{"product_id":"2940046001600","title":"Homegrown Heroes: Ryan","description":"\u003cp\u003eCassandra Cross has loved Ryan Sears since the minute she met him, too bad he’s been her number one enemy from about that same time. Ryan is off limits and it would help if Cassie could remember that. Besides there’s no way the sexy, self-disciplined ex-Marine could be attracted to a curvy, smart-mouthed woman like Cassie.\u003cbr\u003eRyan’s not only attracted to Cassie; he’s in love with her. For years he’s tried to forget her and the pain she caused him. He still wants her, but he’s tired of being ignored.\u003cbr\u003eNow Ryan has two weeks to prove to Cassie that he’s a real man and a Marine in every sense of the word. Unfortunately, great sex isn’t enough to put old insecurities to rest and when push-comes-to-shove one of them will walk away and the other will have to find the courage to either fight for their love or risk losing it forever.\u003cbr\u003eThis complete short read has the added bonus of two gorgeous, outspoken Marine buddies who don’t pull their punches. As well as, Cassie’s dirty-minded best friend – Alyssa, who doesn’t hesitate to tell her like it is.\u003cbr\u003eDue to explicit language and sexual content, this story is intended for mature readers only.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRead an Excerpt -\u003cbr\u003e“Did you purposely do that?” he accused, adding to her confusion.\u003cbr\u003e“Do what?!”\u003cbr\u003e“Show up naked!” he growled.\u003cbr\u003eNow Cassie was sure he’d lost all common sense. “I’m not naked,” she said, tugging at the collar of her night shirt as proof.\u003cbr\u003eRyan raised a disbelieving eyebrow and his gaze zeroed in on her chest. Cassie followed his appraisal only to realize she’d forgotten about the water that had spilled earlier and the damp fabric was now slightly transparent and clinging to her skin.\u003cbr\u003e“Oh, I-I spilled some water that’s all. It’s not a big deal. You’re overreacting, Ryan.”\u003cbr\u003e“It damn well is a big deal. I can still see your nipples clearly right now!”\u003cbr\u003eShe crossed her arms in front of her embarrassed and defensive. “For god sakes. I’m sure the girls at the bar were showing a lot more skin than this. Did you yell at every woman there too, Ryan?”\u003cbr\u003eIf possible, he looked even angrier. “No, because they’re not you. You shouldn’t prance around naked in front of other men, Cassandra.”\u003cbr\u003eThen it donned on her — the real reason why Ryan was so angry with her.\u003cbr\u003e“Because I’m fat?” she replied angrily. “Is that the reason? You can say it you know, Ryan. You don’t have to spare my feelings. I know exactly what I look like, I have a mirror. And for the record, Dane didn’t seem to be grossed-out by my fat body.”\u003cbr\u003eRyan’s expression turned menacing and a low growl emitted from his throat. “Cassie, you are so pissing me off right now.”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kara Swynn","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47067668840688,"sku":"2940046001600","price":2.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940046001600_p0.jpg?v=1763687243","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940046001600","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}