband liquidates as many assets as he can and disappears with his intern and the money he stole. Left to pick up the pieces of her tattered life, Gwen reaches out to Reade.
This is a mostly fun story with misunderstandings and misinterpretations, steamy relief, and a collision with the past on a couple of examples (those aren’t quite as much fun). I like how Gwen slowly found her footing and didn’t back down when confronted with Jesse again.
I liked Verla Bond at the mic.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
A good story with snappy dialogue. The characterization was excellent from the get go. Actions do speak louder than words after all. The story, especially with the current political arena, plausible. Verla Bond did a terrific job bringing the story to life.
I recieved a free Audible copy of this story, at my request, in exchange for a honest review.
For the last six years Gwen Clark has given her time and attention to a man who didn’t appreciate her, respect her, nor honor the vows they took. All those years ago when he asked for her hand in marriage she had her doubts, knew she might be making the biggest mistake of her life, but at the time she felt she had no other choice. So she accepted his proposal and has regretted it everyday since.
But little does she know all that time there has been someone waiting in the wings, someone who has loved her since the first day that they met.. her husbands friend Reade.
When her husband decides to leave her and their young daughter, for a life with a much younger woman, and takes every penny they have with him, Gwen doesn’t know what she is going to do. She can’t possibly ask Reade for help… or can she?
Jesse’s Girl is a story of resilience, new beginnings, healing, and finding love in the most unexpected places. This story unites two people who have loved one another from afar for years, both knowing it was wrong, but both unable to deny it. Gwen found herself stuck in an impossible situation, thinking she was on her own when her whole world came crumbling down around her, but all it took was one phone call to change everything. She was too proud to ask for help or place her livelihood in the hands of another man again. But with limited options she soon realized that taking Reade up on his offer of staying with him until they got back on their feet, was the best place for her and her daughter to be. Watching these two walk the fine line between them, and try to learn how to live beside one another without letting their true feelings show was downright torturous! Their love story is a slow burn kind of romance with bits of angst that will have you dying in anticipation… but so totally worth the wait!! I really enjoyed this first time read it’s words were rich with emotion, captivating, and so good on the heart! Highly recommend!
This was such a good book. I loved how well developed the characters were and the storyline flowed easily and kept me entertained.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book by this Author that I have read it is well written and kept me turning pages. It is a short quick story to read. Successful Texas Lawyer Reade Walker hates the song Jesse’s Girl because Jesse does have the girl he has wanted for quite sometime. When Gwen Clark’s senator husband Jesse run off with another woman and all their money Gwen comes to Reade with her six year old daughter needing help. Reading how Reade and Gwen are able to get their happy ending made this story for me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my gosh I loved this story! I couldn’t put it down, so I read it in one sitting! I just had to know what happened and if they got their happy ending!
Reade is an amazing hero and I fell in love with him from the first page. He is a big shot lawyer who co-owns a law firm with offices all around the world. He has been in love with Gwen since he met her in a supermarket in his hometown with Jessi (his best friend as kids) 7 years ago. Reade and Gwen become friends but when she marries Jessie and gets pregnant he withdraws from them. But he is still there for her and her daughter when Jessie leaves her with his intern and all of their money.
Gwen is also an amazing character, she is very protective towards the people she loves but also towards herself because Jessie really destroyed her. But after he leaves her she gets more independent and less naive. And she is an amazing mother to her 6-year old daughter Maddie who is so cute and smart and she loves Reade too.
Jessie is a real villain and I really hated him. He is really dominating and manipulating and he is a senator who knows how to spin the truth. He doesn’t care about anyone other than himself not even his wife or daughter.
The plots in this book really surprised me and normally I figure out the plots pretty quickly, but I was really surprised several times.
I can definitely recommend this book! I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The storyline of “Jesse’s Girl” by Tara September is similar to that song we all know by heart. I have to say that I don’t recall Rick’s Jesse being as much of an egotistical idiot as the one in this story. I start to question my sanity when I want to reach in and throttle a character. However, this would be a testament to the author’s ability to elicit emotion from her readers.
The book immediately hooked me and kept my interest throughout. I found quite a bit of story packed into this well-paced shorter read. Gwen and Reade are so sweet together you can’t help but root for their HEA. A highly enjoyable standalone love story with a bit of a twist you may or may not see coming.
*review for audible version*
It took a little bit for me to get interested in this read. I’d say I liked the second half a little more once Reade and Gwen progressed in showing their true feelings for each other. Gwen is separated from her husband and in the process of a divorce. Her husband, who’s ran off with another woman and left her financially with nothing. Reade has always had feelings for Gwen but couldn’t act on them. He’s there now to support her and be there for her. Things turn super steamy the more their in each others lives. The narrator did a good job. I liked this read and I’d say give a chance on this listen.
This is my second novella by Tara September and another enjoyable story. This was an interesting mix of second-chance romance, smarmy ex drama, cute kid, and quite a bit of slow burn. This is a great audiobook for anyone looking for a little angst and some anticipation while this delightful couple works through long-held misunderstandings before finally coming together to build the relationship and family of their dreams. When Reade and Gwen do get together – September gives us some super steamy scenes leaving everyone satisfied.
Jesse’s Girl ends in a solid and satisfying HEA. While this is absolutely a stand alone, September seems to drop a little hint that Danielle (Reade’s fellow attorney) may be getting her own story. Please?
This was my first time listening to Verla Bond and I enjoyed her performance. I especially appreciated the slight Southern lilt to Danielle’s voice.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from Story Origin and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I just listened to the Audible version of this book. I really enjoyed the story. Although I have heard better narrators. She read too fast and didn’t add much to the feels. Great characters and plot.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Story Origin.
do you belive in love at first sight? this is what Reade felt when he met Gwen. But she was Jesse’s girl. Can they have a chance at live after Jeesie’s betrayal? good audiobook
Reade And His Childhood Best Friend Jesse Both Fall For Gwen, But She Is Jesse’s Girl, And Jesse Won’t Let Him Forget That! Eight Years Later, Though, The Truth Comes Out.
Reade Walker had been childhood best friends with Jesse Clark. They did everything together. It was in high school that Reade began to notice Jesse’s fierce competitiveness, though. Things had changed. It was just Reade’s luck that he fell in love at first sight with Jesse’s girl. It was eight years ago that he first saw her and knew she was the one, and it was only moments later that Jesse appeared, informing Reade that she was his. The pair married seven years ago, and although he loved his goddaughter Maddie, Reade had put distance between himself and Jesse’s wife years ago in an act of self-preservation. Today, he is forty-four and a very successful attorney. He has had girlfriends, but nobody had ever come close to Gwen.
Gwen Gallo-Clark, thirty-two, loved being a mother to six year old Maddie; there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her. She had met her husband, Jesse Clark, at a vulnerable time when she was twenty-four. Her career as a reporter was beginning to take off and he was known as the bachelor Congressman in D.C. Her feature article was good for his career, and he soon proposed marriage. Thanks in large part to her work on his campaign, Jesse soon became Senator Clark of Texas. These days, however, she doesn’t work at all. She had relocated from New York to Jesse’s hometown of East Dodge, Texas, even though Jesse spends much of his time living in a D.C. apartment.
When the news hits that Senator Clark has fled the country with his intern and has been accused of embezzling from his foundation, Gwen’s world comes crashing down. Worse, Jesse mortgaged everything without her knowledge, so she and Maddie are left penniless. With few options, Gwen swallows her pride to ask a favor of Reade Walker, Jesse’s old friend.
Reade and Gwen’s story is a lovely quick read. After years of longing, they finally get a chance at love. They must work through their mistaken beliefs about one another as well as through what happened in the past, but their happy ending is never in doubt. It all wraps up nicely for them and for Maddie.
Reade and his childhood best friend Jesse both fall for Gwen, but she is Jesse’s girl, and Jesse won’t let him forget that. Eight years later, though, the truth comes out. The story is nicely written. The plot is simple. The characters are nicely developed given the length. It is written in third person. The POV alternates between Reade and Gwen. I rate this book four stars
Jesse’s Girl was another great read by Tara September. Reade has had a thing for his friend Jesse’s girlfriend, Gwen, for nearly a decade. He loved her right away but unfortunately she was with Jesse. Jesse is a Senator and ran off with one of his interns. Gwen was left with no money and she decides to turn to Reade for some help. She is reluctant partly because she desperately wants him. But he seems to not want them there. I really enjoyed reading Gwen and Reade’s story and can’t wait to read more by the author.
It was love at first sight when Reade saw Gwen at the grocery store. Then Jesse came up and told him she’s his girlfriend. Reade and Jesse have been friends for a long time. So he made sure to keep her in his life , even after ahe married Jesse. Things aren’t as they seem in their marriage. This is a romantic, sexy story of a Second chance of love. A story of secrets, betrayal, lies, and love. Vera Bond tells the story with emotion and giving each character their own voice and personality. I was gifted the audio and offered my honest review.
Jesse’s Girl
By: Tara September
Narrated by: Verla Bond
I am a great believer in things happen for a reason, and this book is just that for me! Jesse is a senator, married to the beautiful Gwen, but does that make him happy? Leaving her penniless with their daughter, she is forced to find a job and a new home. Reade, a successful lawyer has always had feelings for Gwen, and seeing her struggling, does his best to help her out. Will he be able to remain her friend and not make a move? This story is fun and flirty. I love the banter between Gwen and Reade, the inner dialogue they each have. It sounds just like what we would think as well, which makes the story that much more realistic. Gwen is a great character. She seems a little over the top with her future goals, but in her position, she takes a stand to get her life on track. I love Reade, as he is the perfect man! The kind that swoops in and saves you in every way. He is warm, great with kids, loving and will do whatever it takes to keep Gwen. Jesse, now he is the kind we love to hate. Portrayed perfectly as a bad politician, he has nothing redeeming about him. This short has a little of it all, and is a great escape.
Verla Bond brings these characters out in a way that is very entertaining. She has such good voices for each person, easily identifiable and easy to listen to. I enjoyed her performance.
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