Nicole Freeman is fine, or she will be once she buys a home where no one can ask her to leave. She’s almost there. The next box to check? A sexual relationship. She’s had sex. It got her thrown out of her parents’ house. What she’s missing is the relationship. But the hot guy at the kickboxing gym with the shoulders and the abs, he’s out of her league.
Rhys Gunnerson knows he shouldn’t look at the woman with the tight yoga pants and swaying satin ponytail exposing her delicate neck. She’s young, probably fragile, and he’s just over his divorce, mostly.
When Nicole accidentally kicks him in the … parts, he realizes maybe she’s not so fragile after all. Sparring at the gym turns to friendship and more, until slow burn bursts into flames. But something is wrong. Rhys wants to show her all the good sex can be, but the impact of being raised with sexual shame still fills Nicole’s head.
It’s her turn for happiness, and Rhys is here for it. Except he can’t fall in love. Nicole’s not ready and his heart won’t survive another one-sided romance. Problem is, it may be too late.
A friends to lovers, survivor, protector hero romance containing a badass kickboxer claiming her sexual pleasure, a seductive sailor who’s all in to help, and 5+ sexy scenes with no cliffhangers and a guaranteed Happily Ever After. It’s about not just surviving, but thriving, and the journey to acceptance, allowing the unstoppable power of love to heal.
Christina Braver writes steamy, contemporary romance usually set in the Pacific Northwest. Her stories are character driven and feature strong heroes with softer sides, heroines who make it happen, and the guaranteed happily-ever-after we all need.
She has a master’s degree in clinical psychology and pairs that knowledge with information from prominent sex therapists to write novels described as “a little bit nerdy, a little bit dirty.” Her books bring toe-curling spice and real-life tips while addressing deeper issues such as sexual health and sex positivity for everyone.
She lives outside Seattle, and when she isn’t writing, Christina can be found biking with her husband, laughing too loudly with friends, sipping wine, or reading.