Stud: A Novel

Jamie K. Schmidt

Jul 2017 · Loveswept

About this ebook

Large. Hot. With a pump of sexual tension.

RITA AWARD FINALIST • When the barista next door teams up with a slick ad executive in this steamy standalone novel from USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt, they both get a taste of unexpected love.

Terri Cooke wishes she could give Mick Wentworth a piece of her mind. The infuriating stud muffin walks into her coffee shop every morning expecting his regular order at 8:57 on the dot, without ever acknowledging Terri’s presence—except for staring at her cleavage. And yet she can’t deny that Mick Wentworth has an animal magnetism that’s stronger and richer than any espresso . . . which explains why Terri says yes when he suddenly, inexplicably asks her out.

After the morning coffee run, Mick’s day is all downhill from there. His family’s marketing firm is dysfunctional in more ways than one, so to save the business, Mick desperately needs to impress their newest client. When he learns that Terri’s a fan of their trendy product, he tries to get inside her head. It doesn’t hurt that she’s the barista he’s been lusting after for the past five months. But as things heat up with Terri, Mick finds that a little steam is just the jolt he needs to turn his whole life around.

Praise for Stud

“Stud is outrageous, sexy, heartwarming, and angst-fueled.”—Harlequin Junkie
 
“[Stud is] my first book by Jamie K. Schmidt and it was pretty awesome. I enjoyed this from beginning to end. It’s also a bit of a gamer romance. So if you are into games this is definitely up your alley.”—Island of Reading
 
“Let’s start with the book title—it definitely suits the hero. . . . Stud is just a drool-worthy and steamy read.”—Self-Professed Book Hoarders
 
“I loved the sexual tension that Mick and Terri had. Right from the first page, it was there and it kept building.”—Life of a Crazy Mom
 
“This is a super cute and creative story. . . . There are twists and turns . . . but the way it’s written and brought together is seamless. If you’re a gamer, you’ll especially enjoy this book.”—The Jeep Diva

“[Jamie K.] Schmidt works their conflicting emotions to ratchet up the sexual tension before liberating it in steamy interludes. Plot twists and tender moments enhance the sexiness of this enticing story.”—Publishers Weekly

“I loved Jamie [K. Schmidt’s] writing style, as a gamer I fit right in with the lingo, but any noob off the street would find this story charming. I give it five stars.”—Books & Boys Book Blog

Don’t miss any of Jamie K. Schmidt’s seductive novels:

The Sentinels of Babylon series
NECESSARY EVIL | SENTINEL’S KISS

The Club Inferno series
HEAT | LONGING | FEVER

LIFE’S A BEACH

This standalone novel includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Ratings and reviews

**Advanced copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review** Stud is a standalone contemporary romance by Jamie K. Schmidt that really hit the spot with me. Terri Cooke has temporarily put her career on hold to help care for her ailing brother. In order to be able to take him to his doctors appointments and therapy, she's started working at the Beanery Coffee House to help make ends meet. At 8:57 every morning, a hot businessman stops by and orders the same frilly drink every single morning. Terri is taken by him, but knows he's out of her league. She's lucky to have a tiny bit of alone time with all she has going on in her life let alone time left to have a boyfriend. Mick Wentworth is an ad executive and he's not only dealing with his very busy career, he's also dealing with escalating drama within his family which is in turn causing issues at the firm. Mick is like clockwork each morning when he stops by the coffeehouse to pick up his morning drink. He's also equally taken by the stunning barista who he looks forward to seeing each and every morning. Looking to impress his newest client, Mick arranges for Terri to cater the breakfast from the Beanery. When he realizes that she has an interest in the product his new client is developing, he hopes to pick up some pointers from her. What he doesn't expect is for his client to already think she works for him! Will Terri and Mick be able to tame the wild chemistry that is so evident between them in order for her to work for him as a consultant on this project? The chemistry between Terri and Mick was evident from the beginning and I thought Ms. Schmidt did a fantastic job of shaping their relationship. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Terri and her brother, Billy. It was a very realistic depiction of what a family dealing with the sudden onset of an illness or disease has to battle. This was the first time I had read this author, and I'm glad I took a chance on her. I enjoyed the characters, the story and I would definitely check out her work in the future.

I really enjoyed this one. A touch of humor, a good amount of steam, and some great snarky banter made for a great read. Terri Cooke needs a marketing job. Mick Wentworth needs her help with a big client. Since he has a strict no fraternization policy at work he refuses to hire her for his firm. Yes his lust is overriding his brain. This seems like the best of both worlds. If he can convince Terri of that everything should be fine. Right?? Definitely a book I recommend!

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt has published more than thirty short stories in small-press journals and e-zines. She’s an active member in the Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she relaxes with a mug of hot tea and knits or makes beaded jewelry.