Jennifer Dawson

He was the high school hottie. She was the teacher’s pet. But in private, none of that mattered...   At the tender age of six, Penelope Watkins fell for her best friend’s brother, Evan Donovan, future hunk. By the time they were teenagers, they were having heart-to-hearts…and hot and heavy top secret make-out sessions. All that changed when Evan’s father suddenly died. Abruptly, Penelope lost him to grief—and to his true football. But now an injury had ended Evan's NFL career. The notorious bad boy was in a depression no one could penetrate, except maybe the one woman who still knew him best—and still wanted him most…    Penelope is the last person Evan wants to witness the wreck he’s become. So when she shows up at his door he’s less than welcoming—even though the sight of her brings back the same old rush of desire. As a teenager, the emotions overwhelmed him. Now, when he wanted to be overwhelmed, Penelope wasn’t playing. She was telling the golden boy it was time to man up. It may have taken a concussion for Evan to realize it, but that’s exactly what he wants to do—starting with her…   Praise for Jennifer Dawson   “Witty repartee, memorable secondary characters, and powerful attraction skillfully handled will have readers eager for the next in the series.” – Publishers Weekly on Take a Chance on Me

Meet Jackson McKay… There’s only one thing you need to know about me. I’m a cold hearted bastard that will never love you the way you deserve. And I’m sorry to say, bastard beats nice guy, every time. I never lie. Never deceive. I lay out exactly what will happen. My only promise is that I’m a one-night stand. That this is will be our first and last time together. Then I stand back and let them walk. But they never do. Because they all want to believe they will be the one to change me. And, Gwen Johnson, the woman that will be his demise… There’s only one thing you need to know about me. What I want, I get. End of story. I didn’t come to own one of the best restaurants in the city of Chicago before the age of thirty by taking no for an answer. And what I want is for this cold hearted bastard, and culinary genius, to work for me. I don’t care how difficult he is. I’m going to figure out what makes him tick, what he needs most, and then I’m going to go in for the kill. The way I see it, you either own it, or it owns you…

I vow. I crave. I give in. I used to be a nice, normal girl. I had dreams. Good, happy dreams of a white picket fence, 2.5 kids, and a fairytale love that lasts forever. Nobody ever warned me that sometimes, the prince dies three weeks before the wedding. Like any addict, I swear this time is the last…. Now, I go through my days, a shadow of my former self. I pretend I’m okay, and the people in my life pretend to believe me. But, sometimes, when I can no longer stand the craving, I roam an underground sex club looking for my next hit. It’s dirty and wrong, but I can’t stop, and my only line of defense between them and me, is the rules I’ve designed to keep me safe. The men always abide by my rules. Until I meet him. And, like any addict, I’m wrong. I don’t question the instincts that tell me to run. One look at him, standing there, power radiating off him in waves, tells me all I need to know. He will make me crave those happy dreams I’ve left behind. And that is not an option.

Set in contemporary Oxford, this novel traces the emancipation of the laundress of Sanctus Spiritus College as the university prepares for its May Day celebrations. The author's first novel, "The Ha-Ha", won the James Tait Black Memorial Award and was produced on television and stage.

I’ve wanted my brother’s best friend, Leo Santoro, for too many years to count. No matter what I do, he won’t confront the attraction that burns between us. It’s time to put him behind me once and for all. I have no choice but to call his bluff. And then I will walk away. The last woman I should want is my best friend’s baby sister, Jillian Banks. No matter what I do, she won’t ignore the attraction that burns between us. It’s time she learns the real me. The only promise I can make is that her fantasies are no match for reality. And then I’ll watch her walk away.

Brandon Townsend III Rich, beautiful and entitled, once upon a time he was king of the trust fund babies. He took anything and anyone he wanted, until one day, he walked away without explanation. Now, he’s an untouchable mystery, one I’m determined to crack. And I’m not talking about anything mundane like his bed. No, I want something far more valuable. I want into his head. Veronica Westwood has blown into my life creating chaos in her wake, and I don’t know quite what to do with her. Rich, beautiful and entitled, she represents everything I’ve sworn off in life, and her being unexpectedly clever doesn’t change that. Instincts warn me to stay away, and that’s just what I intend to do, no matter her attempts to wear me down. I’m good at saying no, or at least I was until I met her. I don’t understand it, but she’s like a weakness, and a man like me can’t have weakness. I simply won’t allow it.

A prizewinning, semi-autobiographical debut novel that explores a young woman’s struggle with mental illness at Oxford University in the 1950s—for readers of Ottessa Moshfegh, Melissa Broder, and Sally Rooney. “I wanted the knack of existing. I did not know the rules.” These words from Josephine, the heroine of Jennifer Dawson’s remarkable novel, encapsulate the journey of a young woman grappling with mental illness amidst the hallowed halls of Oxford University in the 1950s. Originally published in 1961, this novel met with critical acclaim, and is a rediscovered classic perfect for fans of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. During her first year at university, Josephine experiences a breakdown following the death of her overbearing but beloved mother. She’s confined to a psychiatric institution, where she encounters the harsh forms of treatment offered at that time. Amidst the turmoil, she finds an unexpected connection with Alasdair, a fellow patient, igniting a journey towards recovery. Praised as “luminous” by The New York Times and “a singular, elegant novel” by The Guardian, and with a new introduction by Milk Fed author Melissa Broder, The Ha-Ha offers a moving and fresh perspective on struggles with mental health and the process of self-discovery.

Some people follow the rules. . . A professor of forensic anthropology, James Donovan is the reasonable sibling among the passionate, impulsive Donovans. But there's nothing reasonable about his reaction to baker Gracie Roberts. She's all wild curls and mouth-watering curves, as deliciously tempting as the sugary treats she's famous for--and twice as irritating. But before long, James decides that getting a taste of her is one indulgence he can't pass up. . . Some people play to win. . . Independent, smart, and sexy, Gracie's year-long dry spell has her itching for a man. Responsible, health-obsessed James? Not in a million years! She needs a guy who knows how to let loose! But when James sets out to show her just how satisfying a disciplined man can be when pleasure is at stake, she learns just how sweet--and spicy--he really is. Have James and Gracie found the recipe for love?

For two stubborn people… Corporate mogul Shane Donovan sees the ultra-cool, collected Cecilia Riley as an ice queen—even if he can't deny that, on the surface, she's a work of perfection his body can't ignore. Forced to spend two weeks in the same house for his sister's upcoming wedding, Shane senses that deep down Cecilia mirrors his need. And he's determined to draw her into a sexy game that will melt away her reserve… Losing is not an option… Career-driven Cecilia Riley has just enough free time in her schedule to head out of town for her brother's wedding. But her agenda is thrown for a loop by the presence of Shane. Though his over-confident attitude leaves a lot to be desired, his insanely hot body has kept Cecilia up nights. Unsure what game Shane is playing, Cecilia takes the bait, bent on resisting him at all costs. But as Shane and Cecilia discover, temptation follows no rules…

I’m trapped in the Uber ride from hell with the most despicable man on the planet. He might be something to look at, but he’s soaking wet, ornery and has an attitude I don’t appreciate. I’m willing to overlook the flaws to be civil and the bigger person, but he has the gall to suggest his interview for some boob job fellowship is more important than my court case. Some nerve, right? I can’t be rid him fast enough. It’s twenty minutes of my life. I’m a public defender so I can certainly handle him. Twenty little minutes and I’ll never see him again as long as I live. Yeah, right. Apparently, fate hates me.

Valentine’s night. Three women. A hot new club where anything can happen. After a life changing tragedy Layla Hunter is finally happy. Michael Banks has pulled her back from the dead and given her a love she’d thought was lost to her forever. Now, all she wants is to return the favor and give him the one thing she swore she’d never do again. Jillian Banks is up for absolutely anything and her smoking hot fiancé, Leo Santoro, is determined to give it to her. After exploring her fantasies in the privacy of her own home, Jillian’s ready for more and Leo is going above and beyond to make her happy. In return, she’ll do anything to make him proud. Ruby Stiles isn’t sure what she’s doing at a sex party at one of Chicago’s most anticipated new clubs. Currently she’s blaming it on curiosity. All she wants is to disappear into the background, only her emotions have decided to go on a roller coaster ride and the last thing she expects is for Chad Fellows to pick up the pieces. Sometimes even the best laid plans unravel… *While Unraveled can be read as a standalone for fun, it is best read after reading CRAVE and SINFUL