This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. Ryan and Simone are friends that became more. He started seeing her as something more and couldn’t handle it and ended the relationship basically. Brought back together the chemistry is still there. What I didn’t like about it was the cliffhanger. It seemed really rushed overall. I’m hoping the next 2 will clear things up.

Ryan a playboy and Simone who he has loved since he was a kid.... A great book to read ... I wanted to know more but I gotta wait for the next book in this series....

ARC provided by NetGalley for my honest review. This book felt scattered. The storyline was lacking clarity and direction. Some spicy scenes, but still not a basis for the characters.

Unfortunately the story felt quite chaotic, i was not really able to follow the story line. I also had the problem that i was not really able to build a relation to the main characters. So all in all the book was not quite for me though the idea of the plot was quite nice and the covers i also very beautiful.

Just a Taste is a quick read , a novella told from the male point of view. Unfortunately it did not work for me. I didnt love the narrator and couldnt connect with him at all. The story would probably benefit from the back and forth together in the book instead of one point of view. And I definitely think the cover is misleading, highly recommend updating to meet more of the content.

This is a Young Adult book that follows the story of Ryan and Simone, from early childhood to their teenage years.
Although the storyline outlines Ryan’s thoughts and emotions, I felt like there was too much emphasis on his arrogance and expectations. Teenage boys discuss girls and sex but the focus should also be on the correct treatment of a girlfriend!
The characters are relatable but overall I was disappointed with how Ryan is overbearing and controlling, not promising for an equal relationship.

I thank the publisher, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

3.5 stars

Note: This review is for the January 28, 2022 ARC.

I enjoyed the quick read of Simone and Ryan’s story from Ryan’s perspective. Since childhood, Ryan and Simone have been friends, and the story picks up after years apart, mainly due to his jealousy.

As the two reconnect and the chemistry is strong, a new set of problems arise. Will they be torn apart again? Is the relationship strong enough? Will they get their second chance?

Thank you to NetGalley and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

Book Review

I know I’m supposed to start with the good parts, but I honestly don’t have any good things to say about this book. From the book cover and description, I definitely did NOT think this book was at a high school level which really bothered me.

This book is told from the male POV, and he’s literally the definition of a dick who ironically weaponizes his. There’s really no saving of his character for me. The “love” felt as solid as feather trying to weigh down a moose; needless to say, it wasn’t there. This book felt very experimental. Each paragraph was trying every plot point and trope just to see which stick resulting in a very confused story with no solution/direction/vision.

It’s also a very short read, so I finished it just for that fact.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I felt as though they way they got together wasn’t the nest way , it was mostly because the guy was horny and just missed her , the way they got together was kinda weird , i would have preferred if the book was in dual pov as all i saw was the guy’s raging hormones

Who doesn't love a little Friends to lover, Second Chance Romance? No one.
I'm a sucker for this trope and I knew that this book was for me.
This was Ryan and Simone's story. And the first book in the installment series.

Simone and Ryan are best friends since they were toddlers. Simone is part of his friend group, which is exactly why Ryan loves having her around so much. But when the other friends start noticing more Simone, Ryan can't handle it. He was furious at the thought of Simone being with anyone else but him. His rage is thrown to the wrong person aka Simone
But after years of estrangement, old friends are reunited; and challenges too

Some passages were confusing but overall the book is quick, cute, and has one of my fav tropes

Thanks to NetGalley and XpressoTours for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Received ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

In all the romance books I’ve read, I’ve found that writing the male POV tends to be difficult for authors. You either get it right or you stumble around without anything solid to keep you up. The latter is how it felt with this book. I struggled to keep up with what was happening based on how erratic Ryan was with his actions and thoughts. The book also jumped around from scene to scene that it was like whiplash. It also just felt like we were missing part of the story. I honestly don’t know why a separate book was written from his POV instead of having alternate POV in the other book from Simone’s side—it probably would’ve flowed better, not been as confusing, and actually help me to like Ryan because I still didn’t by the time I finished.

This was my first read by this author. It was an ok read, The hero character was not someone likeable. I liked that he realized his deep feelings for the girl who had been in his life since he was little but I didn't think he was a nice guy. There was a bit too much drama for high school kids, but, interesting. There is a continuation though, book 2, so you do not get a happy ever after.

This book was a little convoluted and I couldn’t get into it. Overall not really my cup of tea. However one has to try and see what works for you.

This book is simply about a guy who wants to correct his mistakes in the past with the girl that he actually loves.
I'm so sorry to say this but for me, this book is a no-go. The story jumps too quickly, from this to that, from that to those. Do you get me? I don't even have any chance to feel the emotion. Also, Ryan... I don't really mind this book is his POV but looking back at his attitude, I think I do need Simone's POV. I think it will make it a little bit better.

Simone and Ryan were best friends since they were toddlers. Simone was basically one of the boys, which was precisely why Ryan liked having her around so much. But when the other boys started to take notice of more than just Simone’s winning personality, Ryan couldn’t handle it. The thought of Simone being with anyone but himself, made Ryan livid! And he took out his frustrations on the very last person who deserved it, his best friend.

After avoiding each other for many years, the former best friends are thrust back together and sparks fly; however, a new set of challenges have arisen and threaten to tear them apart. Can Ryan keep their already fragile relationship from crumbling or were they doomed from the start?

Just A Taste is the first book in the Determined Series by the talented Scarlett Se Leva. I really enjoyed the premise of this coming of age, friends to lovers novella. It’s fast pace and surprise ending has left me anxiously awaiting book two. Several time lapses lacked transition, which made it slightly confusing to follow. But overall, it’s a great story that’s worthy of your time!

Many thanks to NetGalley and XpressoTours for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

JUST A TASTE releases January 18, 2022!

This review will be posted on my Instagram blog (@bumbling.bibliophile), GoodReads (@bumbling.biblio), and Amazon (@bumbling.bibliophile) soon!

Half the time I didn’t know what was going on. It’s a high school romance which I like if it’s done correctly. This one didn’t make any sense.

This is a novella, but I really wanted it to be fleshed out - there were so many times in the story I had questions or wanted more details and it felt like we got the outline of the story instead of the full story. I also was not a fan of Ryan - he was abrasive and controlling and easily angered. The words depicted a love story was happening but the emotional component wasn't there. It's not a bad read, but it's a story you read on the surface instead of diving in.

*arc for honest review* i’m so deeply sorry but you lost me at the second chapter what was that? i’m not a fan of the writing either it’s just done poorly. the only thing good about it it’s that it’s my first time ever reading just the males pov.