The team’s resident linebacker, Jerimiah, has gotten used to making people uncomfortable. He’s huge, intimidating and doesn’t have a lot to say. Until he meets Birdie. Now he can’t seem to stop talking, if only so she’ll say more. And stay a little bit longer. To be fair, she doesn’t really have a choice, since they just got locked in the basement together at a frat party…
New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.
I inhale read Getaway Girl and Runaway Girl, so I knew that I had to quickly also read this additional novella story! Especially because we already have met the main character in the original duology!
➽ Birdie - Freshman in college, trying to figure out her place in the world, and how she is forced to live it without her sister.
➽ Jerimiah - Senior in college, plays football, and most people just know him as the big football player and nothing more. That is, until he gets sort of locked in the basement at a frat party with Birdie.
I’ll be honest this is probably skippable, but if you’ve read the original duology and just want a little more, with a lot of sex, then maybe give this a try. And even though I had fun reading, it is very forgettable. So, do with that information what you want!
Lastly, this is probably way TMI for a review, especially over a 100 page novella, but I always like sex scenes that are outside in the rain. I don’t know why I’m like this, I don’t know the name of this specific kink, but I do know that I blame Bad Things entirely, and I really liked that this book had a scene that involved those elements.
I’ve never had anyone look at me the way Jerimiah does. Like I’m a new species of flower he’s desperate to pluck out of the ground and examine, but he’s clearly holding himself back from following through.
E-book - 4 stars! Audio - 3 stars!
I LOVED Birdie & Jerimiah’s story. Two college kids not looking for love AT ALL, but finding it anyway in people they were not expecting. Birdie is trying to live her best college life for her twin sister that passed away. That means doing things she wouldn’t normally do. Jerimiah is outwardly just this big hulking scary football player, but Birdie sees something more there. The connection between them is instant and things get deep and steamy pretty quickly! These two end up helping each other find their true selves and although HG is quick, it’s super sweet!
I’ll start by saying that the FREE audio on RMR podcast had AMAZING narrators, but audio just isn’t for me. It was hot and a good story, but hearing sex read in detail is cringe-y to me. Which is sad and I wish I could enjoy it more because the male narrator had the hottest voice ON EARTH!
That being said, I’m so glad we get the opportunity to read these stories in book form as well, because I could appreciate Birdie and Jerimiah’s story that much more in the ebook and the bonus content at the end is EVERYTHING!! So my long winded point is that if the audio wasn’t for you, definitely give the ebook a shot! It made all the difference for me, this story was that much better the second time.
I went in knowing it was a short story but I couldn't help but want more. This series has been one of my favourites by Tessa Bailey and I'm so glad she gave us a glimpse of how Birdie was travelling.
Jeremiah is the kind of hero that every girl should want. I couldn't help but think he had a remarkable resemblance to my hubby. Mind you, my hubby is not 6ft 1000. The resemblance is in their thoughtful and caring ways of looking after their perfect match. Even from the beginning, like Jeremiah, my hubby was conscious of my needs and aware of my health highs and lows. I loved that Birdie saw in Jeremiah what others refused to look for. A good man beneath the scary facade.
For a short story, it certainly packed a punch. IT WAS SEXY!! I mean, for a couple of college kids with very little experience, they sure got to know their stuff quickly.
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. You could read Halfway Girl by itself, but the other two books really would enhance the experience.
Very insta love, but a short read (73 pages) almost has to be. I liked this one because the guy, Jeremiah is this big football player, basically described as a giant because he is so tall and big, though not fat. He is described as having big hands and feet, a huge chest and he can lift a full keg of beer with ease. However, he rarely talks and doesn’t fit in too well with the rest of his fraternity even though they are all on the football team.
When Jeremiah meets Birdie they have an instant connection and he is so sweet to her. I love big silent types that really love a girl and aren’t afraid to show it.
Ok, so this is my second book by Tessa, both courtsey of RMR. I’ve known of Tessa but none of her book particularly appealed so I never picked o e up. I find her writing good...sometimes. I enjoyed Renaissance Man but this...this was a big fat NO and almost a DNF.
I don’t know the time frame between the books in this series so it’s quite possible I’m being entirely to harsh but this heroine shouldn’t be with anyone. She’s sooo hung up on the passing of her sister that she’s living her life “for” her sister. Not honoring her sister by living a fulfilling life, no, she’s living her life by her dead sisters POV. Meaning, she’s doing things her sister did and acting like her sister did. She flat out states that she shouldn’t be with the Hero because he’s not her sisters type. WTF??!! She has entirely to much baggage and needs some serious counseling. Like, girl needs HELP! And no, having sex with the Hero and him being nice to her is NOT a magical cure all.
The Hero was also a mess. He was incredibly weak. I get that not every hero can be confident and uber possessive but this guy was sooo far opposite of that it made me cringe. His innocence, while it was nice to have a hero who was NOT a manwhore or player, was extremely off putting. Being inside his head when they were making out or having sex was embarrassing. He also needs counseling and some help with self esteem. And like with the heroine, sex is not a magical cure all.
Ultimately these two individuals should NOT be in any form of a relationship. It’s unhealthy on soooo many levels.
I will confess that I’ve slacked when reading this author's last several books due to her writing having changed and her books having what feels like too much “introspection” or “musings”. They’ve started to feel a bit bogged down for my taste. However, this novella was absolutely what I first fell in love with the author over. Characters that are not perfect but that are perfect for each other as well as having traits that I can get behind.
I listened to this on the Read Me Romance Podcast Dual POV Safe Triggers
OMG, everything about this book was PERFECTION! Writing, Storyline, characters and specially narrators *still fanning myself over the male POV*! Audiobook perfection!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I listened to the professionally narrated audiobook on the Read Me Romance Podcast for FREE!
This is one story I know I’ll come back to time and again when I’m in a book slump and need a pick me up.
🖤 instalove college sports romance 🌶 virgin H, yup him not her 😳 probably 7ft tall linebacker “Prince Charming was a chump. Wreck-It Ralph is more my type.” ~ Birdie 🌧 a moment in the rain 🐱🍆 💉 diabetic h
Jerimiah and Birdie’s love affair is instant. From the moment these two set eyes in each other there was no turning back. An unexpected encounter in the basement stairwell of a frat party unleashed Jerimiah’s beast.
🔥🥵🔥N S F W EXCERPT🔥🥵🔥 “I want to come for you. Where. Where?” She leans back against the wall and arches her back. “Wherever you want.” I’m already ashamed of myself for what I do next, but a beast has been prodded to life inside of me by my connection to this girl. I want as much of me touching her as possible. My body is screaming for release as I press our foreheads together, dragging her leggings down, down beneath her hips. I search her eyes for any sign of alarm or protest and when I find nothing but excitement, I tuck the head of my swollen cock into her panties and spend myself inside them, stroking hard—hard—growling her name as I shoot come onto her pussy. She moans as it happens, and pressure I didn’t even know existed inside me pours out, as if she’s the only one capable of summoning it. Completing this act in a way it never felt complete before. “Feel what you did to me, beautiful?” I pant, laying kisses onto her lips, flicking the tips of our tongues together. “Take it home with you.”
Then there’s behind the mural, in the college courtyard, in the rain, hidden by a corpse of trees. Talk about one heck of a way for HIM to loose his v-card.
🔥🥵🔥 “Friends don’t fuck in public during a rainstorm?” I punch my hips up once. Twice. “That’s too bad. I guess we’ll have to stop being friends while I’m sinking in and out of your pussy.”
Oh but we still get more. In a truck, at a rest stop, on the side of the road, while on a road trip to see her family.
These two are insatiable but it’s the emotions and the connection they share that’s perfect. They understand each other on a level many only dream of sharing with their life partner. Yet through it all it’s the way he takes it upon himself to learn about her diabetes, to understand what she needs, and to prepare for any possible situation. He care enough to learn how her body displays sugar lows or highs and he doesn’t try to control it, he guides her to the right decisions. Again, it’s beautiful to see.
I am sure all fans of Tessa Bailey's Girl series have been waiting for this since the ending of Runaway Girl, where we met the heroine, Birdie Bristow (Jason's sister). I am a little sad to say I did expect much more for her, I wish Tessa would have written a full-lenght novel for Birdie because this love story felt way to rushed for me. Yes, Birdie and Jeremiah have a whole lot of chemistry but I would have loved to have a more developed story on them. Still, this novella was a sexy and entertaining to read between books and I enjoyed it. Whatever Tessa Bailey releases, I read and normally enjoy! lol
I'm obsessed with Runaway Girl (the book where we originally meet our heroine, Birdie), but this was pure, unadulterated cringe. Pure cringe. And it was obviously on purpose— the cringe was intentional, but that doesn't mean it was good. I just fucking know that Tessa Bailey is Jessa Kane. I know it. JK's novellas always have this specific tone— like a really smart and self-aware person is intentionally writing dumb shit for fun. You can tell it's not actually bad, it's like... camp. You know what I mean? Anyway, sometimes TB's and JK's books are uncannily similar. Much to think about..
I love me some alpha male virgins. The kind of man who has STANDARDS. Who isn’t necessarily saving himself but has enuf control to wait for the right girl to connect with.
This is true of Birdie and her big, linebacker man Jeremiah. Love them both. Love the things he says. All the things Tessa Bailey’s Heroes day!
I couldn't stomach Birdie's incessant obsession with living her deceased sister's life. Honour her passing by living a fulfilling life she'd be inspired by, not according to what she'd do. Despite Jeremiah's innocence being a refreshing choice of characterisation that stands up against the common manwhore college hero, his musings made me cringe. And the sex scene was lengthier than required—there's only so much grunting and groaning someone can tolerate before it becomes background noise.
I haven't read the other books in the series but this was free on KU so I figured why not? I do feel that I missed out on some of the characterization because I didn't already have the background of Birdie from the previous books.
Insta love is pretty standard in a novella so I can't be too picky about that. I thought the romance between Birdie and Jeremiah was sweet and perfect. I do love a big, brawny, quiet Hero. Birdie was good for him, she gave him the extra nudge he needed to move forward in his life and he was so head over heels in love he would do anything for her. They had quite a few very swoony and cute moments together.
However, I feel like the author tried to cram too much story into this novella. It felt rushed and not knowing these characters before I thought the whole plot with the felt unnecessary and added nothing to the plot. It would've been fine without that added drama, but since this is a series I guess they couldn't just leave that dangling. I mean, the h already has to deal with college life as a freshman, living away from home for the first time, making new friends, and then to top it off, she also has diabetes. It was just too much crammed into too few pages.
I really hate that this review has gotten so long so I'll be done. It was a cute, sweet, romance but felt rushed and over complicated.
I started this knowing it was a short read but I'd have really liked more.
This is Birdie(sister of the previous H) and Jerimiah's story. They meet at a party in college and that's it for them both. Minor misunderstanding but it's resolved quickly. I loved Jermiah, the gentle giant. Birdie was ok, it's good she's finally able to stop living for her deceased sister.
There is no epilogue which sucks because they're in college and have only just moved in together.
Oh my days... This book did something to me. You know what it did?? It’s made me want to go and read the other books about these characters because I actually can’t get enough of them. HALFWAY GIRL is short, sweet and oh so sexy. And I defy you not to fall in love with the gentle giant that is Jerimiah *swoons* Him and Birdie together were just EVERYTHING!!!
This was such a sweet cherry on top of an amazing series (if we are calling 2 books a series) but fuck I loved every word of all three books.
Was so nice to get someone so sweet yet growly and possessive for Birdie.
Love Read Me Romance podcasts so hard. And hubby appreciates the fact I am actually helping with housework so they can't bug me while I am listening cause I am SOOOO busy ;)
4 Short But With Layers Stars * * * * Spoiler Free So here is my take on this short entry to the Girl series by Tessa Bailey. From what I understand, it was first an audiobook free on the partnership with Alexa Riley, Read Me Romance. I happened to love the series. I am not an audio reader so when it came out on ebook, I decided to read it. I think there may have been a bit of difference from the audio to ebook.
I read AR books and this entry from Tessa Bailey had a bit of the AR concept with the instant connection between Birdie and Jerimiah. However, after my knowledge of this being part of the partnership with AR and Read Me Romance, Bailey took this format and did a master's thesis for shorties. In the 73 pages, she packed more depth of character with flair and care.
I do think this is a story that needs the backstory of Getaway Girl to understand where Birdie's head is at...She has been grieving the loss of her twin sister and is trying to figure out how to live her life in a way honoring this sister who is no longer there. Her tie to her twin was profound even though they seem like complete opposites. Where the twin was social, "perfect" and loved girly stuff, Birdie was not one to want to hang with those she had no interest in...she was kinda Goth/Punk/Searching her own style. She was an artist and never really felt like she fit into things. The main deal was she was trying to hold onto the memory of her twin and sometimes the way she did it compromised what she wanted to do...
Like pledge for a sorority. This was something her sister would have done and Birdie decided to go for it to feel like she was doing it for herself and sister. She was surprised to actually connect with some of the girls and now she was at a frat party wishing she was back at the dorm doing her own thing.
As she decides she has been there long enough, she moves through the house and catches sight of The Hulk...This guy carrying a keg on his shoulder like it was a toothpick. His demeanor was focused and his face was looking down so as not to connect with anyone. He was HUGE...wide and tall which was a plus for he was a linebacker for the football team. He placed the keg down in the kitchen and when he did, his eyes located Birdie's and something transpired...something significant.
Jerimiah was stunned...he made sure not to look directly at any of the girls, he didn't want to make them uncomfortable or scared. He knew he was intimidating, heard it enough growing up. He knew there was only one-way people wanted him to be around, be of use like he was for the frat brothers, or play excellent football for the team. Otherwise, he never feels as if he is part of the people he is around. Because of this, he hasn't been comfortable having huge conversations or expanding his thoughts.
But when he looked directly at that girl, that beautiful girl...she looked straight at him and made him feel as if she saw Him, not the Hulk, but him the man.
Birdie did see Jerimiah and was annoyed how his frat brothers were taking advantage of him without a please or thank you. She also was struck dumb by how her body was reacting to him too. Birdie decides to follow Jeremiah down to the basement where he was getting another keg and tell this guy thank you for bringing the kegs...at least that was the excuse she told herself.
The coming together of Birdie and Jerimiah is an equal sharing of truths. Birdie tells him she sees how the frat guys take advantage of him. Jerimiah is stunned when his reaction is to share his truth of how he knows he doesn't fit and worries if he doesn't do these things, why would they have him there. Birdie shares how she doesn't fit either and how she is doing a lot of this stuff for her sister who is no longer here...
These revelations may not seem like much to the outside or reader but for these two...the depths of sharing and they understanding each other at that moment means the world...There is someone who Sees Them... who understands and does not judge..and the chemistry which both are not used to experiencing takes over...
And the need and want Birdie and Jerimiah have for each other causes them to act on it. Both not too experienced but seem to be able to light enough fires that need to be put out.
This story has each POV and although each has their own personal issues, by being there for each other... they are able to work through them and be a support and help to work through them.
As I said, this was only 73 pages. But Tessa Bailey was able to pack so much into this little tale. Also, I think those who only had the audio did not have the extra scenes which added so much. Bailey took this shortie, gave it weight, and also covered how young people are just trying to find their way.
I don’t have much to say about this one, it was super short. I wouldn’t read this if you haven’t read Runaway girl as most of Birdie’s character development is done in that book, in this one she will seem very sad and boring if you don’t have that background. That being said, this book just moved too fast. There is instalove and there is insanity, this was the latter. Birdie was way too young and shouldn’t have been moving in with her grown boyfriend two weeks after meeting him, diabetes or not. Maybe I just can’t read YA or NA type books anymore now that I have kids, the mom in me just gets too angry. Side note: the timeline of this book doesn’t track with the timeline in Runaway Girl. Birdie is finishing high school in that book when Naomi meets Jason. Fast forward maybe four months and Jason and Naomi have a baby and are married and he is back from his deployment? Unless Birdie took a gap year this is impossible. And since Jeremiah states there is an almost four year age gap between them, I’m thinking a gap year didn’t happen. Sorry, Naomi would not have had time to gestate a baby and have a newborn by the time Birdie was a few weeks into her freshman year. Even rodents don’t breed that quickly.
Super short -- too short in fact. But what there was tended towards cute, sexy and two unconventional characters who shared an insta-love connection. I'm not a fan of novellas -- and this one felt like it was over before it had even started. It could have been so much more. There was so much potential.
This novella was such a good mix of sweet and sexy! Insta love and steamy sex scenes are my jam, so I picked this one up when I was looking for something to fit the bill. Even though I didn’t read the first two books in the series, I enjoyed Halfway Girl so much!
I have to admit that Tessa Bailey writes sex scenes that are so damn sexy. While I haven’t read a lot of her books, I always end up fanning myself after reading her scenes. This novella was no different.
I loved our main characters, Birdie and Jerimiah! They were so great together and I loved how they helped each other. They were overcoming grief and learning how to feel comfortable with who they are. They became each other’s anchor and I adored that. Even though Birdie had some reservations, she couldn’t help but fall for Jerimiah the giant teddy bear. To be honest, neither could I.
“Prince Charming was a chump. Wreck-It Ralph is more my type.”
I’ll keep my review short and just say that I loved it and I wish it was longer!
UPDATE!!! I added another star due to ebook having a epilogue!!!
1 i did enjoy the narration in this audio book on readmeromance..
😭😭😭😭😭 I love LOVE JERIMIAH i felt so bad for him.. he's been used by his teammates since well hes a big buff looking guy.. and doesn't talk that much.. but he feels something when he meets Birdie and how she talks to him and doesn't treat him like a freak..as for Birdie.. i liked her but.. sometimes she had to pit her twin sister feelings ahead of hers (her dead twin sister) which well sucks.. beside that part.. these two were made for eachother and i loved each second.. and i can't wait for the ebook to see the epilogue!!
Low low angst, No cheating, dry humping, no ow/om, sexytimes, virgin male and non virgin gal
Instalove/lust Push/pull from Birdie Safe read Safe sex Public sex Hea