Title: Sweat
Author: Rebecca Jenshak
Series: Sweetbriar Lake
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Blue Tulip Publishing
“A spectacular debut that I truly couldn’t put down—one of those rare romances that manages to perfectly blend realistic characters into a wonderfully sweet and sexy fairy tale. The skilled writing made the story feel both timeless and fresh. Absolutely recommend.” — Lauren Layne, New York Times Bestselling Author
Elle Hastings flees to the small town of Sweetbriar to put some distance between her and the cheating ex-boyfriend who broke her heart. When a black-tie ball provides the perfect opportunity to show him what he’s missing, Elle enlists the help of a personal trainer to make her look irresistible. She didn’t plan on her new trainer making her heart beat faster than the rigorous workouts he puts her through.
Gym owner and personal trainer, Ryan Calloway, is Sweetbriar’s most eligible bachelor. He’s worked hard to make his gym a respected and successful addition to the community he loves. When Elle walks into his office, her soft, sexy curves have his head spinning. He vows to keep their relationship professional. He has a feeling ex-lovers don’t make good clients – a theory he’s not looking to test.
Book one in the Sweetbriar Lake series of standalone novels.
She was ready to give in and get Chinese takeout instead when she spotted Ryan across the store in the produce section. Elle tried to hide between the frozen food and dairy aisle, but Ryan looked up and waved before she could get out of his line of vision. She blushed and gave him a half wave, hoping he wouldn’t come over, even as he had started walking in her direction.
Well, well, imagine Ryan Calloway in non-athletic gear. Tiny darts of awareness zinged across Elle’s nerves. Dark jeans rose from casual brown loafers and encased powerful looking thighs. Elle’s mouth went dry, and she forced herself to lift her gaze so she wouldn’t be caught staring below the belt. A form-fitting blue sweater hugged his biceps and pectoral muscles.
Oh… peach cobbler, apple pie, hot fudge sundae. The list of forbidden, high-calorie desserts did nothing to distract Elle’s mind from the yummy factor of the man walking toward her.
Heat rose into her cheeks, and she fought the urge to fan herself. Her hand shook as she self-consciously tucked a stray bit of hair behind her ear.
“Hey, Elle. Fancy seeing you here.” Ryan smiled, his brown eyes turning a lighter shade.
“What in the world is kale?” Elle blurted before she could catch herself.
Ryan tipped his head back, and a deep chuckle emerged from his throat. “May I help?”
“Yes, that would be great, actually. I think I’m way out of my league here.” That was true in relation to standing next to Ryan too.
He led her through aisles and explained each item on the list and why it was important, when and how to eat it, and even offered some basic cooking ideas for kale, sweet potatoes, and some other items Elle had never bothered to cook before. Ryan was in his element; apparently, he truly believed in his work and the lifestyle he taught. It was intoxicating to see him this way, and Elle started to think there was more to this gym god than met the eye. He was smart, funny, assertive — and he made Elle feel like she was a friend instead of just a client he was taking pity on.
They finished filling the cart with items from the list, and Elle thanked him profusely.
“See ya soon, Elle,” Ryan said, handing her the food list.
Their fingers brushed at the exchange, causing Elle to jump in reaction and fumble the paper. Every time he touched her, her whole body reacted. She waved awkwardly and swerved her cart to the checkout line, putting some much-needed space between them.
Lemon meringue, strawberry shortcake, blueberry cobbler. Nope, turns out nothing sounds as delicious as Ryan Calloway.
Rebecca lives in Arizona with her husband and children. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, going to the movie theater, and binge-watching Netflix.
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