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Clover
Clover Watson wants more from life than what she can find on her daddy's farm in southern Oregon. Young, smart, and driven, she has a plan and she refuses to be distracted from her goals. After four years at the University of Washington in Seattle, she heads home for the summer with her diploma and an acceptance letter to graduate school at University of Portland. She's sure she’s got things all figured out.
Except for Jake Feldman. He was one of her childhood friends, and she hasn't seen him since she left for College four years ago. This summer he's back in town and all grown up -- sweet, handsome, and completely smitten with Clover.
At first, she thinks a harmless summer fling is the perfect reward for her hard work at school. But as the summer continues and their romance grows, Jake challenges everything she thought she knew about herself and her plans. When the end of summer comes, Clover is forced to evaluate what she really wants, but can she find a way to write Jake into her life?
Except for Jake Feldman. He was one of her childhood friends, and she hasn't seen him since she left for College four years ago. This summer he's back in town and all grown up -- sweet, handsome, and completely smitten with Clover.
At first, she thinks a harmless summer fling is the perfect reward for her hard work at school. But as the summer continues and their romance grows, Jake challenges everything she thought she knew about herself and her plans. When the end of summer comes, Clover is forced to evaluate what she really wants, but can she find a way to write Jake into her life?
Unknown Binding
First published August 31, 2013
3 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Braxton Cole
7 books155 followersBraxton Cole lives in the Pacific Northwest where she spends most of her time holed up in her office writing stories. When she’s not writing, she can be found riding her bike, hiking the fabulous local trails, chasing her kids, or wishing that her thumb was a little more green. She has a bad habit of killing what she tries to grow, but hasn’t given up hopes of one day being a successful urban farmer.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2015
Major plus for the adorable virgin hero!!
Not a 5 star read because the writing was a little dull for me, and that HFN ending didn't leave me feeling complete and content with where we are leaving them off.
Safety gang:
Not a 5 star read because the writing was a little dull for me, and that HFN ending didn't leave me feeling complete and content with where we are leaving them off.
Safety gang:
May 4, 2015
One of those beautiful romances where its all about the journey. As an NA romance it was also about young people figuring out what they want to do, their relationship with their parental figures, sex etc.
I LOVED that the H was a virgin, given his background ( his parents hated each other , but married bcos his mom got pregnant with him) it felt right. We also see how from childhood the H crushed on the h, the h was kind to him though she didn't really notice him that way being three years older than him and given that H hung out with her younger brother.
The H was so mature for his years, given his shitty upbringing, kind, protective, charming, genuine and I loved that the h saw him finally and realised how special he was. Plus he was hot!
The book was low angst, sexy and just adorable - without being all syrupy sweet, I just know I'm going to be rereading it a lot in the future for the good vibes I'm feeling now after the read.
A sweet 5 stars!
I LOVED that the H was a virgin, given his background ( his parents hated each other , but married bcos his mom got pregnant with him) it felt right. We also see how from childhood the H crushed on the h, the h was kind to him though she didn't really notice him that way being three years older than him and given that H hung out with her younger brother.
The H was so mature for his years, given his shitty upbringing, kind, protective, charming, genuine and I loved that the h saw him finally and realised how special he was. Plus he was hot!
The book was low angst, sexy and just adorable - without being all syrupy sweet, I just know I'm going to be rereading it a lot in the future for the good vibes I'm feeling now after the read.
A sweet 5 stars!
February 28, 2015
3.5 Stars
Braxton brings us a sweet story about childhood crushes and first time loves. Clover will that will take you on a journey over year between one boy who had his heart taken by girl at such a young age and never got it back.
Clover grew up in a small town with her father and younger brother; she was always wise beyond her years and always knew that she wanted a bright future away from the fields of country that surrounded her growing up. Never paying attention to boys growing up she focused on school and reading. She is smart and funny and knows exactly where she is going in life.
Jake spent his summers as a child being shipped off to his Aunts farm in middle of nowhere USA. He was such an unhappy kid, not having the greatest parents in the world that never showed him love and always yelled. Over the years going to his Aunts was his haven away from the yelling and neglect he received from his parents but he never understood why he wasn’t good enough and why they didn’t love him. Like most young kids Jake fell for “the girl next door” who just happened to be a few years old but from the moment he saw Clover he knew that she was the one. He spent his summer following her and trying to be near her, hoping that maybe one day her eyes would finally open and she would finally see him.
Clover is not a little girl anyone – 22 years old now and visiting her father and younger brother right before she starts her masters she runs into Jake and well let’s just say Jake is not the same tall skinny scrawny kid he was when they were growing up. Even though he is 3 years younger than him he is all male from his thick jaw, to his bulging biceps, to his rock hard stomach and his thick muscled thighs he is heaven on a stick and Clover wants a taste.
The chemistry between Clover and Jake is explosive – I guess after knowing someone forever but really finally seeing them will make you feel things and think things you never thought you would. The relationship blossoms and unfolds quickly. There is something about Jake that Clover can’t get enough of and Clover has always owned Jakes heart but he is scared because she is all woman and even though he is 19 there are things that he isn’t sure he is ready for!
Clover and Jake know that their romance is short lived with the summer winding down. After all Clover will be heading off back to Portland for school and Jake will return to his 2nd year of college in Salem. As the time starts to tick by faster than either would like you watch them struggle with what to do. Clover never gives up on anything she starts but she starts questioning what she wants now. Jake has always grown up thinking he isn’t good enough – to this day he feels like he can’t give Clover everything she deserves and needs and letting her go and walking away from her will probably be best. Then there is their love for each other – it’s natural and real, passionate which makes it so much harder to say goodbye.
Will Clover walk away from Jake in August and return to school to finish her dream or will Jake become her new passion – her new dream? After giving his heart to Clover years and years ago will he be able to get it back and tell her good-bye before leaving the farm back to his real life or will he fight for her, for them and prove to himself that despite everything he knew growing up that he is good enough for her, he can love her enough, he can give her everything she needs to be happy?
Read and find out! Cute, cute story Braxton – thank you for letting me experience Clove and Jake!
Braxton brings us a sweet story about childhood crushes and first time loves. Clover will that will take you on a journey over year between one boy who had his heart taken by girl at such a young age and never got it back.
Clover grew up in a small town with her father and younger brother; she was always wise beyond her years and always knew that she wanted a bright future away from the fields of country that surrounded her growing up. Never paying attention to boys growing up she focused on school and reading. She is smart and funny and knows exactly where she is going in life.
Jake spent his summers as a child being shipped off to his Aunts farm in middle of nowhere USA. He was such an unhappy kid, not having the greatest parents in the world that never showed him love and always yelled. Over the years going to his Aunts was his haven away from the yelling and neglect he received from his parents but he never understood why he wasn’t good enough and why they didn’t love him. Like most young kids Jake fell for “the girl next door” who just happened to be a few years old but from the moment he saw Clover he knew that she was the one. He spent his summer following her and trying to be near her, hoping that maybe one day her eyes would finally open and she would finally see him.
Clover is not a little girl anyone – 22 years old now and visiting her father and younger brother right before she starts her masters she runs into Jake and well let’s just say Jake is not the same tall skinny scrawny kid he was when they were growing up. Even though he is 3 years younger than him he is all male from his thick jaw, to his bulging biceps, to his rock hard stomach and his thick muscled thighs he is heaven on a stick and Clover wants a taste.
The chemistry between Clover and Jake is explosive – I guess after knowing someone forever but really finally seeing them will make you feel things and think things you never thought you would. The relationship blossoms and unfolds quickly. There is something about Jake that Clover can’t get enough of and Clover has always owned Jakes heart but he is scared because she is all woman and even though he is 19 there are things that he isn’t sure he is ready for!
Clover and Jake know that their romance is short lived with the summer winding down. After all Clover will be heading off back to Portland for school and Jake will return to his 2nd year of college in Salem. As the time starts to tick by faster than either would like you watch them struggle with what to do. Clover never gives up on anything she starts but she starts questioning what she wants now. Jake has always grown up thinking he isn’t good enough – to this day he feels like he can’t give Clover everything she deserves and needs and letting her go and walking away from her will probably be best. Then there is their love for each other – it’s natural and real, passionate which makes it so much harder to say goodbye.
Will Clover walk away from Jake in August and return to school to finish her dream or will Jake become her new passion – her new dream? After giving his heart to Clover years and years ago will he be able to get it back and tell her good-bye before leaving the farm back to his real life or will he fight for her, for them and prove to himself that despite everything he knew growing up that he is good enough for her, he can love her enough, he can give her everything she needs to be happy?
Read and find out! Cute, cute story Braxton – thank you for letting me experience Clove and Jake!
September 2, 2013
Jake I loved him right off, I mean seriously what is not to love about him, he's even a smartass, "well, I know you. Clover Watson, resident hottie, smarty pants, and lifeguard." He might be inexperienced in some things, but ladies he's ALL man, "Jesus." He let his hands drift down to her hips and tightened his hold. He didn't want her to move any more than she did. "This. You. Here." I also liked being in his mind, "so what if he ended up spending more time watching Clover than swimming?" Clover, she's I guess you can say confused loves what she has with Jake, but yet has a plan about what to do with her life, and I really admired that, and in their relationship you can see how much they truly care for each other, "Jake, I love every moment we have together. I love that you let me touch you. I love that you trust me enough to share what we just shared. It wasn't dirty. It was beautiful." I really wouldn't mind a follow up story with these two, as I thought the book ended a tad bit early.
August 31, 2015
May contain Spoilers!
Sweet and cute but it was just ok for me. Her(h)idk I couldn't get into her character. Oddly her mentioning about her past boyfriend several times irritated me lol When H mentions things he did in the past didn't bother me as much as hers did! H was such a sweetheart I loved him and that's why I gave 3 stars. I needed an epilogue . H agrees to move with her so she can finish school ,they have sex for the first time and that's it it ends:/
Safe with the exception of both of them telling us how far they gone with others. h had sex with her bf and not sure with anyone else . she also says how he fingered her(but isn't detailed). H says how girls have given him bj and how he loved when they would come on his fingers.H is a virgin.
Sweet and cute but it was just ok for me. Her(h)idk I couldn't get into her character. Oddly her mentioning about her past boyfriend several times irritated me lol When H mentions things he did in the past didn't bother me as much as hers did! H was such a sweetheart I loved him and that's why I gave 3 stars. I needed an epilogue . H agrees to move with her so she can finish school ,they have sex for the first time and that's it it ends:/
Safe with the exception of both of them telling us how far they gone with others. h had sex with her bf and not sure with anyone else . she also says how he fingered her(but isn't detailed). H says how girls have given him bj and how he loved when they would come on his fingers.H is a virgin.
September 22, 2013
Review to come
September 12, 2013
If you're looking for your next beach read then Braxton Cole's "Clover" could quite possibly be it. Although it touches on a couple of very serious subject matters (abuse and sexual harassment), these do not form the basis of the story.
This book is a love story and for Jake, his love for Clover had spanned years, for Clover, she was just after a summer time fling, someone to keep her occupied until she went back to college in Portland. Never in a million years would she have put that someone as Jake, the little, gangly boy who would come visit his aunt each summer and who had befriended her younger brother RJ. Yup, it seemed that Jake had grown up into quite a hottie and the three year age gap between them seemed very insignificant all of a sudden (lol):
For Jake this was so much more than fling though:
I was really surprised at the role reversal in this book. I'm so used to seeing vulnerable, innocent, even a little naive female leads, that seeing the male take on this character definitely made me do a double take. It was Jake who seemed a little inexperienced in life. He seemed innocent to a degree but also quite vulnerable but I think that was mainly due to his home life and his pig of a father. He hadn't had the best upbringing and the initial chapter where he was dropped off at his aunts house for the first time as a child was heart breaking to read.
Jake had taken a shine to Clover from a very early age and as the years went by, it soon developed into a crush which then developed into full blown love. He'd wanted her for as long as he could remember and now he finally had her. It was so cute to read. Because the book was told from both the past and the present, I was able to see how this affection had developed over time and it was adorable to read at times. All the little things he did just so she'd notice him:
I knew this fling was never going to remain a just that and from quite early on in the summer, I could see Clover's feelings growing. Jake was so kind, caring and most definitely protective of his lady but Clover... she felt she was old enough to deal with what life had to throw at her, including her pervy boss. In terms of sex, Jake had wanted to save himself for someone special. He wasn't looking for HEA but he wanted to make sure he was in love. Clover was definitely more experienced in this field and took the lead when it came to their sexual encounters, never rushing him but more, teaching him. For some reason, there were times where I still saw Jake as really young, where although he was a man (a very good looking one at that), his innocence shone through which made me feel like he was much younger than he actually was.
This was a light hearted, cute, young love, love story which was easy to read. It could be read in one sitting which is exactly what I did on my holiday sat on the beach. My one bug bare is that it was told in third person and for me, this took away some of that connection I get from my characters and the story line.
There were a couple of moments where my heart hurt, especially Jake's initial summer at his aunts and also, reading about his home life, but overall, it was an enjoyable love story with a HEA.
I have rated "Clover" 3 Hearts
This book is a love story and for Jake, his love for Clover had spanned years, for Clover, she was just after a summer time fling, someone to keep her occupied until she went back to college in Portland. Never in a million years would she have put that someone as Jake, the little, gangly boy who would come visit his aunt each summer and who had befriended her younger brother RJ. Yup, it seemed that Jake had grown up into quite a hottie and the three year age gap between them seemed very insignificant all of a sudden (lol):
Damn this girl was sexier than ever. Why she'd decided to pay attention to Jake when she'd been oblivious to him before was a complete unknown.
For Jake this was so much more than fling though:
He'd fallen helplessly in love with her when he was still too young to know what love really was. But they'd been kids and what does a kid know about true love?
I was really surprised at the role reversal in this book. I'm so used to seeing vulnerable, innocent, even a little naive female leads, that seeing the male take on this character definitely made me do a double take. It was Jake who seemed a little inexperienced in life. He seemed innocent to a degree but also quite vulnerable but I think that was mainly due to his home life and his pig of a father. He hadn't had the best upbringing and the initial chapter where he was dropped off at his aunts house for the first time as a child was heart breaking to read.
Jake had taken a shine to Clover from a very early age and as the years went by, it soon developed into a crush which then developed into full blown love. He'd wanted her for as long as he could remember and now he finally had her. It was so cute to read. Because the book was told from both the past and the present, I was able to see how this affection had developed over time and it was adorable to read at times. All the little things he did just so she'd notice him:
He ran back and returned the candy bar to the shelf. He wasn't about to explain that he put it back on the off chance that she'd actually notice him if his muscles were bigger. He'd start working out with the set of free weights that his aunt had kept in the basement as soon as he got back to her place.
I knew this fling was never going to remain a just that and from quite early on in the summer, I could see Clover's feelings growing. Jake was so kind, caring and most definitely protective of his lady but Clover... she felt she was old enough to deal with what life had to throw at her, including her pervy boss. In terms of sex, Jake had wanted to save himself for someone special. He wasn't looking for HEA but he wanted to make sure he was in love. Clover was definitely more experienced in this field and took the lead when it came to their sexual encounters, never rushing him but more, teaching him. For some reason, there were times where I still saw Jake as really young, where although he was a man (a very good looking one at that), his innocence shone through which made me feel like he was much younger than he actually was.
This was a light hearted, cute, young love, love story which was easy to read. It could be read in one sitting which is exactly what I did on my holiday sat on the beach. My one bug bare is that it was told in third person and for me, this took away some of that connection I get from my characters and the story line.
There were a couple of moments where my heart hurt, especially Jake's initial summer at his aunts and also, reading about his home life, but overall, it was an enjoyable love story with a HEA.
"I'm asking for you Jake. I'm asking for the way you make me feel, like I really matter. You see me. Not my daddy's money. Not test scores. Me. And I don't ever want to give that up."
I have rated "Clover" 3 Hearts
September 24, 2013
4.5 sweet falling in love for the first time stars!
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Heat Rating: SCORCHING (and sweetly innocent at the same time)
Braxton Cole is one of those writers that can truly write anything! I LOVED Clover! It was VERY different from her previous novellas (which I love in all their dirty, sexy, hot goodness). Clover is a book that reminds you of what it felt like to fall in love for the first time, the anxiousness, the confusion, the sweetness and the romance of that love all really shined in this book. This story has a sweet, almost innocence to it while at the same time delivering a good heat level and an INCREDIBLE story about two people seeing each other in a new way one summer day.
Jake and Clover, what a great pair! Braxton Cole does many things well, but my favorite thing about her writing is how real and approachable her characters are. She created such an easy story to fall into and swim around it, that is was really hard to leave these characters at the end (I would LOVE to see a novella or another book about what happens after the last pages of this story). Jake, is a nineteen year old who has always been in love with the girl next door (over the summer). Every year he is just a friend of Clover's brother, until this summer, when something sparks and Clover finally takes notice of Jake. Clover is the "older" woman at twenty-two, who is home only for the summer before she leaves again for school. She isn't looking for anything but to work, have fun stay focused on her goal of graduate school in the fall. Then she sees Jake again after four years and the sparks fly. I really liked that Clover didn't get hung up on the age difference and both characters really stayed true to themselves and didn't have to change to be with each other. My only critique is that I wish we could have seen more of Jake's background when he wasn't on the farm in the summer and I felt like there was more going on with Clover's dad than was explained (small nosey quirk of mine to have to know everything).
I love stories about unrequited love finally getting their chance and this story about it is done very well! Clover is a beautiful story about two young people discovering this new "grown up" version of each other and learning how love can sneak in when you least expect it. There is no angst, no crazy drama and no chaotic emotional roller coaster for the reader to get throw around in, with Clover you get to witness Jake and Clover take their time falling into love and taking that step from friends to lovers. Don't get me wrong, as romantic and sweet as this book is, we are still reading a Braxton Cole novel so there is delicious tension and sexual creativity to steam up your Kindle!
Braxton Cole knocks another one out of the park. Clover grabbed me by the heart, kept the pacing perfect and made my heart sigh with pleasure. There are no too many New Adult books out now that I can personally relate to (and I am fine with that) but Clover let me remember those great summer romances, those feelings, those butterflies and that wonderful sense of just being in love (and it was fun to travel down memory lane with Jake and Clover). I really, really enjoyed this book and if you are looking for a fantastic story with great characters that will leave you wanting summer to never end, then 1-click this book today! You can never go wrong buying a Braxton Cole book, she is my automatically-buy-as-soon-as-I-can-author (and she should be yours too). Enjoy the last bits of summer with Clover and Jake.
Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Heat Rating: SCORCHING (and sweetly innocent at the same time)
Braxton Cole is one of those writers that can truly write anything! I LOVED Clover! It was VERY different from her previous novellas (which I love in all their dirty, sexy, hot goodness). Clover is a book that reminds you of what it felt like to fall in love for the first time, the anxiousness, the confusion, the sweetness and the romance of that love all really shined in this book. This story has a sweet, almost innocence to it while at the same time delivering a good heat level and an INCREDIBLE story about two people seeing each other in a new way one summer day.
Jake and Clover, what a great pair! Braxton Cole does many things well, but my favorite thing about her writing is how real and approachable her characters are. She created such an easy story to fall into and swim around it, that is was really hard to leave these characters at the end (I would LOVE to see a novella or another book about what happens after the last pages of this story). Jake, is a nineteen year old who has always been in love with the girl next door (over the summer). Every year he is just a friend of Clover's brother, until this summer, when something sparks and Clover finally takes notice of Jake. Clover is the "older" woman at twenty-two, who is home only for the summer before she leaves again for school. She isn't looking for anything but to work, have fun stay focused on her goal of graduate school in the fall. Then she sees Jake again after four years and the sparks fly. I really liked that Clover didn't get hung up on the age difference and both characters really stayed true to themselves and didn't have to change to be with each other. My only critique is that I wish we could have seen more of Jake's background when he wasn't on the farm in the summer and I felt like there was more going on with Clover's dad than was explained (small nosey quirk of mine to have to know everything).
I love stories about unrequited love finally getting their chance and this story about it is done very well! Clover is a beautiful story about two young people discovering this new "grown up" version of each other and learning how love can sneak in when you least expect it. There is no angst, no crazy drama and no chaotic emotional roller coaster for the reader to get throw around in, with Clover you get to witness Jake and Clover take their time falling into love and taking that step from friends to lovers. Don't get me wrong, as romantic and sweet as this book is, we are still reading a Braxton Cole novel so there is delicious tension and sexual creativity to steam up your Kindle!
Braxton Cole knocks another one out of the park. Clover grabbed me by the heart, kept the pacing perfect and made my heart sigh with pleasure. There are no too many New Adult books out now that I can personally relate to (and I am fine with that) but Clover let me remember those great summer romances, those feelings, those butterflies and that wonderful sense of just being in love (and it was fun to travel down memory lane with Jake and Clover). I really, really enjoyed this book and if you are looking for a fantastic story with great characters that will leave you wanting summer to never end, then 1-click this book today! You can never go wrong buying a Braxton Cole book, she is my automatically-buy-as-soon-as-I-can-author (and she should be yours too). Enjoy the last bits of summer with Clover and Jake.
September 24, 2013
Clover Watson is driven, focused, and home for the summer working her old job until she is to return to school in the fall for her graduate degree at University of Portland. She doesn’t expect to run into Jake Feldman when her car breaks down on the side of the road, but the man he is today is not the man she remembers him being over the years.
Clover has always thought of Jake as her little brother’s friend, never giving him a second glance or thought until this summer when he returns to visit his aunt like he always does a nineteen year old man who is not the small child she remembers him as but a man that she is highly attracted to and wants to have a go at more than anything.
Clover isn’t looking for anything serious since she will be leaving in a month, but Jake wants more than just a casual fling with Clover since he has adored her since as long as he can remember. Her being three years older than he is, never thought of him as anything but a younger friend who spent more time with R.J. than anything else so she’s surprised when she wants to be more than friends with him. Jake helps Clover more than she can ever imagine putting her new boss at the pool where she works in his place when he tries to make a pass at Clover.
As Jake and Clover discover their passion for one another through touching and feeling one another, Clover begins to discover that she has feelings for Jake as well but with the summer coming to an end and both of them preparing to return to their schools for the upcoming school year can Clover find a place in her heart for Jake? Will Clover’s dad be able to accept Jake as her daughter’s boyfriend or will be think that Clover deserves someone better in her life?
I had mixed feelings about this book. I have read all of Braxton’s previous work and for me this story while it was sweet and enjoyable was not what I really expected to be reading. For me I will always think of Braxton’s work as passionate and erotic and this one was a far cry from that. Don’t get me wrong it was a great story that led up to great passion between Jake and Clover, it just lacked for me the same feelings that Blown and The List series have done for me. I look forward to reading more of Braxton’s work in the future but unfortunately for me this one fell a bit short, 3.5 stars.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review***
Clover has always thought of Jake as her little brother’s friend, never giving him a second glance or thought until this summer when he returns to visit his aunt like he always does a nineteen year old man who is not the small child she remembers him as but a man that she is highly attracted to and wants to have a go at more than anything.
Clover isn’t looking for anything serious since she will be leaving in a month, but Jake wants more than just a casual fling with Clover since he has adored her since as long as he can remember. Her being three years older than he is, never thought of him as anything but a younger friend who spent more time with R.J. than anything else so she’s surprised when she wants to be more than friends with him. Jake helps Clover more than she can ever imagine putting her new boss at the pool where she works in his place when he tries to make a pass at Clover.
As Jake and Clover discover their passion for one another through touching and feeling one another, Clover begins to discover that she has feelings for Jake as well but with the summer coming to an end and both of them preparing to return to their schools for the upcoming school year can Clover find a place in her heart for Jake? Will Clover’s dad be able to accept Jake as her daughter’s boyfriend or will be think that Clover deserves someone better in her life?
I had mixed feelings about this book. I have read all of Braxton’s previous work and for me this story while it was sweet and enjoyable was not what I really expected to be reading. For me I will always think of Braxton’s work as passionate and erotic and this one was a far cry from that. Don’t get me wrong it was a great story that led up to great passion between Jake and Clover, it just lacked for me the same feelings that Blown and The List series have done for me. I look forward to reading more of Braxton’s work in the future but unfortunately for me this one fell a bit short, 3.5 stars.
***ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review***
November 11, 2013
4.5
I'm gonna tell you a secret...I rarely read blurbs any more. I go solely on past reading experiences with an author or close friends who's opinions I trust. After reading Blown I didn't need any convincing to pick up Clover. And I'm glad I did.
We get to spend a summer falling in love with Clover Watson and Jake Feldman. Jake has crushed on and been in love with Clover since he first laid eyes on her, despite her being three years older. But for Clover he was always the neighbor kid who was friends with her baby brother and spent the summers with his Aunt. It's not until Clover is home for the summer, after college, that she sees the boy she knew has grown into quite the desirable man. Their history together only strengthens their romance and allows them to see if what they feel is just a summer fling or will survive them each going back to the lives they left behind. It's a summer of counting down the days and wishing the end would never come. Clover's plan is to go back to Portland to start a Masters program while Jake is to go home to his parents in Salem and community college.
There are moments of doubt for Jake as he pushes down feelings of inadequacy, not believing his luck that Clover finally would want to be with him, that she's in a league he'll never be apart of. The thing is, never, not once does Clover ever see that. Even when she's not ready to voice her love for Jake she always makes sure to tell him and show him just how important he truly is to her.
During the course of the book you spend the summer in the present with Clover and Jake but you also spend the past nine summers in flash back chapters that show the reader who they were as children and the lives they led, where they came from and how they became who they were to each other. This is vitally important because in the present there is a force threatening Clover that exposes a dark secret in Jake's past.
I genuinely loved all of these characters and their story. I however wanted so much more. The ending both satisfied me and left me feeling like wait what's next? I had a few questions left unanswered and struggle with even if they are that important to answer because in the end Jake and Clover got their moment and that's all I truly wanted.
I'm gonna tell you a secret...I rarely read blurbs any more. I go solely on past reading experiences with an author or close friends who's opinions I trust. After reading Blown I didn't need any convincing to pick up Clover. And I'm glad I did.
We get to spend a summer falling in love with Clover Watson and Jake Feldman. Jake has crushed on and been in love with Clover since he first laid eyes on her, despite her being three years older. But for Clover he was always the neighbor kid who was friends with her baby brother and spent the summers with his Aunt. It's not until Clover is home for the summer, after college, that she sees the boy she knew has grown into quite the desirable man. Their history together only strengthens their romance and allows them to see if what they feel is just a summer fling or will survive them each going back to the lives they left behind. It's a summer of counting down the days and wishing the end would never come. Clover's plan is to go back to Portland to start a Masters program while Jake is to go home to his parents in Salem and community college.
There are moments of doubt for Jake as he pushes down feelings of inadequacy, not believing his luck that Clover finally would want to be with him, that she's in a league he'll never be apart of. The thing is, never, not once does Clover ever see that. Even when she's not ready to voice her love for Jake she always makes sure to tell him and show him just how important he truly is to her.
During the course of the book you spend the summer in the present with Clover and Jake but you also spend the past nine summers in flash back chapters that show the reader who they were as children and the lives they led, where they came from and how they became who they were to each other. This is vitally important because in the present there is a force threatening Clover that exposes a dark secret in Jake's past.
I genuinely loved all of these characters and their story. I however wanted so much more. The ending both satisfied me and left me feeling like wait what's next? I had a few questions left unanswered and struggle with even if they are that important to answer because in the end Jake and Clover got their moment and that's all I truly wanted.
September 4, 2013
I have to say this is totally different from Braxton's novella's. Don't get me wrong I still loved it.
This is some what of a story about 2 people from different sides of the tracks. That being said it doesn't stop them from getting what they want.
Jake and Clover knew each other from when Jake started going to his Aunt Tammy's house for the summer. Clover and her brother R.J where Tammy's neighbors. Each summer would bring different adventures for the trio. With each summer they got older and with getting older Jake became aware of Clover. Clover being the typical teenager didn't see Jake how Jake saw Clover. Well not until this last summer. Clover's car broke down. Her and R.J had to walk it. Along comes Jake who Clover didn't recognize until he told her who he was. He grew up, he was toned, tanned and sexy. That day their friendship blossomed into something great.
They took things slow, didn't rush, they talked about their feelings for one another. Jake was a man and stood up for Clover when she needed him. All this time with Jake made Clover realize that she loved him from when they were kids.
I loved this story. How they had history of growing up together granted it was just the summers. But they saw how each other grew through the years. Jake became a man. Clover a woman with determination. Like I said in the beginning of my review this is totally different from Braxton's novellas. There is romance just not erotic. I love romance though. I did have tears form a few times and I laughed a few times. Jake and Clovers story seemed like I was watching it play out in front of me. The situations they were in and the outcome from them. The ending was great I just wished Braxton didn't end it like that LOL!! How did she end it? You have read Clover and find out for yourself.
This is some what of a story about 2 people from different sides of the tracks. That being said it doesn't stop them from getting what they want.
Jake and Clover knew each other from when Jake started going to his Aunt Tammy's house for the summer. Clover and her brother R.J where Tammy's neighbors. Each summer would bring different adventures for the trio. With each summer they got older and with getting older Jake became aware of Clover. Clover being the typical teenager didn't see Jake how Jake saw Clover. Well not until this last summer. Clover's car broke down. Her and R.J had to walk it. Along comes Jake who Clover didn't recognize until he told her who he was. He grew up, he was toned, tanned and sexy. That day their friendship blossomed into something great.
They took things slow, didn't rush, they talked about their feelings for one another. Jake was a man and stood up for Clover when she needed him. All this time with Jake made Clover realize that she loved him from when they were kids.
I loved this story. How they had history of growing up together granted it was just the summers. But they saw how each other grew through the years. Jake became a man. Clover a woman with determination. Like I said in the beginning of my review this is totally different from Braxton's novellas. There is romance just not erotic. I love romance though. I did have tears form a few times and I laughed a few times. Jake and Clovers story seemed like I was watching it play out in front of me. The situations they were in and the outcome from them. The ending was great I just wished Braxton didn't end it like that LOL!! How did she end it? You have read Clover and find out for yourself.
October 30, 2013
What a nice find for me...sugar rush indeed...very sweet and not in a cheesy way at all.
This book and its main characters have a great balance like yin and yang. Eventhough Clover (female lead character) was the "older" woman but she's in a way very much naive in the harsh facts of life while Jake (a great contender for best book boyfriend) doesn't foray much into sex (not a player or manwhore) but he is the "adult and mature" where it counts.
I do get it why Jake isn't clear of what he wants to be in his life (in terms of Uni major and career choice) because his main focal point through out his life so far is to not turn like his parent(s) in anyway whatsoever.
The intertwined stories between the past and present is beautifully presented in this book without making the readers attention depart from the current issue but to drive the point and strengthen it further. And served as a strong foundation between our main characters.
However, I would still greatly welcome Jake's backstory more because he is a man with a few words but his thoughts are so poetically beautiful, pure and intense. And considering the way he turned out to be the man he is now with such a hard and harsh environment that would really make me feel "more" to his character as well as rooting for him to just be "Happy" as his wish/dream.
The female lead - one of the handful books where her characterization doesn't make me want to write a few paragraphs to "Bitch Slap" the character. I love the fact that she knows who she is and what she wants. And love doesn't suddenly make her having personality transplant.
I wish the book is longer since I would love to know how their (Jake and Clover) lives pan out in Portland.
One of the great read for 2013 and definitely a keeper.
4.5 rating
This book and its main characters have a great balance like yin and yang. Eventhough Clover (female lead character) was the "older" woman but she's in a way very much naive in the harsh facts of life while Jake (a great contender for best book boyfriend) doesn't foray much into sex (not a player or manwhore) but he is the "adult and mature" where it counts.
I do get it why Jake isn't clear of what he wants to be in his life (in terms of Uni major and career choice) because his main focal point through out his life so far is to not turn like his parent(s) in anyway whatsoever.
The intertwined stories between the past and present is beautifully presented in this book without making the readers attention depart from the current issue but to drive the point and strengthen it further. And served as a strong foundation between our main characters.
However, I would still greatly welcome Jake's backstory more because he is a man with a few words but his thoughts are so poetically beautiful, pure and intense. And considering the way he turned out to be the man he is now with such a hard and harsh environment that would really make me feel "more" to his character as well as rooting for him to just be "Happy" as his wish/dream.
The female lead - one of the handful books where her characterization doesn't make me want to write a few paragraphs to "Bitch Slap" the character. I love the fact that she knows who she is and what she wants. And love doesn't suddenly make her having personality transplant.
I wish the book is longer since I would love to know how their (Jake and Clover) lives pan out in Portland.
One of the great read for 2013 and definitely a keeper.
4.5 rating
December 6, 2013
Review by Irene
5 Stars*****
I have to say this is totally different from Braxton's novella's. Don't get me wrong I still loved it.
This is some what of a story about 2 people from different sides of the tracks. That being said it doesn't stop them from getting what they want.
Jake and Clover knew each other from when Jake started going to his Aunt Tammy's house for the summer. Clover and her brother R.J where Tammy's neighbors. Each summer would bring different adventures for the trio. With each summer they got older and with getting older Jake became aware of Clover. Clover being the typical teenager didn't see Jake how Jake saw Clover. Well not until this last summer. Clover's car broke down. Her and R.J had to walk it. Along comes Jake who Clover didn't recognize until he told her who he was. He grew up, he was toned, tanned and sexy. That day their friendship blossomed into something great.
They took things slow, didn't rush, they talked about their feelings for one another. Jake was a man and stood up for Clover when she needed him. All this time with Jake made Clover realize that she loved him from when they were kids.
I loved this story. How they had history of growing up together granted it was just the summers. But they saw how each other grew through the years. Jake became a man. Clover a woman with determination. Like I said in the beginning of my review this is totally different from Braxton's novellas. There is romance just not erotic. I love romance though. I did have tears form a few times and I laughed a few times. Jake and Clovers story seemed like I was watching it play out in front of me. The situations they were in and the outcome from them. The ending was great I just wished Braxton didn't end it like that LOL!! How did she end it? You have read Clover and find out for yourself.
5 Stars*****
I have to say this is totally different from Braxton's novella's. Don't get me wrong I still loved it.
This is some what of a story about 2 people from different sides of the tracks. That being said it doesn't stop them from getting what they want.
Jake and Clover knew each other from when Jake started going to his Aunt Tammy's house for the summer. Clover and her brother R.J where Tammy's neighbors. Each summer would bring different adventures for the trio. With each summer they got older and with getting older Jake became aware of Clover. Clover being the typical teenager didn't see Jake how Jake saw Clover. Well not until this last summer. Clover's car broke down. Her and R.J had to walk it. Along comes Jake who Clover didn't recognize until he told her who he was. He grew up, he was toned, tanned and sexy. That day their friendship blossomed into something great.
They took things slow, didn't rush, they talked about their feelings for one another. Jake was a man and stood up for Clover when she needed him. All this time with Jake made Clover realize that she loved him from when they were kids.
I loved this story. How they had history of growing up together granted it was just the summers. But they saw how each other grew through the years. Jake became a man. Clover a woman with determination. Like I said in the beginning of my review this is totally different from Braxton's novellas. There is romance just not erotic. I love romance though. I did have tears form a few times and I laughed a few times. Jake and Clovers story seemed like I was watching it play out in front of me. The situations they were in and the outcome from them. The ending was great I just wished Braxton didn't end it like that LOL!! How did she end it? You have read Clover and find out for yourself.
December 30, 2013
Okay. This story was ADORABLE!!! I needed this. It was differen't. For once a male virgin! I have not read one of those yet, so I was VERY excited. The only thing that annoyed the crap outta me what every chapter it went from 8 years ago, 7, 6, etc. That got annoying. Especially when you got into a chapter and then BAM it goes to when they were kids, then next chapter back into the heat of the moment. That was a bit annoying. But other than that, I LOVED this story. Jake and Clover have known each other since they were kids and they grow up together over the summers and when she comes back from college her and Jake hit it off and start up a romance, he is a sweetheart. He opens does, says "yes, sir." he doesn't try to force or push Clover even though SHE is the experienced one. He wants HIS first time to be special, so he doesn't want to rush it. And damn, the scenes they had was HOT and perfect. Loved every minute. Some stuff happens and Jake is the perfect gentlemen, he takes care of his lady. Jakes also goes through some stuff and struggles and it makes him into the man he is. He is a sweetheart and it was a breath of fresh air. I really loved this story. It was sweet. They get their HEA also. But I hope for more maybe one day. At least one more. Very good read.
Some quotes I love:
"What do you want me to do? Climb the man like a mountain and plant a flag?"
"I'm asking for you, Jake. I'm asking for the way you make me feel, like I really matter. You see me. Not my dad's money. Not my test scores. Me. And I don't ever want to give that up."
"Smart enough to know we belong together. "
"I'd go anywhere to be with you."
Some quotes I love:
"What do you want me to do? Climb the man like a mountain and plant a flag?"
"I'm asking for you, Jake. I'm asking for the way you make me feel, like I really matter. You see me. Not my dad's money. Not my test scores. Me. And I don't ever want to give that up."
"Smart enough to know we belong together. "
"I'd go anywhere to be with you."
September 23, 2013
Clover.... Clover...... Clover is one of the most amazing stories I have read this year! I love me some Braxton Cole but dam she outdid herself with this simple romance. I love a good romance every now and then but Jake and Clover is on my top five list for favorite romances.
Clover is a smart girl and knows what she wants and she will stop at nothing to get it. She is determined not to be stuck on her fathers farm. She goes off to college and when she comes home for the summer before she goes off to graduate school her world is about to change. She sees her childhood friend Jake and when she does she does not recognize him because he has grown up and he gets her heart racing.
Jake has spent every summer with his aunt and he has become friends with Clover and her brother. He has always had feelings for Clover but never said anything because he was only there for the summer. But now that Clover is all grown up and home from college Jake wants her and he will stop at nothing to have her. As the summer progresses she and Jake start to develop a friendship that turns into so much more.
They face some things together but with the summer coming to an end will Clover chose Jake or will she chose to leave for college? I have to say this I LOVED the ending it was an EPIC ending and I just wanted to cry and leap into the book!
Clover is a smart girl and knows what she wants and she will stop at nothing to get it. She is determined not to be stuck on her fathers farm. She goes off to college and when she comes home for the summer before she goes off to graduate school her world is about to change. She sees her childhood friend Jake and when she does she does not recognize him because he has grown up and he gets her heart racing.
Jake has spent every summer with his aunt and he has become friends with Clover and her brother. He has always had feelings for Clover but never said anything because he was only there for the summer. But now that Clover is all grown up and home from college Jake wants her and he will stop at nothing to have her. As the summer progresses she and Jake start to develop a friendship that turns into so much more.
They face some things together but with the summer coming to an end will Clover chose Jake or will she chose to leave for college? I have to say this I LOVED the ending it was an EPIC ending and I just wanted to cry and leap into the book!
November 4, 2013
This is my first read by Braxton Cole. This was a short, but sweet read. It was also a nice change. There's no alpha-male and Jake, our hero, was younger than Clover, our heroine. Clover and Jake met when they were younger, when he would spend the summer with his Aunt Tammy who lived next to Clover's family. The story is told through flashbacks and present time, which were great to read from both Jakes and Clover's POV. Through the years you see Jake's growing love for Clover.
The story starts in the present when Jake rescues Clover and her brother when her car breaks down. At first she doesn't recognize him because he's grown up and grown up fine. They're immediately attracted to each other, but he's still very shy around her.
This book made me laugh and smile. Which was just the kind of book I needed after reading lots of books with angst and drama. I want to say so much more, but I don't really want to give anything away and so much I want to say would. You get sucked in immediately and I didn't put it down until it was finished. My one complaint was I would've liked to have an epilogue, but that's because I'm an epilogue hoe! I'm definitely going to be checking out more of Braxton's books.
Review by Rachel
**Free copy provided for an honest review**
For more reviews visit welovekink(dot)com
The story starts in the present when Jake rescues Clover and her brother when her car breaks down. At first she doesn't recognize him because he's grown up and grown up fine. They're immediately attracted to each other, but he's still very shy around her.
This book made me laugh and smile. Which was just the kind of book I needed after reading lots of books with angst and drama. I want to say so much more, but I don't really want to give anything away and so much I want to say would. You get sucked in immediately and I didn't put it down until it was finished. My one complaint was I would've liked to have an epilogue, but that's because I'm an epilogue hoe! I'm definitely going to be checking out more of Braxton's books.
Review by Rachel
**Free copy provided for an honest review**
For more reviews visit welovekink(dot)com
September 27, 2013
First let me apologise for my post being late. It’s late for one reason and one reason only, I didn’t want it to end! Clover is a tender love story that starts from a young friendship and over the summer years blossoms into a loving and tender relationship. There’s non of today’s smut in it, which was a refreshing change.
I enjoyed how the author, Braxton, wrote the book. The first chapter started off in the present day with Clover and her brother J.R. meeting childhood friend Jake, the next chapter sent you back 8 years for the background of how the children meet and how their friendship bloomed over the summer holidays. Then back to the present day but this’d in was no way confusing, Every time you went “back” it was a year less until it caught up with the present time. I enjoyed getting to know each character both as their own and as a small group of friends.
It was a well put together book or Novella as it stated and I’m pretty sure it could have been a full length book if the story had continued from where it ended. I would love to know what happens to the couple and if Jake ever had THAT conversation with Clovers Dad *cringe*
I will defiantly be buying more of Braxton’s books!
~Nicola~
***This book was given free for an honest review***
I enjoyed how the author, Braxton, wrote the book. The first chapter started off in the present day with Clover and her brother J.R. meeting childhood friend Jake, the next chapter sent you back 8 years for the background of how the children meet and how their friendship bloomed over the summer holidays. Then back to the present day but this’d in was no way confusing, Every time you went “back” it was a year less until it caught up with the present time. I enjoyed getting to know each character both as their own and as a small group of friends.
It was a well put together book or Novella as it stated and I’m pretty sure it could have been a full length book if the story had continued from where it ended. I would love to know what happens to the couple and if Jake ever had THAT conversation with Clovers Dad *cringe*
I will defiantly be buying more of Braxton’s books!
~Nicola~
***This book was given free for an honest review***
September 23, 2013
Clover was my first read from Braxton Cole and it was one of the sweetest reads that I have read in a very long time. The story of Clover and Jake was heart warming, beautiful, and just plain romantic! I couldn't stop smiling throughout the entire thing.
"Clover's lips tasted like forever, like she was the only certain thing in his life, and he kissed her greedily. He wanted to consume every last bit of her."
I enjoyed how this book takes us on a journey of past and present. I feel like adding that aspect in the story gave us a true sense of how Jake's love for Clover was imminent, and even though Jake was younger than Clover, they were always there for each other. Jake wasn't only Clover's brother's friend, but her friend as well. When Clover came back into town and saw Jake all grown up, that friendship came back as well as a little something extra that eventually grew in to the purest of True Love. Reading Clover by Braxton Cole was like taking a breath of fresh air. It is out of the norm of what I usually crave as an avid romance reader, but I enjoyed this very much and will look forward to more great things from this author.
*ARC provided by author
"Clover's lips tasted like forever, like she was the only certain thing in his life, and he kissed her greedily. He wanted to consume every last bit of her."
I enjoyed how this book takes us on a journey of past and present. I feel like adding that aspect in the story gave us a true sense of how Jake's love for Clover was imminent, and even though Jake was younger than Clover, they were always there for each other. Jake wasn't only Clover's brother's friend, but her friend as well. When Clover came back into town and saw Jake all grown up, that friendship came back as well as a little something extra that eventually grew in to the purest of True Love. Reading Clover by Braxton Cole was like taking a breath of fresh air. It is out of the norm of what I usually crave as an avid romance reader, but I enjoyed this very much and will look forward to more great things from this author.
*ARC provided by author
September 30, 2013
I enjoyed how the author, Braxton, wrote the book. The first chapter started off in the present day with Clover and her brother J.R. meeting childhood friend Jake, the next chapter sent you back 8 years for the background of how the children meet and how their friendship bloomed over the summer holidays. Then back to the present day but this’d in was no way confusing, Every time you went “back” it was a year less until it caught up with the present time. I enjoyed getting to know each character both as their own and as a small group of friends.It was a well put together book or Novella as it stated and I’m pretty sure it could have been a full length book if the story had continued from where it ended. I would love to know what happens to the couple and if Jake ever had THAT conversation with Clovers Dad *cringe*I will defiantly be buying more of Braxton’s books!
December 15, 2013
Clover by Braxton Cole is a full-length tale of Clover and Jake and how they first met as children and what happened since.
The story is told in a way that flashes back and forth from present day to the past and back. It helps paint the bigger picture of how each relationship formed amongst the characters in the book. How Brandon fits in, why R.J. and Jake are friends, what the deal is with Jake's parents.
This is one is romantic and slightly steamy, but the point is more of love and the future than making all your girly parts tingle.
I highly recommend this author. This is the fourth book I have read by her and they have all been great. Thoroughly enjoyable!
The story is told in a way that flashes back and forth from present day to the past and back. It helps paint the bigger picture of how each relationship formed amongst the characters in the book. How Brandon fits in, why R.J. and Jake are friends, what the deal is with Jake's parents.
This is one is romantic and slightly steamy, but the point is more of love and the future than making all your girly parts tingle.
I highly recommend this author. This is the fourth book I have read by her and they have all been great. Thoroughly enjoyable!
December 11, 2013
*I received an ARC of this book for my honest review*
Coming home for the summer after her graduation from college , Clover is planning on working a bit before going back to further her studies. She plans on working and then moving back to Portland, nothing else.
Jake, who had come every year to his aunt’s house every summer since he was young, had always had a crush on Clover. Clover had never even noticed him. He was just a friend of her younger brother.
Would this summer be any different? Is he just the little kid next door? The story delves in to the past and then back to the present.
I was honestly impressed with the writing style of Braxton Cole. Her characters came to life off the pages. A great summer friendship story. I’m very interested in reading more books by Braxton Cole.
Coming home for the summer after her graduation from college , Clover is planning on working a bit before going back to further her studies. She plans on working and then moving back to Portland, nothing else.
Jake, who had come every year to his aunt’s house every summer since he was young, had always had a crush on Clover. Clover had never even noticed him. He was just a friend of her younger brother.
Would this summer be any different? Is he just the little kid next door? The story delves in to the past and then back to the present.
I was honestly impressed with the writing style of Braxton Cole. Her characters came to life off the pages. A great summer friendship story. I’m very interested in reading more books by Braxton Cole.
September 25, 2013
This was a great book. I love Braxton Cole and have read all her other books. It was sweet, sexy, romantic and well written. I loved that it had the dual POV from both Clover and Jake because I felt I got to know both of them better. It was just a sweet story and it was a nice break from the normal things I have been reading. Plus that ending....well you just have to read it and see because I think that was one of the best endings EVER! WOW!!!
September 29, 2013
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