The first time we met was at a party.
Your ex arrived to show off the person he’d left you for last month, and you asked me to pretend to be your date.
I was more than happy to help. You were attractive, smart and witty–and that kiss we shared? It left me wanting you for days.
The second time we met was in my office on campus where we were both surprised to discover you were the new master’s degree student in poetry that I would be working with. You promised to be professional. I did no such thing.
The late nights and intense study sessions spent alongside you majorly throw me off my game. I want you, and I fight with myself daily over this fact.
I know I’m crass, that my sexual innuendos and dirty mouth annoy you, but I live for those two bright spots of color in your cheeks. If that’s the only reaction I can get out of you, I’ll gladly take it.
You hate Mondays so every Monday I slip an anonymous poem into your bag and your smile gets me through the week.
I think I’m falling for you, and I know it’s wrong. I know that I’m only supposed to be your adviser and nothing more, but here’s the thing. I think you’re falling for me too.
xo, Zach
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Review
xo, Zach by Kendall Ryan is a standalone romance filled with humor, forbidden love, and some angst thrown in for good measure.
Starring Zach Austin, an academic advisor, for graduate students in the creative writing program and Poppy Ellis, the woman he falls head over heels for.
A damsel-in-distress, Zach is more than happy to help the beautiful Poppy when she approaches him during a college party to pretend to be her date. The exchange an unforgettable kiss, but no numbers. If they meet again, it was meant to be.
Serendipitously, they do meet again when Zach meets his new graduate student that he will be advising, Poppy. The attraction and sexual tension running between these two is strong, but Poppy holds back because she doesn’t want to hurt her student status or risk his job. Luckily, for us readers, that doesn’t stop Zach as he romantically pursues his Poppy! The anonymous letter he sends is so sweet. The teasing and banter is fun between the two of them. Though there are times it does seem “the lady doth protest too much, methinks”, but it becomes understandable why Poppy is hesitant to start any relationship more than friendship with Zach. But how can she resist! He’s so endearing!
xo, Zach is an enjoyable read with two main characters that connect and build a friendship and a romantic relationship with one another. Zach’s focus and pursuit of Poppy is very cute and I just l loved him. Throw in Zach’s mom (she’s hilarious) supporting him as his “wingman” and no wonder Poppy falls for him. The other supporting characters like Poppy’s neighbors, Jodee and Kody are also standouts as well. Enjoyed how supportive they were and how they added to the story.
Overall, xo, Zach by Kendall Ryan is a humorous romantic novel that I happily recommend and can’t wait to read another book by Ms. Ryan.
