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Heart #5

Skinny Love

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Enemies to lovers…? No.
Forbidden Love…? Definitely not us.
Second Chance…? That one’s confusing…just like our relationship.
Soul Mates…? I’m not sure I believe in that stuff.
Fake Relationship…? Nope. We’re blood, guts, and reality.
Friends to lovers…? At times... yes.

We’re two different people on two different paths, looking for the same thing. The reality of it all is that one of us needs to fix the broken pieces to mend a hopeless mind and the other needs to view the alternate life that calls in order to finally be able to accept what it really is that they want.

Who is Nikki as a woman?
She is determined, focused, business-oriented, and motivated.

Who is Christopher as a man?
Well, he’s a broken one, but he’s determined to fix the pieces.

***This is Chris and Nikki's book. It is a standalone within a series. It is HIGHLY recommended that you read the first four books of the series before enjoying this one.****

SNEAK PEEK~
Chapter One
The Unspoken Arrangement.

The glasses clink with each drink passed from one hand to another. The sexual tension in the air is sultry seduction at quite an elevated level for a Thursday night. There’s only one more workday ahead- two at the most for those that work overtime. Endorphins are released in anticipation of being free for the upcoming weekend.
Alcohol passes the open mouth of the bottle to the wide rim of a sparkling glass. The smoothness of the rim slides across every set of eager lips. Liquid fire flows down a willing throat and pauses with a satisfying burn deep in the depth of a belly. It soaks into the vessels and glides through the blood stream.
Shoulders become looser, frames become more relaxed, perception lessens, and the inhibitions built inside every single human releases the constraints that would normally control them.
Bodies move across the dance floor to the beat of a slow, erotic song. Every one of those moving bodies is an individual with some kind of necessary desire. A need. A want. A liberation of oneself’s imprisonment…
I scan the room for my next partner. It’s just easier that way- no strings attached and no expectations, just a night together. The need, the want, and the liberation of choosing who you crave to take home for the night is thrilling and fulfilling.
I see him walk through the door. I take a small sip of my martini while watching the masculinity of his body fluidly move with ease. His gaze meets mine almost instantly. His unyielding focus never wavers from mine while he hands the coat check girl his jacket. He’s quite handsome. Tall, dark, and handsome doesn’t pertain to him. He’s tall, yes, but his hair is short, dirty blond and a ruffled mass of waves like he's just rolled around with a warm body for an exceedingly long time. His frame is thin, but not too thin. He’s in shape. His stomach is flat. His shoulder are broad. I can see the definition of his biceps through the cotton of his white, long sleeve shirt. His warm, whiskey-colored eyes radiate with sexual tension with each step he takes towards me.
He slides in-between me and the empty bar stool.
“What can I get you?” The barmaid asks while The Artist by Jay Sean plays.
“JWB on the rocks,” he tells her, never taking his eyes off mine.
He grins a panty melting crook. “Name’s Brian.” He holds out his hand, palm up. “What’s your name, gorgeous?”
I place my hand in his. “Renee,” I reveal with a smile.
He leans down and kisses the back of my hand. “You here alone?”
“I am.” I hold his admiring eye.
“You plan on going home alone?”
“You ask a lot of questions for a guy I just met.” I pull my hand back, resting it in my lap.
He grins a toe-curling, orgasm-giving grin. The dimple in his cheek holds my dilated focus. “I would like to know a little bit about the stunning woman I’m going to be taking back to my bed tonight.”
“Cocky?” I purse my lips with a twist of my head.
“Confident,” he immediately answers, tilting his head to the left slightly. His eyes still never leaving mine.
“Does that confidence extend to the bedroom as well?”
“Come home with me and find out.” His gaze shifts back and forth over mine, waiting for my reaction. The bartender sets his drink down in front of him. Without looking at it, he grabs the glass and drains it of its liquid. “Is your silence a no?” he inquires.
I take a sip of my martini, scanning him over the rim of the glass. “Dance with me?”
He holds his hand out again. His gaze speaks a million words. I set my glass down and place my hand in his. I slide from the barstool and stand in front of him, flush with his body. He has a good five inches on me with my six-inch, black, satin and suede, bow-back, Louboutin heels on. The back of the hand that is not holding mine lifts, curls, and runs over my flush cheek. The air in my lungs hitch, leaving me breathless for one small second. His touch warms me, arouses me, and comforts me to some degree.
“Finish your drink, gorgeous. Once that dance you requested is over, I’m taking you back to my bed and burying myself in every hole you have.” His deep voice dances with my libido. “That something you’d be interested in?”
I shake my head.
“No? ‘Cause I really think by the look in your eyes, it is what you want.”
“Not your place, too personal.” I shake my head. “A hotel.”
He slowly nods in understanding. A small, satisfied smile pulls at his lush lips. His arousal spikes with the flick of my tongue over my lower lip and his pupils expand and glisten with intensity.
“You still want that dance?”
“No,” I breathe.

Unknown Binding

Published August 3, 2020

34 people are currently reading
139 people want to read

About the author

Michelle B.

9 books177 followers
Michelle B was born and raised in New Jersey, where she lives with her husband and furry co-writing buddy Mr. Bojangles. After secretly writing two of the five books in the Heart series, she decided it was time to hit the publish button. She has turned her love for reading hot, steamy books into writing them. Her way of writing angsty, suspenseful romance draws you in and makes you feel like you live inside the pages alongside the characters. She is unapologetically addicted to Starbucks and loves going to the movies with her husband of thirty years.

Michelle B's Website
https://authormichelleb.com/index.php...

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COMPLETED BOOKS:

HEART SERIES
Breathe With Me (Caelan and Sofia)
Breathing Together (Caelan and Sofia)
Breathing On My Own (Conclusion of Caelan and Sofia's story)
Where The Chips May Fall (Luke and Jess)
Skinny Love (Chris and Nikki)
Jingle My Ballz (A short holiday story)

BLEEDING HEARTS SERIES
Smoke and Mirrors (Standalone)
The Fixer (Coming Soon)



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5 stars
48 (62%)
4 stars
17 (22%)
3 stars
9 (11%)
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1 (1%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer.
750 reviews17 followers
August 3, 2020
This is so sad to admit, but up until about a month ago, I was unaware of the incredibly talented author Michelle B. and her Heart series. I have so been missing out! Releasing today is the 5th book in the Heart series, Skinny Love. Finally, we get Nikki and Chris’s story which is emotional, sexy, stressful at times but has one of the happiest endings I think I have ever read.

Throughout the previous books in the series, it has been obvious that there’s more to meet the eye regarding Chris and Nikki – but they are stubborn. They’ve been best friends since they were little, but it has seemed there were underlying things happening between them. Kind of like the blurb, it’s difficult to categorize them. Friends, lovers, enemies? But the true meat of this novel is Chris’s journey to better himself. Nikki meets a ton of conflict, some of it a little too far-fetched at times, but Chris truly has to face the music and make some difficult choices in order to change his life.

I can’t really say much else about the plot without spoiling it, but this is one of the most fantastic books I’ve read in a long time. Michelle B. creates beautifully flawed, raw, and honest characters and is the master of bringing them to life. Each time I read one of her books it feels more like watching a movie than reading. I can picture everyone in my mind, hear their voices, and feel as if I am right there with them. Skinny Love made me cry quite a bit more than the previous books in the series, but luckily, a lot of that was happy tears.

I highly recommend Skinny Love to contemporary romance fans, especially those that like a little bit of crime and suspense mixed in. However, you have to start at the beginning of the series for everything to make sense. But I promise you will not be disappointed! This is easily one of the top 3 book series that I’ve ever read, and Skinny Love is one of my favorite books of the year.

*Thanks to Give Me Books for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,345 reviews17 followers
February 6, 2021
“How do you love a man that doesn’t love himself?” “You just do. You love him with everything you have, and you hope that some of that love shows him what love can do for one’s tormented soul.”

Skinny Love has been on my TBR for way too long and considering the first three books of the series are among my all time favourite books...why did it take me so long? This is Chris O’Reilly and Nikki Heart’s story, a best friends to friends with benefits scenario. It’s a beautiful, raw and emotional tale of two soulmates who belong together, but can’t seem to find their way. I loved being reunited with the “Elite Eight” once again. Finding myself laughing at their banter and I fell in love with three year old Lakelynn.

The O’Reilly boys mother and father have died leaving the youngest son, Chris spiralling. Chris is falling down into the abyss and is not ready to save himself. Although surrounded by family and friends, he feels like an outsider looking in.
His best friend “Sunflower” is the only bright thing in his life, but he crosses a line and destroys the only good thing he has. Chris is tormented watching her move on to someone else, will this be the push he needs to take control of his destiny?

Nikki is independent, loves her job and is comfortable having one night stands with no loose ends. However when she is introduced to Jaxson, there’s a spark that can’t be ignored. When she goes out with him on a second date, the call she receives every night from Chris no matter where or who he’s with ceases. Torn between the boy she loves, who crushed her and a man who is everything she’s looking for. It’s blatantly obvious that Chris needs help, but you can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help himself.
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,892 reviews54 followers
August 2, 2020
Be prepared you will need boxes and boxes of tissues for this story. Skinny Love is a story that drags you deep within the pages, it has you wanting to scream at the world that love should be easy. My heart literally ached for most of Nicole’s story, I actually cried so hard at times the words were a blur. This story is heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time. It is about realizations, confrontations, strength and a love so deep that no matter what, there was no escaping it. A reminder that not all superheroes wear capes and they don’t have to save the world, they just have to save themselves. It is being the light in someone’s darkest hour. Skinny Love is a story that will have your mind reeling, your heart pounding and your pulse racing. There is no other way to describe this book than a true love story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews182 followers
August 3, 2020
OH MY HELL! Skinny Love is Nikki & Christopher's story, and it's an emotional experience for real. I've decided I'm not going into detail because it's better to go in blind for it, but really, have tissues at the ready. The brilliant Michelle B. made this dark & twisty girl who doesn't cry a lot, bawl like a b*t*h baby. I swear my heart was broken for Nikki completely, before the healing began & said heart was filled with sunshine. Obviously as I said above, I cried, but I also laughed, and found myself smiling big as well so expect a HUGE book hangover. I don't know what else to say about this story because it's the type that everyone needs to experience for themselves. I'm really for more, and you will too after you hit your one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Kellie.
6 reviews
Read
August 4, 2020
Sometimes you need a good escape, And this is it skinny love is such a great book. I was captivated by Nikki and Chris right from the start. The story line keeps the reader glued to the pages. Each character fits perfectly into the story. You will completely lose yourself in this book. Michelle B has an amazing talent. I look forward to reading more from her.
8 reviews
July 11, 2020
#skinnylove is the best of all of Michelle’s books so far. This family and love interest send you on a emotional journey that will have you laughing and even crying to see what happens next. I am so glad that Chris and Niki find love and family strength to make there forever story complete. I am so excited to see what comes next with this family through the story for Antonio. @Michelle B thank you for this amazing family and story you are a talented fun author. I will follow you forever. booklover#cantwaitforthenextstory!
Profile Image for Amanda Calder.
8 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2020
This is the best book I have read in 2020! Michelle B. makes you fall in love with Nikki and Chris. Their story is beautiful. You will have all the feels and not want it to end! Biggest book hangover ever!!!
Profile Image for Thuy Taylor.
1,371 reviews19 followers
October 19, 2020
I’ve read a few of the books in this series, and this couple in this story, I’ve been very curious about. Chris and Nicole have been friends forever. This isn’t really a childhood friends to lovers story, it’s much more than that. These two have so much love for each other yet there is so much in their way. Once they get over the self hurdles, their connection is much stronger. It was great to see the Elite 8 crew. They really are a tight knit family and just will do anything and everything for each other. There are twists and turns you don’t expect in this story. Pretty emotional but very good. In my opinion it can be read as a standalone, but it would probably feel more at ease and aware knowing all the other surrounding characters.
Profile Image for Nicolette Eyssen.
277 reviews8 followers
August 4, 2020
There was so much to this book.
I’ve been a fan of Michelle B for awhile now but I can honestly say this is my favorite of hers.

The connection of the characters pours off the pages. My heart felt like it was going through everything they went through. Guhhh, there are not many books that can make me feel this way.

The drama, romance, intense “scenes” were 5 star all the way around.

Well done!
Profile Image for Becca Whaley.
1,493 reviews5 followers
August 5, 2020
This book is FULL of life lessons. You have to love yourself before you can ever truly love someone else being the biggest and most important one. Chris and Nikki are two people who want to love each other SO BAD they dont know which way to turn, they feel like they need each other to breathe, and it bleeds off these pages. My heart hurt SO BAD for them thru so much of this book. But accepting yourself, trying to better yourself FOR yourself is a must. It took both of them almost losing each other to realize just how important LOVING YOURSELF is. Destined to be together since childhood , always being that one person you can count on thru everything. I've watched Chris and Nikki grow from book one of this series, I've watched them feel lost in a world where family and friends are literally everything. You don't find a group closer than the Elite 8. They're a force to be reckoned with and I've fallen in love with them all along the way. Never feeling good enough, feeling like you don't deserve things, always feeling like you disappoint everyone, wondering if you will ever be enough to deserve the one person's love YOU NEED TO BREATHE. That is this book . Grab your Kleenex, tell everyone to leave you alone , because you wont wanna put this one down. Chris and Nikki will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, and I can promise you will have a new outlook on life when you reach the end... There will be times you wanna throw your reading device, there will be times you wanna smack one or both of them, but when it gets to the GOOD STUFF, the HEA it's one of the best I've read in a long time. Because you experience just what they had to go thru to get to that HEA like you were there , cheering them on along the way....
Profile Image for Megan Elizabeth.
5 reviews1 follower
Read
October 1, 2020
Michelle B has done it AGAIN!!!! Book 5 in the Heart Series is unlike the others & another favorite!! I am in awe of the characters and the strength they show through real life experiences. Nikki is one badass female who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. She does what she needs to for family and friends with no hesitation!! Chris is more complex with a past you don’t see coming. He has his own demons to fight and is stronger for it. The love they have for each other is powerful and runs so deep, its an unbreakable bond through thick and thin. Apart they survive but together they are indestructible. Emotions ran high with another true love story! Be ready to cry, laugh and fight with the characters cause these 2 and their friends are a group to be reckoned with!
5 reviews
August 11, 2020
WOW!!! This book will hit you like a ton of bricks and you will not be able to put it down... just like the other 4 books in the series. Nikki and Chris are the most complicated perfect couple there is. From childhood friends to lovers and everything, I mean EVERYTHING in between. Nikki is such a badass independent boss woman and I cannot get over how fabulous she is!

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and timing is everything... this book is the pure definition of that!!

Another spectacular book on the Elite 8!!!
Profile Image for C.M. Danks.
Author 5 books68 followers
December 1, 2020
Skinny Love is book number 5 of the heart series and I don’t even know where to start!? 😭

Every book has blown me away... 😨
These boys... I’m sorry, I mean MEN have literally stolen my heart. Luke will always have my heart in the fiction book boyfriend world but Chris is so adorable! Him and Nik’s relationship is a tissue grabber for sure!! ❤️
You can’t rate which one is the best because they are all the best!

*NOW, who’s ready for the next one because we all know who it is ;) 🔥 🙋🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for Amanda Farrow.
298 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2021
What can I say I've read all the books in this series I've laugh, been angry and even cried much to the delight of the author I'm sure. I've loved every moment of each member of the elite 8. It takes alot of skill for an author to truly have you on the edge of your seat and ive not been able to put the books down Michelle_B has done this with all her books for me and I look forward to reading more from this amazing author in the future.
764 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2022
This was absolutely one of the best books that I've read in a long time. Well written, flawed characters that deserved the love that they had for each other. You can't go wrong reading this book. Shirley
1 review
Read
August 20, 2020
WOW!!! JUST WOW!!!
This book killed me in the best possible way! I love this group of friends! This is Chris and Nikkis book. What a journey for the two of them. The writing, the emotions this author pulls you through makes you feel like you're in their world with them. Get your box of tissues ready because you will cry but you will also laugh, especially with crazy group. Just wow! Don't hesitate just one click that button!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
Profile Image for Emma Mills.
Author 18 books165 followers
September 28, 2020
What can I say about this book, well, this series really because you have to read them all. Not just to know the story, but because you will become invested in the lives of these characters. You're going to want to be part if their lives. You'll love with them. You'll hate with them.

This is a book you must read!
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,330 reviews117 followers
August 17, 2020
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Great Book
This book was definitely worth the read. This whole series has been awesome. Other readers are going to love this book.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
1,939 reviews67 followers
December 20, 2023
This book is full of emotions. From the moment I saw Chris in book 1 I wanted to know more about him. I couldn’t wait to finally get to his & Nikki’s story. So I won’t lie when I say I was disappointed that all of this book, except for the very last chapters, were all told f/Nikki’s pov. Watching him struggle & mask his pain behind his humor & at times vulgar & crude comments I really wanted to get his pov & insight.
At first I teetered on liking & not liking Nikki. I at first felt she playing games w/both Chris & Jaxson. But I quickly changed my mind, I thought she ended up handling the situation she was in perfectly for everyone. Chris needed to help himself first.
Luke & Jess are still my favorite couple, but Chris & Nikki’s story was so much deeper, & incredibly emotional. It was raw, gritty, angsty, & real. It was simply beautiful. I loved the letters Chris wrote, & how he planned their teenage date! But he how he planned their wedding was absolutely perfect. These two so deserved their HEA. Well done Michelle on another fantastic series!
Now I’m going back to reread Antonio’s story! I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Elite 8- and hot bodyguard!
Profile Image for Monty Jay.
Author 12 books3,196 followers
December 12, 2020
This one. This one is my favorite. Chris and Nikki's story tore my heart apart and pieced it back together. I ADORE them. Chris's struggles are so well depicted, so well written that I felt his pain. I felt his hope. I felt all of it. ALL THE STARS!
Profile Image for dholly.
65 reviews
November 27, 2023
Chris & Nikki

This series gets better & better. I loved that the author brought attention to the real life issue of addiction through this story. I loved see Chris & Nikki’s HEA.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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