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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xo, Zach by Kendall Ryan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

XO, ZACH is a new adult standalone that’s kind of a taboo trope…a student/teacher relationship. Zach is actually the adviser for Poppy, who’s a graduate student.

I’m giving this one 3.5 stars (I round up!) and not because there was anything wrong with the writing itself. I actually LOVE Kendall Ryan and I’ve read and enjoyed several of her books! No, the thing that bothered me was that I expected Zach to woo Poppy more with his words than what he actually did. I thought I’d read a whole lot of beautiful, heart squeezing poetry but there wasn’t too much of that. Bummer!

On the plus side, I absolutely admired the strength of Poppy’s character. She was determined and strong willed. YAY! Zach was dreamy in a sexy way and just as equally resolute to win over Poppy so they were a great match. Zach and Poppy’s chemistry was obvious from their very first “date” and although their relationship is a slow burn, once they finally come together…WHEW!

Their “taboo” affair creates a plot with a lot of angst that keeps the story interesting. And like I already mentioned, it’s well written and fast paced. I LIKED Poppy and Zach’s romance but I didn’t LOVE it. However, no way will that stop me from reading more of Ms. Ryan’s work! Told from dual POVs with a happy ending. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

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A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras

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