It’s been three years since 25-year-old Jan Weston swore off men, and her resolve isn’t what it used to be. When a family emergency diverts her travel companion to LA, a fun semester abroad in Bangkok turns into a lonely trip for one. Although she’s supposed to be studying international business at Thammasat University along with Thai massage at the famous Wat Pho, Jan finds herself studying her teacher, especially his cute butt. But she isn't just hot for teacher. Jan also meets an athletic Italian ready to show her a good time and an artistic Thai man who says all the right things. Can she resist the allure of dating abroad? Could she even choose which of the three she wants between the sheets? And if she does give in, can what happens in Bangkok stay in Bangkok? As Jan struggles to finish her education amidst so many distractions, she must also deal with the loss of a friend, a deep betrayal, and news of a death in the family that could lead to an overdue reconciliation. Between The Sheets is a sensual story of making mistakes, overcoming obstacles, and finding love in the strangest of places.
Sárka-Jonae is a novelist, publicist, journalist, and now a columnist for East County Magazine (EastCountyMagazine.org). Her novel writing career began with Between Boyfriends, a romantic comedy novel for women who've been "between boyfriends," which is much cooler than being single. She has recently branched out into writing steamy romance under the name SJ Miller.
Sárka-Jonae is a graduate of Syracuse University. Before writing full-time, she was a personal trainer and massage therapist, helping people tone up, slim down, and chill out. In her free time, SJ loves to dance in flash mobs, in music videos, on speakers, or at home in her underwear. She practices kung fu and yoga, was briefly a Buddhist nun, and travels extensively for "research." She's a huge animal lover and has been vegan since 1999. She's committed to respectfully unveiling the truth about the horrific way factory farms abuse animals. SJ lives in San Diego with a cat and two dogs.
Jan began her babysteps as a functioning adult in Between Boyfriends and a few years later, it seems she has stuck to her vows made, but hey, even “grown-ups” need a special connection with someone, swearing off boyfriends is getting old for her. When a planned trip to Thailand to study the art of massage with a friend turns into a solo adventure, Jan attempts to put her best foot forward and take life by the horns, take advantage of the opportunity she has. How could she know how lonely and lost she could feel in a foreign land where she doesn’t even know the language or the culture? How could she know her resolve to remain single would be tested over and over? Is it possible to find Mr. Right where you least expect him? How do you know when you’ve found him? Why does he have to be so unavailable? Jan questions her ability to make the right choices once again, as she ventures out in the world and finds her heart keeps going back to that one man.
Between the Sheets by Sarka-Jonae Miller is another peek into the life of a young woman who is trying desperately to do the right thing for her and be independent, but to say Jan was a late bloomer is an understatement. Her family gave her the material things she wanted, but her parents kept an emotional distance for reasons she is only now leaning about. I have to say, I’m impressed with Ms. Miller’s handling of our less-than-perfect Jan, who clearly was trying to do the best with the emotional tools she has been given. The trip within Jan’s mind is sometimes humorous, sometimes, sad, but always I felt something, even if it was exasperation! Jan has become a three-dimensional being, even if she is a little wobbly at times! When an author connects me to the character, no matter what, that is great writing! The plot is full of life-like scenarios that I watched Jan navigate from the safety of my own home, so of course, I could armchair quarterback the entire thing! Yep, Ms. Miller had me talking to Jan.
A wonderful contemporary romantic read full of those little chunks of “life” that tend to trip us up, without being too fluffy or too dark! Light, quick reading with gentle pulls on those heartstrings. 4.5 Stars!
I received an ARC edition from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Sequel to Between Boyfriends Publication Date: February 14, 2014 Publisher: Booktrope Genre: Contemporary Romance Number of pages: 275 Available from: Amazon
We are meeting Jan Weston again who is twenty-five now and has become mature ,wise and is definitely keeping her vow to eschew from dating. ( Well , Brian is not actually her date ) . Her friendship with Lisa and Becki has stood the test of time and the trio always finds happiness when they are in touch with each other. Meanwhile, as Jan and Becki prepare to visit Thailand for studying at the Thammasat University and while they are busy with the send-off party an awkward phone call on behalf of Becki's family compels her to stay back . Disappointed and tensed , Jan sets off alone ... a new country..new culture and people. She feels depressed and laments her decision to venture alone but her worries lighten somewhat when she meets Mali , her teacher in Bangkok. Then the strangest thing happens as she meets Pan , her massage teacher at Wat Pho , Jan gets flummoxed as she feels the presence of an inexplicable energy between them , some unknown force acting ! Her attraction towards Pan , who lives an austere life and whose family wants him to be a Buddhist monk , becomes irresistible . Will she be able to inculcate in Pan the true meaning of love and passion ? Or she will just succumb to other men who are ready to show her a good time ? Jan herself learns a lot in her endeavour to find the actual answer.
Sarka-Jonae Miller has portrayed the known characters in a better way this time with newer facets ,the newly introduced characters making the process all the more interesting. With Bangkok as backdrop for most of the time , the story proceeds smoothly with a wonderful delineation of the city and its outskirts. Bangkok comes alive in her words. Jan's experiences , both good and bad , teaches her more about life and she prepares herself to face the life as it comes . She is no more a cry-baby , but a girl who can think and act reasonably , a woman of substance . You'll definitely like this Jan ...her introspection , her resilience , occasional whims , desire and love .
The author has maintained her usual writing style , lucid and candescent . The plot is firm and there's no trace of flaccidity .One can easily relate with the character of Jan and the book is absolutely recommendable for all age group . Sarka-Jonae Miller has proved this time that with her inimitable style she is able to bind his readers and make them crave for more . I have really enjoyed the book and would love to read more about Jan as she is now " between flights '' .
So we meet back up with Jan about 3 years after the first book, Between Boyfriends. She has remained true to her no dating rule. She and Becki are getting ready to study abroad for a semester in Thailand! At the last minute Becki's grandmother has a stroke and Becki dashes home to be with her. Becki ends up having to stay behind to care for her grandmother, and Jan is left to go to Thailand ALONE! Jan thought it would be a fantastic idea when she wasn't going alone!
At first in Thailand Jan battles depression and the urge to run home. She sticks it out and becomes close with her tutor and struggles with a wicked crush on her massage instructor.
She sticks it out and has some AMAZING experiences - both good and not so good. I assure you that you will desperately want to visit this country by the time you finish this book! The descriptions of the people, places, and way of life are captivating.
This story was a great follow-up to Between Boyfriends and I sincerely hope we get to hear about Jan and her friends for a LONG LONG time! They are so real, and deal with real issues!
It turns out this book is the middle one of 3 books about Jan Weston, a young woman who comes from a wealthy but basically indifferent family and her journey to grow up and away from her parents. I didn't realize this till I finished Between the Sheets when it became clear the story wasn't over. Very aggravating! The story ended as Jan was about to fly to Australia to meet her grandfather for the first time. It certainly was not great literature, but I found myself immersed in Jan's journey toward maturity and now have to read the next installment in order to find out about her Australian adventure (and what happens between Jan and her serious love interest!). Between the Sheets took place mostly in Thailand. I was impressed at the research the author did to give a believable picture of this fascinating country and culture. Now I can look forward to reading about Australian culture (note that I have no need to read the 1st book in the series).
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Between the Sheets is the sequel to Between Boyfriends. Jan is back and ready to go abroad with her friend Becki. Becki backs out at the last minute because of a family emergency and, after two years of planning, Jan finds herself alone in a strange country.
Jan matured a lot in the first book. In this book, she learns a lot more about herself and not only makes new friends in Thailand but is able to deal with anything life throws at her.
Sarka-Jonae Miller’s writing is fun and easy to read and she has a great sense of humor. If you like chick lit, you’ll love Between the Sheets. I hope there are more books to come with Jan and friends.
This second book in the series is great! I loved it even more than the first one. In this book, we see a different Jan, more wise and mature, who takes life more seriously and wants something better for herself. I also loved the descriptions of beautiful Thailand, as well as the people and their way of life. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one!