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Serenity Woods
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Friends Don't Have a Fling (Doubtless Bay Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Serenity Woods (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 335 ratings
Once Elle lets the tiger out of the cage, it’s impossible to get him back in…

Elle Baker’s had enough of men telling her how to live her life. She loves her job at the Treats to Tempt You shop in Doubtless Bay, New Zealand. But repeated issues with her overbearing father and arrogant ex have persuaded her it’s time for a fresh start, and she’s planning to move away to Wellington at the end of the month.

When Stuart Casey’s childhood sweetheart lay dying, she made him swear to her that he’d never love another girl as long as he lived. So far, he’s kept his promise, even though he knows it was unfair of her to make such a demand. He’s only twenty-eight, and their marriage was hardly physical at the best of times. But how do you get back in the saddle when you’ve never even been on a horse? Stuart craves the happiness and affection he sees in his friends’ relationships, but he’s beginning to think he’s destined to be single and lonely.

Then Elle makes him a surprise proposal. A long weekend away in a beach house with her—and she’s not expecting him to sleep on the couch. She says she wants to help him find his feet before he launches back into the world of dating. Desire fights with guilt, and desire wins.

Elle’s offer isn’t completely altruistic—she fancies Stuart rotten, and is more than happy to spend a few days showing the gorgeous English teacher a few tricks of the trade to help him move on. But once she’s let the tiger out of his cage, it proves impossible to get him back in. And the new and improved Stuart won’t let her go without a fight.

Tropes: Virgin hero, fling, friends-to-lovers
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  1. Book 3 of 6
    Doubtless Bay
  2. Print length
    208 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 4, 2014
  5. File size
    1.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

contemporary romance new zealand billionaire christmas holiday vacation friendship relationship love
contemporary romance new zealand billionaire christmas holiday vacation friendship relationship love
contemporary romance new zealand billionaire christmas holiday vacation friendship relationship love

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

She turned to face him again, her heart picking up its pace at the way his eyes glittered from the solar lights pinned to the fence. Because he was so quiet and unassuming, she always forgot how tall he was--at least six two, quite a bit taller than her in her Converses. He had broad shoulders too. She was struck with a vivid memory of the moment when he'd had his photograph taken for an advertising campaign back in March. Maisey had come up with the idea of taking tasteful but sexy photos of everyone eating chocolates and drinking coffee to display on a poster. Stuart had agreed and stripped off his shirt without argument, causing the eyes of all the watching girls to bulge in admiration. He'd appeared completely oblivious to the effect he'd had on them all, apparently ignorant of the beauty of his physique.

His mouth opened as if he was about to say something, but he hesitated, and then looked away, out into the dark night. His brow flickered with a frown, and she thought that maybe she could guess what was going through his mind. He was high from the buzz of the performance, and he liked her, but Ria's ever-present ghost continued to haunt him, making him reluctant to voice the attraction Elle was certain he felt for her.

Emboldened by the fact she might soon be moving away, she moved closer to him and rested both hands on his chest. He looked back at her, eyebrows rising, but she didn't give him time to say anything. Instead, she raised herself on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his.

He inhaled sharply, and she lifted her head a tiny bit, leaving a fraction of an inch between them. She waited for him to pull back, to exclaim in shock, or to scold her for assuming he wanted to kiss her. Her cheeks warmed at her audacity--why had she been so forward? Should she apologize? Make a joke of it?

But he didn't move away. He froze for a moment, his breath warm on her lips as his chest rose and fell rapidly beneath her fingers.

Then his hand came up and slipped into her hair. He cupped her head, his other hand rising to rest on her hip. And he lowered his lips.

Elle closed her eyes, holding her breath as he kissed her. Just a press of his lips against hers, gentlemanly and polite, no tongue delving into her mouth, no hands groping. But it was all the more beautiful because of that. Her blood raced, her heart hammered, and beneath her hands she felt the answering rapid beat of his heart against his ribs. But she knew that to an onlooker his kisses would have appeared calm and mellow, gentle as the moth fluttering around the light.

About the Author

Serenity Woods lives in the sub-tropical Northland of New Zealand with her wonderful husband and gorgeous teenage son. She writes hot and sultry contemporary romances, and is a member of the Romance Writers of New Zealand. Writing as Freya Robertson, she won the national NZ Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Novel for her epic fantasy. She would much rather immerse herself in reading or writing romance than do the dusting and ironing, which is why it's not a great idea to pop round if you have any allergies.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00MQHV8R4
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 4, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Doubtless Bay
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 335 ratings

About the author

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Serenity Woods

Serenity Woods

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USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writes sizzling New Zealand billionaire romances. Alternatively called "The Goddess of Witty Banter" and "The Queen of Happy Endings" by Amazon reviewers, she likes to describe her heroes as 'nice guys doing naughty things,' so if you like your men hot, rich, funny, and respectful out of the bedroom but wicked beneath the sheets, you've come to the right place!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
335 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a satisfying read with a cute story about learning to share love, and one customer describes it as an emotional journey during a weekend. Moreover, the characters are well-developed and real, and the book features tempting hot scenes.

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15 customers mention "Readability"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a satisfying read, with one customer mentioning they finished it in one sitting.

"...But oh so satisfying. Great story, HEA, and I am looking forward to the next book about Fox!!! Great read, highly recommended, loved it." Read more

"I like the Treat series. Characters are fun." Read more

"This is Elle and Stuart's story in the wonderful Treats to Tempt You series...." Read more

"What a powerful story. Elle and Stuart are a wonderful pair...." Read more

7 customers mention "Romance"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romantic elements of the book, with one customer describing it as a delightful story about learning to share love, while another notes it's an emotional journey during a weekend.

"...It is HOT so be prepared. But oh so satisfying. Great story, HEA, and I am looking forward to the next book about Fox!!!..." Read more

"...Loved these characters ~ a story of friendship, heartache, lust, and ultimately love." Read more

"...Overall I did enjoy the story I am interested to know what happens in the next book. I don't recommend this book, but I don't not recommended it too...." Read more

"Serenity Woods writes eloquently about overcoming grief and exploring how to love again - but in this case, how to really love and be loved for the..." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding the characters real and relatable.

"I like the Treat series. Characters are fun." Read more

"...Loved these characters ~ a story of friendship, heartache, lust, and ultimately love." Read more

"...This story is really character driven, and that makes it a richer, more satisfying read than just about anyone else in the romance genre." Read more

"...The characters, the plot, even the sex scenes, this book has it all!! Very well written. It just flowed from page 1 until the end...." Read more

3 customers mention "Heat level"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the heat level of the book, describing it as temptingly hot and steamy.

"...The writing is witty and charming! Sexy times are hot and steamy, yet incredibly sweet!..." Read more

"...And might I say, very hot also. Delightful story about learning to share love. While a series, it is complete in itself." Read more

"...Characters are real & relatable...love story is sweet & hot hot hot! Can't wait for the next one..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Gatorfan
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED it, great read...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I LOVED< LOVED< LOVED it. GREAT story. This is Stuart, the only widow in the group of friends, and Elle. Stuart, a high school teacher, married young and his wife died shortly after. she had a disease that progressed faster than they anticipated. Elle is one of the owners of the local coffee, ice cream, chocolate shop. She and 3 friends opened the shop and run it together. They live in a small town in New Zealand.

    First, all the books in this series are stand alone books with their own ending. I think reading them in order helps you understand the story of the others as they play parts in all the books. I love this series. Each book is better than the last. Stuart, a gentle soul, hurting after the death of his wife makes for a OMG hero. You have to love this guy. He is just to yummy. Not the typical hero tho. Elle is a sweet girl but has some family issues and some personal ones as well. BLESS her for what she does for Stuart altho I'm not so sure who was the winner over their week-end. Most of the book centers around the week-end. It is HOT so be prepared. But oh so satisfying.

    Great story, HEA, and I am looking forward to the next book about Fox!!! Great read, highly recommended, loved it.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Supermuv
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Series
    Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I like the Treat series. Characters are fun.
    Helpful
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  • knitplaywithfire
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can he get past first base?
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This is Elle and Stuart's story in the wonderful Treats to Tempt You series.

    Elle has always found herself being put down by the men in her life starting with her father. Schooling was not easy for her. (She more than likely had an undiagnosed case of dyslexia based on what she says in the novel. ) She loves her job at Treats to Tempt You but is ready for a break. She says she is ready to move on to Wellington to start a new life. She wants to leave behind her boyfriend who is a control freak and her family. Well not her sister who is her business partner and one of the few who support her.

    Stuart is a school teacher who has been in apparent mourning for his wife since her death. What Stuart hasn't told anyone is that as his wife lay dying, she made him promise to not love anyone else ever again. Stuart has also always hidden the fact that his marriage was very far from perfect. His marriage was in no way physical at all. And that means no physical expressions of love were a part of the marriage. Plus she was very controlling and used her illness as a means to control Stuart. He is ready to move on but not sure how to do so without admitting that at the age of 28, he hasn't done very much.

    Elle has a sweet spot for Stuart and decides to offer him a long weekend away at a holiday cottage or bach. A weekend where they can both explore and satisfy their curiosity regarding each other in all manners. Stuart is willing to accept Elle's invitation since he honestly does have a soft spot for her.

    Can their weekend away help both of them realize that they are meant to be with each other? The sparks coming off these two are enough to melt all of the ice cream in the world or to spark a forest fire. Once Stuart has unleashed his inner self, he is not willing let Elle go.

    Can these two find a way to happiness that leaves both happy? Curl up with a cuppa tea or a bowl of ice cream and start reading to find out.
    Helpful
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  • L Kowalewski
    5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful exploration of love
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    What a powerful story. Elle and Stuart are a wonderful pair. Stuart was trying to overcome the loss of his wife and Elle proposes a way for him to begin living life again. It was an emotional journey during a weekend of just the 2 of them. It was amazing to read the transformation of Stuart and to also read of Elle breaking down her walls as well. Loved these characters ~ a story of friendship, heartache, lust, and ultimately love.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Heather
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Sweet Treat!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This is my first book in the series and I'm so glad I stumbled into it! Elle and Stuart are fantastic together, I love them both! The writing is witty and charming! Sexy times are hot and steamy, yet incredibly sweet! The HEA had me diving for YouTube so I could listen to the song, too! I would definitely recommend this book and I will be heading back to read the first two! While it is part of a series, judging from this book (book 3), you don't need to read them all to enjoy each one.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nerissa
    3.0 out of 5 stars So...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Well this book was good. Not great and not bad. I was skimming over so much of this book to get to the good parts. The good parts were good, but the in between left something to be desired. We waited the whole book for the main to couple realize they wanted to be together and not give up on one another and we get it a finish in like 4 pages.
    Overall I did enjoy the story I am interested to know what happens in the next book. I don't recommend this book, but I don't not recommended it too. It was a cute story. You are going to have to decide.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Jackie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow loved this book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I have finally got round to reading the Doubtless Bay series, I am reading them in order because I like to catch up with the characters in the previous books. However they can easily be read as standalone stories. If you like Serenity’s books then I would advise you read them all, you won’t be disappointed.
    This book is the story of Stuart, a schoolteacher with a sad past that he is finding hard to forget or move on from. Elle works with 3 other girls in Treats to tempt, a chocolate/coffee shop. Elle has had a difficult relationship with her father and ex boyfriend.
    This story focuses on the fact that Stuart is totally inexperienced with the ladies, I won’t give the story away but it was refreshing for the man to be inexperienced and the woman to be the one to lead the way.
    I saw one review that didn’t like the amount of sex portrayed in the book, I disagree, I felt it totally made the book. I loved the way they interacted with each other, there was nothing not to like. It was written sensitively and sympathetically. I had a few tears because I found it emotional and I swooned at the beautiful HEA. Another great book. Looking forward to Caitlin and Fox now ❤️
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  • Lyn, Welsh border.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sultry, sexy and superb! 💕
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Just wow! Provocative, steamy, very romantic and extremely moving this is one hell of a story. Loved the twist that he's the sexual innocent in their encounter but boy does he make up for it by the end. Simply loved it. The humorous and very romantic ending made me giggle. Another gooden Ms Woods! 😍❤😘
    Report

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