Table of Contents

  Cover

  Synopsis

  Bella Books Social Media

  Praise for the works of Jaime Clevenger

  Books by Jaime Clevenger published by Bella Books

  About the Author

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Acknowledgment

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Bella Books

  Synopsis

  Paige Dannenberg has never taken a water aerobics class. As a busy farm vet, she’s never even given a second thought to water aerobics. But when she gets roped into teaching her mom’s class, it’s time to learn a new skillset—and fast.

  Lately the unexpected is the new norm for Seren Winters. She’s single, four months pregnant, and trying not to worry about where she’ll be living by the end of the year. Still, the last thing she expects when she shows up for her first doctor-prescribed water aerobics class is a hot butch instructor. Even more unexpected is accidentally dunking her.

  Despite an undeniable attraction, Seren is sure dating Paige is a bad idea. But can Paige change Seren’s mind before her two weeks teaching the class is up?

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  Blog: Bella Media Channel

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  Praise for the works of Jaime Clevenger

  Love, Accidentally

  Who doesn’t like a U-Haul joke! I really enjoyed reading this book. This is the second book in the “A Mile High City Romance” series, by Rey and Clevenger and once again they show how compatible their writing is. It is also great to see that this is not only a collaboration between writers, but also between publishers. This story runs in parallel with the first book A Convenient Arrangement. All in all, this is a happy feel-good book, which I easily recommend. I hope Clevenger and Rey will write a book together again in the future.

  -Meike V., NetGalley

  Just One Reason

  I had a lot of fun reading Just One Reason. I enjoy diving into a traditional romance where I know exactly what I’m going to get, and then being delighted with a host of clever details that make the story feel fresh and brand new. This book checked all the boxes on my list of what I want in a good book.

  -The Lesbian Review

  I don’t want to spoil things, but I was cheering this couple on and I wasn’t disappointed. Communication happens and it is beautiful and sweet, but not without a splash of angst. This book gave me all of the feels and really hit a home run with thoughtful, meaningful dialogue.

  -Digby M., NetGalley

  This is the third installment of the Paradise Romance series. I have gotten so much entertainment out of these books. I love the characters and friend group. That while each story focuses on a new budding relationship, the same characters pop in and we see that they continue to progress in their respective partnerships. There is always so much more depth and satisfaction when the writer can put people through the ringer so that they come out on the other side shiny and happy. Overall, this is another great addition to the Paradise Romance series.

  -Bookvark, NetGalley

  All the Reasons I Need

  One of the reasons I love Three Reasons to Say Yes so much is that Clevenger wrote such strong secondary characters in Kate and Mo. I fell for them almost as much as the main characters, so to have them get their own book I was excited. This is a story about two best friends since college that have a ton of chemistry but have never done anything about it. …If you are looking for a well written, angsty romance, look no further. This is an easy romance for me to recommend. I think with this series, Clevenger is at the top of her writing game and I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.

  -Lex Kent’s Reviews, goodreads

  This book is the second installment in Clevenger’s Paradise Romance series. It’s not necessary to read the first book, Three Reasons to Say Yes, to enjoy Kate and Mo’s story… All the Reasons I Need is a thoughtful summer romance full of emotion. It let me imagine myself on a tropical beach, napping in a hammock, and sipping an exotic drink with a little umbrella in it. There’s just something about beautiful sunsets and waves crashing on the beach that make falling in love seem easy.

  -The Lesbian Review

  Three Reasons to Say Yes

  This is without a doubt my new favourite Jaime Clevenger novel. Honestly I couldn’t put it down from the first chapter. …All in all this book has the potential to be my book of the year. Truly, books like this don’t come around often that suit my reading tastes to a tee.

  -Les Rêveur

  …this one was totally my cup of tea with its charming relationship and family dynamics, great chemistry between two likable protagonists, a very convincing romance, some angst, drama and tension to the right extent and in all the right moments, and some very nice secondary characters. On top of that, the writing is technically very good, with all elements done properly. Sincerely recommended.

  -Pin’s Reviews, goodreads

  This was a really easy story to get into. I sank right in and wanted to stay there, because reading about other people on vacation is kind of like taking a mini vacation from the world! It’s sweet and lovely, and while it has some angst, it’s not going to hurt you. Instead, it’s going to take you away from it all so you can come back with a smile on your face.

  -The Lesbian Review

  Party Favors

  This book has one of the best characters ever. Me. Or rather you. It’s quite a strange and startling experience at first to be in a book, especially one with as many hot, sexy, beautiful women in it who, incidentally, all seem to want you. But believe me, you’ll soon get used to it. …In a word, this book was FUN. It made me smile, and laugh, and tease my wife. I definitely recommend it to everyone, with the caveat that if you don’t like erotica you should probably give it a pass. But not only read it, enjoy it, experience it, also find a friend, or a spouse, or even a book buddy online to talk to about it. Because you’ll want to, it’s that great.

  -The Lesbian Review

  I’ve read this book a few times and each time changed my decisions to find new and inviting destinations each time. This is a book you can read time and time again with a different journey. If you’re looking for a fun Saturday night read that’s sexy and hot as hell then this book is 100% for you! Go buy it now. 5 Stars.

  -Les Rêveur

  The story is told in the second person, present tense, which is ambitious in itself—it takes great skill to make that work and for the reader, who is now the narrator, to really connect to the thoughts and actions that are being attributed to them. Not all of the scenes will turn everyone on, as we all have different tastes, but I am pretty sure there is something for everyone in here. And if you do as you’re told and follow the structure the author uses, you can dip into this book as much or as little as you wish. An interesting read with some pretty hot interactions.

  -Rainbow Book Reviews

  Books by Jaime Clevenger published by Bella Books

  The Unknown Mile

  Call Shotgun

  Love, Accidentally

  Sign on the Line

  Whiskey and Oak Leaves

  Sweet, Sweet Wine

  Waiting for a Love Song

  A Fugitive’s Kiss

  Moonstone

  Party Favors

  Three Reasons to Say Yes

  All the Reasons I Need

  Just One Reason

  One Weekend in Aspen

  Published by Spinsters Ink

  All Bets Off

  About the Author

  Jaime Clevenger lives in a little mountain town in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian, but time off is well-filled writing, reading, swimming, practicing karate, and goofing off with their wife and kids (both two and four legged). Jaime loves hearing
a good story and hopes that if you ever meet, you’ll share your favorite. Feel free to embellish the details.

  Copyright © 2022 by Jaime Clevenger

  Bella Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 10543

  Tallahassee, FL 32302

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  First Edition - 2022

  Editor: Heather Flournoy

  Cover Designer: Kayla Mancuso

  ISBN: 978-1-64247-383-4

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized print or electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Acknowledgment

  For many years I avoided writing a story with a veterinarian as a main character mostly because writing is a vacation from my day job, but also because I didn’t want someone to assume a vet character was automatically me. The truth is, though, I love being a veterinarian and there are so many stories I could share of the animals and people who have touched my life. At some point, I realized I was being silly trying to keep the writing and the vet life completely separate. That said, this story is in no way about my personal experience as a veterinarian. This story is entirely fictional and while I am in debt to many people (and animals) who helped me become the veterinarian I am today, any characters who seem similar to anyone I know or have worked with is entirely coincidental and certainly not intentional. I sadly don’t even know anyone with a houseful of cow knick-knacks! Also, I’m not a large animal vet, but I have a deep respect for those in my profession who are, and I thank you for all you do.

  Thank you, Corina, for always listening to my story ideas, for offering the best feedback, and for being willing to read a scene over and over again. You make every one of my books better and you are an amazing life partner. Thank you also to my two kids for understanding when I have a story deadline and being ready with a plot twist! You are both amazing storytellers and I love your creativity.

  Thank you to my beta readers, Laina, Charlotte, and Maggie. I appreciate each of you and this story is so much better because of your comments and advice. Thank you, Heather, for being a rockstar editor yet again. I love working with you and look forward to the next time already. Thank you to everyone at Bella for all of your help in making this story shine. And thank you, dear reader. Each time I write a story, I get new best friends (otherwise known as characters) and I love that you want to meet them. I truly hope you enjoy their story.

  Finally… Thank you to all of the animals, both large and small, who I have loved and cared for, and who have taught me more than I can express with words.

  Chapter One

  “Wow. Your boobs look fabulous.” Leslie pushed up her own breasts and made a face in the mirror behind Seren. “Want to share some of that with me?”

  “I wish it worked that way.” Seren Winters pulled back her shoulders and tried to appreciate the fact that she now completely filled out a D-cup. Her breasts did look fantastic, even if it was more than she was used to.

  “Is it messed up that I feel kind of turned-on staring at my best friend’s breasts?” Leslie stuck out her tongue to make it clear she was joking. “How much bigger are they gonna get?”

  “You, too, could get pregnant. Turns out, all it takes is one trip to the sperm bank.”

  “Not everyone gets prego the first time they have contact with sperm, you know.”

  She did know. At thirty-eight, she’d had more than one doctor tell her to expect multiple attempts and likely IVF. Or at least medications to induce ovulation and six to nine months of trying. Nope. All it took was squirting a little tube of defrosted sperm into her uterus and she was on the fast track to being a mom. The reality of that still managed to thrill and terrify her. “I think that’s why I’m freaking out. Everything’s happening so fast.”

  “Which means you get to the good part faster. Having a baby in your arms.”

  “You’re right.” She had to keep her mind focused on that. Yes, she was overwhelmed, but if the universe kept smiling on her, in roughly five months she’d get to hold her very own baby. A brand-new person—who she already knew she’d love more than anything else in the world.

  “But seriously. Do you think your boobs are just going to keep growing?”

  “They can’t keep getting bigger, right?” She readjusted herself, but that only seemed to push more cleavage into view. “I’m starting to get intimidated. Maybe I should try a different bathing suit.”

  “You look amazing in this one.”

  “I look like a porn star.”

  “Stop. You don’t. Well, not entirely.” Leslie sidestepped Seren’s swat, laughing as she did. “Anyway, it’s not like you’re wearing this to work. You’re going to water aerobics. The only people you’re going to see are a bunch of older ladies—and you know they love big boobs.”

  “Old ladies love big boobs?”

  “Well, when I’m an old lady I know I’ll love them.”

  Seren smiled at Leslie. “You’re the best.” She dropped her shoulders a moment later. “Some days I feel like an old lady already.”

  “We’re in our thirties. We’re barely middle aged.”

  “This”—Seren tapped her belly—“at thirty-eight, is a geriatric pregnancy.” The bump wasn’t yet visible in her work clothes, but the cut of the swimsuit seemed to broadcast her truth. She’d also seen the ultrasound images with the cute little glob of cells, and there was no doubt her body was changing. It still made her heart race to think about. Again, thrilling…and also terrifying.

  “You’re gorgeous. And I’m not just saying that because you’re my best friend and you’re standing here looking uncomfortable in a bathing suit while everyone else is fully clothed.”

  “Thanks.” Seren rolled her eyes.

  “It’s the truth. At fifteen weeks pregnant, my best friend is a total hottie. You’ve got that pregnancy glow thing going on.”

  “Whatever. We both know you’re the hottie.” Seren did appreciate the compliment though. She was already self-conscious about her body changing, and parading around in a bathing suit took things to a whole different level. “But, just so you know, I love having a best friend who always says the right thing. And who will go shopping with me at the drop of a hat.”

  “Always. You know how I feel about shopping.”

  “I didn’t expect that the first thing I’d need from the maternity store would be a bathing suit.” Stretchy leggings had become her favorite fashion now that she couldn’t fasten her other pants and she’d simply switched to wearing more of her loose longer knit shirts. No one at work knew. Yet. She’d promised herself to tell everyone yesterday at the monthly meeting, but she’d lost her nerve at the last minute. As excited as she was, she couldn’t shake the worry that any little misstep of fate could rip the future she’d dreamed about right out of her hands.

  For as long as she could remember, she’d wanted to be a mom. The time to start a family had never seemed right, though, and then all of a sudden, it’d felt like time had run out. It hadn’t, clearly. And she wanted to simply be thankful that she’d gone for it and that so far everything was going exactly the way it should. Well, minus all the morning sickness and the ginormous breasts. She tugged at the shoulder straps to see if she could make her cleavage less pronounced, then made a sultry face. “You really think I should buy this one?”