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The Lucas Cousins #1

Going Down Hard

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Have you ever wondered what would happen if your high school crush finally noticed you?
What if it happens 12 years later?


I’ve only loved one man in my life.
Gavin O’Leary.

He made my high school days a nightmare.
Not because he loved me.
Not because he hated me.
But because he had no idea who I was.

He was the popular guy with the chiseled abs, dark tan and perfect hair.
You know the type.
The type that only dated the perfect-ten, cheerleader.

I was the loner.
The nerd who hated high school and couldn’t wait to say goodbye.

And I did — to Freemont High and to Gavin.

The last thing I expected was to see him again twelve years later.
Yet here he is.
Only this time — he notices me.
This time — he kisses me.

This time saying goodbye to Gavin O’Leary might destroy me.

Novella introducing a brand new series. Instant lust that took twelve years to explore. Safe read with an Alpha who knows what he wants and goes after it — HARD.

121 pages, ebook

First published August 14, 2017

1883 people are currently reading
1589 people want to read

About the author

Jordan Marie

114 books4,750 followers
I'm just a simple small town country girl, haunted by Alpha Men who talk in my head 24 hours a day.

I knew I wanted to write when it became clear I couldn't be happy with just viewing other people's stories. I always wanted to rewrite them.

Like why did Jack have to die? Why couldn't Rose move her butt over? Because that was a huge piece of wood she was on, people.

Happy Endings should be fought for, but they should always happen. Mine might take some curves and twists, but they eventually get there.

Having published over fifty stories, it always feels surreal that this is my life. Hitting USA Today had me crying for days, but nothing is more special than hearing from readers that they loved one of my books.

Want to keep up with me? You can here:

Newsletter Sign Up- https://www.jordanmarieromance.com/ne...
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5 stars
1,058 (35%)
4 stars
978 (32%)
3 stars
671 (22%)
2 stars
193 (6%)
1 star
68 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
Profile Image for GimmeAllTheWerdssss.
597 reviews254 followers
August 15, 2017
While I enjoyed the fact that Gavin was all about Casey after seeing her again. I felt that his crudeness and constant reminder of his playboy ways were slightly to much. I get it...your hot and have never lacked female companion but I don't need to hear about it constantly.

Casey was a good heroine - strong and sassy but she forgave Gavin way to easily. It would have been better if he would have had to work for it and done some begging.

Finally it was nice to see White again and to see that he gave good advice to Gavin based on his experience with Kayla. He was the voice of reason!!

Overall it was a good set up of the characters for some upcoming novels. I have a feeling that Hope (Heroine for the next book) has some Ida Sue in her and I look forward to seeing her put Hollywood boy Aden in his place!
Profile Image for Gaufre.
467 reviews26 followers
August 19, 2017
DNF 28%

Did not like the "hero".
First, he was about to kiss the heroin, even though he came to the prom with somebody else. Not cool.

Then, there is gem of inner dialogue:

I should have never slept with her on the set of the last movie we worked together. I knew not to. [...] In my defense, I was really drunk that night or it never would have happened.

I can't root for characters like that.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,029 reviews547 followers
August 30, 2017
Nerdy high school girl in love with the school's popular quarterback who, of course, is dating the prom queen. But they have an encounter the night of prom and then BAM -- high school ends and he takes the high road and she takes the low one. Twelve years later they literally bump into one another amid the lights of Hollywood -- and not just once, but three times. That's the charm of this introduction to Jordan Marie's new "Doing Bad Things" series.

Short and fast-paced but fun-to-read. Dirty talking Hollywood stuntman and a makeup artist that easily puts him in his place. They sizzle together. There's very little drama except for a bet-gone-wrong. And some helpful (questionable) friends thrown into the mix are a comical addition.

Profile Image for Laura.
788 reviews28 followers
August 31, 2017
FREE on Amazon UK.

Short novella. Was OK for a free read but hasn't made me want to read the others in the series.

Very predictable..he's always worn a condom with previous lovers but wants to go bare first time with heroine blah, blah, blah.

I found it annoying she called him Dude and he called her Moth-girl.
Profile Image for Tai Nelson-Barnes.
2,832 reviews74 followers
October 22, 2017
Yes, this is a shorter book by Jordan Marie. But it is a wonderful story. A story about young love never dealt with and when the two meet again things are a lot different. Casey is trying to make her way through Hollywood doing makeup for the actors.Gavin is stunt devil to his friend Aden when he bumps into Casey. These two are wonderful characters and I loved this story.
Profile Image for Ali.
566 reviews
September 3, 2017
2.5 stars.
It's alright quick read.
Expected it to be funnier and the ending is kind of lame.
Profile Image for Bellereader.
733 reviews52 followers
March 13, 2018
Gavin and Casey are making up loss time with heated nights, great conversation, and a lot of spilt coffee. Under Casey’s picture in the yearbook it probably reads “Huh, didn't even know she went here...” For pity sakes she didn't even have the grades to be considered a nerd, so basically she spent her schooling as a veritable ghost. The only highlight of her teenage existence is the night Gavin O’Leary spoke to her and mildly flirted with her. But that's all behind her because now she's a confident self assured grown up….right? When she quite literally runs into her teenage dream 12 years later it seems that finally she has removed her invisibility cloak, but old neurosis run deep. Gavin was the golden boy as a teen, with everyone in his life assured he would be a star. A brief but meaningful encounter with a mystery girl lead him to following his dreams and that path set him on an actually colliding course with her years later. Casey can't see what he sees when he looks at her. This beautiful, smart, and sexy woman has no idea the web she weaves, but he would be a fool to let her get away a second time.
Profile Image for E. Marques ❤︎ Books Galore ❤︎.
31 reviews22 followers
November 4, 2017


Overall rating:
Plot:
Characters:
Smuttiness:
Cliffhanger:
HEA:




This was way too short!



Casey's had a crush on Gavin since high school - when he barely paid any attention to her. Prom night was the only time he actually acknowledged her existence, only to walk away with someone else. Fast forward 12 years later and S U R P R I S E: they met again! But Gavin doesn't remember her...until they meet again at their new workplace - a movie set.



Yeah.

About Casey. At first, I thought she'd be a lovesick doormat, having had this huge crush on Gavin since freaking high school. Thankfully, that was so not her. Casey was such a strong and witty character!



I absolutely adored her! She powered through her crush and made Gavin work for every single thing - which he (kind of) deserved.



Now, Gavin. He just had too much of that aw-shucks kind of personality so, sometimes, when the author wanted to sell him off as being an alpha man, I couldn't really buy it.



And just let me tell you about all the banter between Casey and Gavin: it was everything. I loved their chemistry!



Now, as I already said, I do think the book was way too short. The pace of Casey and Gavin's story was rushed and that reflected on the suddenness of a lot of aspects of their relationship.

And about the sex scenes...well, they're spicy. Not smutty. Spicy (feel my bitterness, honey).



If you're looking for a light short story, this is definitely your book! Enjoy!







Amazon: Kindle | Paperback
Kobo: eBook
Barnes&Noble: Nook | Paperback


Amazon: Kindle | Paperback


Amazon: Kindle | Paperback
42 reviews
August 14, 2017
Believable!!! Real Life Stuff!! The best lighthearted story I've read in a while!!!, August 14, 2017

By
Angela

This review is from: Going Down Hard (Doing Bad Things Book 1) (Kindle Edition)

When Jordan Marie gets an idea for a new story, you can bet it's going to be good!! I read it!! Yep it's good!! Couldn't put it down!! This story was a little different than most of Jordan's material in that the characters and their personal qualities are a little not perfect, but that's what makes this story beautiful and real. I love that our heroine, Casey, is not your average girl with all the " right stuff" that makes every other girl envious, but still a beauty in her own right. I like that Gavin is real in his heart and is able to see the beauty in someone and realize how that makes his life complete. Casey and Gavin went to high school together, but that was about it until one night, during one conversation, a seed was planted that caused these two people to connect 12 years later. I absolutely loved this story because it demonstrated a situation more akin to real life which made it believable and relatable. It is funny, witty, heart melting and beautiful. The relationship and the verbal banter that these two have is refreshing and it will make you smile and outright laugh at times. If you are a reader of all things Jordan Marie, then you will love this book and the surprises that come with it. I was ecstatic when some familiar characters appeared in this story. I'd love to tell you more, but it would be a spoiler and I am not doing that, so you'll have to find out on your own. It's a good surprise that lets you know that this could be a few booker series!! I would recommend this book to anyone and if you're a fan, you will definitely want to read. If your not a reader of Jordan, you will be if you read this one or any of her other books. I voluntarily read this book as an ARC for a honest review!!
Profile Image for Neringa Neringiukas.
1,213 reviews86 followers
August 14, 2017
I love love love this story. I couldn't stop reading until I reached those two cursed words. The end. It was light, sexy and entertaining.
Loved Gavin and Casey. Those two have some of my fav characteristics in main couple. Gavin can make you a bit bipolar, because when he opens his mouth, you wanna to smack him but at the next second you wanna to laugh. And at the end you wanna to package him and take him with you home. I loved Casey's uniqueness. She's one of the kind. And Gaving and Casey fit toghter like pieces of puzzle.
I really feel energized after this story. Looking forward for next couple.

Merged review:

I love love love this story. I couldn't stop reading until I reached those two cursed words. The end. It was light, sexy and entertaining.
Loved Gavin and Casey. Those two have some of my fav characteristics in main couple. Gavin can make you a bit bipolar, because when he opens his mouth, you wanna to smack him but at the next second you wanna to laugh. And at the end you wanna to package him and take him with you home. I loved Casey's uniqueness. She's one of the kind. And Gaving and Casey fit toghter like pieces of puzzle.
I really feel energized after this story. Looking forward for next couple.
Profile Image for Eleanor.
1,148 reviews29 followers
October 25, 2017
5 LOL stars on Goodreads

This is a Novella to get us into this new series from Jordan Marie. I was a little silly and started with the second book in this series. But there was no real spoilers in the second so I did still enjoy this book. I was also delighted to see it in Kindle Unlimited. 

We have the nerdy high school girl who's in love with the school's star quarterback. A chance meeting at their school porn has Casey realising she will never have Gavin and goes on about her life. 

Casey is making a name for herself in Hollywood as makeup artist. Gavin is a stunt man and they end up working on the same movie together. Only problem is Gavin doesn't realise who Casey is at first and sure it goes from there! 

I loved this story and couldn't put it down. This was a was light, sexy and entertaining read, Gavin's character had me in stitched throughout! 

http://realtastypages.com
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,157 reviews45 followers
August 13, 2017
Oh wow! I just LOVED Gavin and Casey! They had this spark the first time they met and the fire they have later is amazing!! The back and forth banter, the laughs, and the heat makes for a fantastic read with characters you are going to love. I am looking forward to Aden's story and really hope we get some more of Titan!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Anne in VA.
1,284 reviews17 followers
October 15, 2017
Disappointing. This was such an abbreviated novella it was ridiculous. I think the main characters had one meaningful conversation in the entire book.
Profile Image for Book Snob Sue.
1,399 reviews134 followers
August 19, 2017
3.5 stars. You ever read a book where you thought "is he still talking"? Yeah, that's this one for sure, ironically he was easier to tolerate when he was talking versus the shit he was thinking....I wanted to choke him sometimes. His arrogance and overall personality in the first half of the book would definitely put him at "not my favorite". I just think he lacks charm. Luckily Casey's quick wit and confidence made up for Gavin's faults.

So, these two went to high school together where Gavin was pretty much himself and she was a bit of a loner. At prom he's with another girl, but he almost kisses her....does this kind of explain the type of guy he is?

Fast forward 12 years and they literally run into each other again. He's texting and ran right into her, spilling her coffee down her sweater....doesn't apologize and proceeds by wiping his phone off on her sweater...yeah, he's a bit of a self-centered douche honestly. Then he does the exact same thing later on for round two, same scenario....uh, this guy. Honestly, I have no idea how he had any friends or girlfriends for that matter. He finally figures out who she is *slow claps*.

Apparently, he has thought about her a lot through the years, I guess between all the many, many girls he's slept with. He ends up being a part of something stupid (not cheating or anything like that, felt I had to clarify since he's not really BBC (book boyfriend) material) and unfortunately Khama is a bitch. So, these two start dating, because he can't stand to be without her, yes it is genuine. He does seem to turn around pretty quick in the book especially after how he started out so obnoxious. He goes from being an arrogant playboy to being a caveman. Everything is fine for a whole week when that Khama comes back to bite him in the ass. I really don't do well with other women drama, so this area annoyed me a bit...but when you sleep with everyone within touching distance, that shit will happen...Khama. Luckily for him, he does the first smart thing in the book and grovels well...damn if he didn't need to.

This book probably would have been lower stars from me, but I really did like Casey and Gavin did finally pull his head out of his ass....and they had explosive chemistry, let's not forget that. First book by this author, she is a really good writer, so I was impressed with that. Would definitely read more of her books, because surely she doesn't write all Gavin's *winks*.
1,017 reviews
August 15, 2017
I freakin loved this newest book by the ever talented Jordan Marie!!! Casey and Gavin went to high school together. She had the biggest crush on him and he didn't even know that she was alive. 12 years later they find each other again...she is a makeup artist and he a stuntman working on the same film set. Things are going well until a silly little bet is made and Casey gets wind of it. Can Gavin prove to Casey that what he feels for her is real and the bet had absolutely nothing to do with them being together.

This is such a funny, sweet and hot as heck story. I was hooked from the very beginning and hated to see it end. The chemistry between the two was off the charts hot. I loved everything about this book and can't wait for the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book to everyone. Another 5 star read from Jordan Marie....well done!!! I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Emma.
277 reviews8 followers
January 18, 2019
A good quick read

Casey and Gavin went to school together but Gavin was the jock type that everyone wanted to be with and Casey was the nerd that was there I get ya nose in plain sight yet invisible to all.
Casey would admire from afar but then with her mothers unwanted and uni intentional intervention her dreams and her fears come to life at the same time when she is unwillingly at the prom.........alone.

What happen though when they bump into each other literally, 12 yrs later.

If you need A quick read then this is perfect. It's a fun light hearted read with a pinch of drama.
74 reviews
August 15, 2017
Gavin🔥💓

so it's short, hot and sweet. It's a great teaser for what's to come. I loved Gavins cocky banter but got annoyed with Casey's over use of juvenile insults..(moron,dweeb) really? 😐 White Lucas makes a Cameo appearance and it just makes me more impatient for the Lucas Brothers stories!!
Profile Image for Jamie Ellis.
1,131 reviews15 followers
January 9, 2018
Really enjoyed this..

If you want a lighthearted read with HOT sex, a sexy hot as heck player, and a girl with a pension for being mouthy and gives out killer nicknames then this is the read for you lol!!. Oh and what better way to start a relationship based a bet. OK that sums up the story but what a ride.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
Profile Image for Ri.
5,129 reviews14 followers
December 1, 2021
4 stars

I didn't even realize that this series was a thing until someone mentioned that it was a spinoff of the Lucas family. That collection of stories is one of my favorites. This was a bit different. It is on the shorter side but it still was good. I loved the bantering with the characters. I do wish that it had been fleshed out a bit more as the potential was there to be so much more.
Profile Image for Ciara Kelly.
1,166 reviews9 followers
March 26, 2021
Super cute

I love this side of Ms Marie. Softer, cuter, funnier. Gavin and Casey were adorable and great fun. Look forward to more
Profile Image for Rebecca Barber.
Author 14 books309 followers
September 3, 2017
Loved this book - it was everything you hope would happen to you should you ever run into that high school crush that was out of your league... well mostly what you wish would happen minus the coffee!

Gavin had it all at high school and never even saw Casey. Not til the last night when Casey's unfiltered mouth got the better of her and she said whatever she thought.

Fast forward 12 years and Casey is living her dream as a sought after makeup artist...she just never thought she'd be working with the stunt man who was the star of her teenage dreams.

Throw in some sizzling chemistry, a lot of fun flirting, a spoilt starlet and a whole lot of history and you have a fun, easy read.

For me, this book gave me exactly what I needed when I needed it!
Profile Image for Jennifer - You Can't Resista Dirty Book .
442 reviews12 followers
August 14, 2017
Going Down Hard, an introductory novella from the magnificent Jordan Marie for her new up and coming series, launches the series off into the stratosphere. I am an uber fan of this authors work and once again Jordan has hit the spot. This book is the perfect mix of smart, sexy and funny.

In classic Jordan fashion we are treated to an ultra alpha caveman in the guise of a Hollywood stuntman and a strong, independent female with a sharp tongue and quick wit working as an on set make up artist. (Love that she is a make up artist, great to see my job in a book for a change lol!!)

The chemistry between the main characters is off the charts hot and electrifying. You will definitely want to be reading this book and will be waiting with baited breath for the series to kick off.
Can the original high school opposites of the invisible girl and the most popular guy make it in the real world? Come in and see!!
Profile Image for Laurie.
346 reviews14 followers
October 21, 2017
Not much to say about this one, most of it was okay even though multiple times I felt like I'd read this before.

I liked Gavin but most times, it felt like he was feeding her lines. Ex: "I'd worship at any altar that had you on it" or "I'd sooner stop breathing than stop making love to you". Once or twice, you know, it can be funny but we got this all through the book and ugh I just couldn't get on board with this, it gave a really superficial vibe to their "love story".

I liked that the book was short, it was exactly what I needed at the moment, but well with short stories comes the fact that things goes a little bit too fast between them. Something happens in the book - no spoiler - and I thought Casey forgave him a little bit too fast but well...short stories.

Overall, it was enjoyable for what it was. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Pauline (Passionate About Books).
809 reviews15 followers
August 14, 2017
"The two of us together is our world."
When your philosophy about relationships is NEVER getting serious and staying away from trouble... you tend to fall flat on your face, literally, when the girl who got away bumps into you... twelve years later! Now all you have to do is prove to her that things are actually different... Yeah... NOT as easy as it sounds! A sweet Romantic Comedy about nerves, doubts, unrequited love, feeling insignificant and accepting love... even if you are worlds apart. 5 Smoking Hot and Highly Entertaining Stars for "Going Down Hard", a laugh out loud Rom-Com, ideal summer read!
Profile Image for Vikki Purcell.
537 reviews5 followers
Read
August 14, 2017
Jordan has again brought another awesome read out of her bag. From the time they met. Gavin and Casey has you laughing. Both meet on prom night, he needing some space to think and she to escape from being someplace she didn't want to be. Dude and Moth-girl meet up again 12 years later, seems both had been thinking of the other on and off. Once together things seem perfect until a bet made gets out. From feeling one doesn't belong adding in a jealous woman with some great onliners this book will keep you hooked from start to end. 5star read and a definite suggested read
Profile Image for Holly Bargo.
Author 41 books144 followers
August 24, 2017
Hot, fast-paced novella

Despite a handful of editing glitches that made me cringe, this novella goes hell bent for leather from the second chapter. The first chapter resonates because it rings true. The rest of the book is pure romantic fantasy with a side of contrived drama that the hero resolves too quickly. But it works, because he admits right off the bat that he was in the wrong. If you're looking for a fast-paced, steamy romance with a smattering of witty repartee, then you'll enjoy this little book.
Profile Image for Janet Welch.
135 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2017
This novella was amazing!!! Gavin is freaking awesome and sexy and hilarious!! Casey was sweet and I loved their chemistry right away! These two have history, the prom king and the invisible girl- one conversation that that touched them both! Flash forward ten years..... will they or won't they?? Will Casey get past her own mind to give Gavin a chance?

This was the perfect introduction to this series!!! I can't wait to read Aden's story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews

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