"I didn’t begin to believe in a ‘happy ever after’ or forgiveness until I finally met the youngest Carter brother, otherwise known as 'The Fool'."
Bea Love is patient, love is kind…love never fails. I guess I’m the exception to the rule; the fool who got it wrong. I once survived falling in love but only just. Alas, surviving love is how I came to be working under the great Nathaniel Carter. Also known as, ‘the popular boy with a heart’. At least, that’s what he was always rumored to be. Having worked under him for the past eighteen months, I can safely say, that rumor was a lie. Nathaniel Carter doesn’t have a heart, not with me anyway. With me, he’s nothing more than another bully with an inexplicable grudge. I’ll survive him though; after all, I’ve survived bullies before.
Nate Party-boy, player…the fool? Whatever, those days are behind me. I am a responsible adult now, a manager working at my brother’s company. People respect me. At least, most of them do. Beatrice Summers might be my PA, but she certainly doesn’t have a very high opinion of me. I tried, to begin with, but no more. If Miss Summers is determined to paint me as the asshole boss, then the asshole boss is whom she’ll get. And the fact that I fantasize about her at the end of every day? Well, that’s just an inconvenient habit leftover from my young and foolish days.
You'd think being a writer, I would find this an easy feat, but talking about myself always leaves me a little stumped. So, I beg for your forgiveness when I attempt to give you a little bit of waffle about me. I'm a mother, wife and primary school teacher, who has found a passion for reading and writing. It's become so addictive I no longer watch TV, instead I get lost in alternative realities and frequently lie awake in the middle of the night with random ideas for what to put my characters through next. Music is often my muse but I also love to include real life experiences in my books. I want people to be able to relate to my characters and to know that they're not the only ones to go through certain difficulties, anxieties or embarrassing situations. I like to think my stories are different from one another, some being romantic comedies whilst others are full of suspense. Hopefully you agree and will enjoy getting lost inside of my head for a while. My serving suggestion is to indulge with a side dish of something sweet, something comfy and where possible, a golden retriever to curl up next to.
This is a well written book with strong characters in Nate and Bea. The author does a great job developing their relationship and brings out all the feels along the way. They have a rough start but as time goes by things change. This is not a light story with dealing with some heavy topics but it is a terrific read. Highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Ever read a book and the catalyst scene is just so well.described that you have a churning stomach. ( not that it's gory, it's just so awful) That's what I got when I read the scene from Bea's flashback. With this book, I felt like I was reading one type of book, the arrogant boss trope, then it morphed into something totally different and more interesting. The storyline picked up for me when she returned home 10 years later. There was a really good central theme of sibling relationships, terse and over protective. I loved the secondary characters and really want to read the next book.
Bea! She went through so much as a teenager and we see how this has impacted her choices. But we also see just how much stronger she is and the bright, kind, and down-to-earth woman she has become. You want to bat in her corner the whole way through.
Nate definitely starts off as a bully to Bea, which comes as a surprise given that in The Knight, Book 1 of the Cárter series, we see how much of a charmer and jovial character he is. But we learn why he acts this way, and the caring, confident and protector side comes out.
The two of them together makes you want to whoop with joy. They get off on the wrong foot for sure and you want to throttle Nate for the way he acts, but he certainly makes up for it later on when the misunderstandings and truths are revealed. They have witty banter and good communication and chemistry oozing off the page. That said, there is also a lot of emotion and it almost feels like a rollercoaster as we learn about Bea and Nate and it definitely is worth the ride.
The side characters also should be given awards or at least shot outs for helping our main couple both individually within their friendships and with our couple’s burgeoning relationship. Many are familiar faces but we also are introduced to a few new ones like Bea’s brother Ben.
The pacing of the story and Edith g also flowed well, as we get a bit of snippets here and there regarding Bea’s past and see how it all comes together. The story definitely captures your attention and doesn’t let you go, even when you reach the ending (which is highly satisfying!).
I also want to note that even if you haven’t read The Knight, you might be able to jump in here and then go back, but be forewarned that there may be a few spoilers.
Overall, this was an engaging read, and I cannot wait for Helena’s story next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emotional overload! I feel totally wrung out and exhausted after finishing The Fool but also happy and relived for Nate and Bea by the end of the story. This was really well written in that the story grips you and doesn’t let go, but Ms. Scott plays out the heartbreak and emotions in a way that has you totally immersed in the story and feeling all of Bea’s pain right along with her. Her relationship with Nate is so hot and cold, when she first starts working for him, he is so mean to her, misunderstanding her being intimidated by him to be a lack of respect. Her strength in putting up with this behavior and bullying is remarkable given her back story. Thankfully, they turn that around but not before you get the whole heartbreaking story of what happened in Bea’s past. The full extent of the events had been a closely guarded secret shared by just Bea and her brother Ben, but things to come out before she painfully recounts everything to Nate. The drama at her sister’s wedding finally brings the whole mess to light to her family and the major players involved. By now, Nate has become her rock as tragedy strikes them down but also cements the depth of their feelings for each other. This is not a lighthearted read with triggers that will be hard for some, but to see Beatrice rise above her adversity and all those who would strike her down is something to behold. Finding her happy place is gratifying and worth all the tears shed to get there.
So, after being given the opportunity to read the first book in this series for the author I was so excited when she reached out for me to read this book…of course my automatic response was YES!!
Nate, is the lovable young Carter brother who we got to know in the first book and he now has started to mature a bit and has joined his brother’s company.
However the lovable side of him does not come across where his PA, Bea is concerned! Honestly he is downright rude, ill mannered and hurtful towards her.
Bea has been hurt, in the most horrid way, in the past and still suffers the after effects of what happened. Her one true support in all that time was her brother, Ben, with the rest of her family not knowing the extent of what happened.
Because of the nature of the story, I would advise that people read the trigger warnings as it covers some sensitive subjects. And on that topic, I once again have to applaud Taylor K Scott for her beautiful and emotive writing and the handling of these sensitive topics that she does with most respect and regards for anyone who is or has been in those situations.
A word of warning keep a box of tissues next to you 🥹
This is a sneaky book, just when you think it's going a certain way it changes. This might be because I am starting with book 2 and not yet read book 1 Knight... I have met some of the characters in Willow and Waterlilies which I loved!
Poor Beatrice Summers is totally walked all over and humiliated daily by her boss Nathaniel Carter, she has put up with this for eighteen months.
Bea is suffering low self esteem and it turns out she is ashamed of things that happened in her past and tasted betrayal firsthand.
Nate is a man determined to put his foot in it every time. He's a complete and utter fool. Yet ask he wants is to find love but thinks he's incapable.
This is an emotional and romantic read that touches on some topics that might be triggering for some readers. Please check warnings.
I enjoyed this story and I'm so glad it was a happy ending as Bea deserved it so much.
I look forward to reading the next book and finally finding out what happened to Helena and learning more about soul sucking Lucius.
This has got to be my favourite book by Taylor I devoured it in less than 24hrs Nate and Bea are just perfect for each other even if it took them a while to get there.
Nate the youngest Carter sibling has always felt like he has to play the fool and when he took a job at his brothers company felt like he had a point to prove and his PA Bea and he had crossed wires when they meet for the first time he becomes someone unlike himself when she is around he makes her life uncomfortable to say the least. But their histories are intertwined and Bea has some pretty horrific trauma that a teenager should never have to go through but unfortunately so many are - cyber bullying is a real threat to our younger generation and Taylor approached this with care and attention my heart broke for poor Bea.
We get the light in this story with the friendships but the dark from the triggers which I would advise looking at before you dive in, as I say they have been dealt with carefully but some readers may find them uncomfortable.
I am so enjoying. This series and authors other books. this author has a way of pulling you in to the story. On the emotional scenes as if you in the room with the characters, Bea has so emotionally been bullied. buy so called friends. And her best friend is her sister. Emma, until she does the ultimate betrayal to her. Something happens. Her brother Ben is her protecter and she lives with him. Now Bea is a PA at the Carter firm and now she going to be Nate Carter PA, but Nate is horrible to her that is unusual as he a kind guy. Bea has made a friend for life with Callie, and I so love her. she very sassy Cam has a go at his brother. And the truth comes out. He likes Bea but has a funny way of showing it. he starts to see the women she is. now this one is more emotional than the last book one part I cried. will it be happy ever after? Iso recommends this Authors books. You will not be disappointed
After the ultimate betrayal by her boyfriend in high school, Bea Summers has trouble trusting people. On her first day with her new boss, Nathaniel Carter, her shy and timid attitude makes him think she's judging him. If she thinks he's a bosshole, then he'll be a bosshole. Even if his attraction for her is starting to drive him insane. Nate's bullying has left Bea confused and ashamed, especially since he's friendly to everyone else. How much can she take before she finally snaps? After all that Bea went through, I can't believe she would put up with the constant bullying from her boss, much less end up forgiving and dating him. He was just cruel and awful which made it hard to see him any other way when they finally get together. I was just waiting for the switch to flip again every time he lost his temper. I did enjoy reading about some of the secondary characters that will have their own books and I'm looking forward to reading them.
I loved The Fool - Book 2 The Carter Series. This book will have you feeling all kinds of emotions. There can be a few triggers in this book for bullying, sexual assault and suicide. Bea has spend the last 10 years running from her past but now it’s being thrown in her face as her sister is marrying her ex. At the same time she runs from her feelings for her boss Nate. It was at a party at his house all those years ago her life changed. He’s a playboy and a jerk, until he’s not. Can Bea and Nate work through the history to find a way to be together? Can Bea forgive those I’m her life that wronged her? This was such a moving and emotional story. I absolutely loved the ending. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was Nate and Bea's book. She once survived falling in love but only just. Alas, surviving love is how she came to be working under the great Nathaniel Carter. Also known as, ‘the popular boy with a heart’. At least, that’s what he was always rumored to be. Having worked under him for the past eighteen months, I can safely say, that rumor was a lie. Nathaniel Carter doesn’t have a heart, not with her anyway. With me, he’s nothing more than another bully with an inexplicable grudge. Nate is a responsible adult now, a manager working at his brother’s company. People respect him. At least, most do. Beatrice Summers might be his PA, but she certainly doesn’t have a very high opinion of him. He tried, but no more. If Miss Summers is determined to paint him as the bad guy, then the bad guy is whom she’ll get. It was an intriguing read. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
I'm thankful for the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book because the protagonist speaks very bluntly with extremely high self-awareness and honesty throughout the book, which I can appreciate. Usually, getting a woman to admit that she was the bigger fool for "falling in love" with a foolish man is like pulling teeth, so this is refreshing for me. I would recommend this book to anyone who accepts that the truth shall make us free (and, sometimes, the truth hurts!)...and to those who love lies (as the cure for their sickness).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emotional,swoonworthy romance . Full of unexpected twists and turns and revelations. Sexy hero, messed up heroine. Enemies to lovers vibe though Nate's not actually an enemy, more someone to avoid(made difficult by the fact he's her boss!), quite boorish towards Bea and she doesn't understand why... Catch up and a hint at secondary characters' stories which I appreciate as I like to know how things turn out for other characters. Would love to know more about what the future holds for Bea's brother, Ben and the inner circle of friends. Better to read the books in order. Recommended for an adult audience.
Wow! What can I say. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I've read most of the books by this author and like the way that the characters are flawed and therefore lifelike. This is the second book in the series (3rd if you count the novella).
We see a different side to Nate in this book (and not always his best side!). The author demonstrates quite effectively how one situation can be interpreted differently and misunderstandings can be the result. I absolutely loved Nate and Bea, and I'm really looking forward to reading Helena's story in the next book in the series 😀
This is a very emotional and romantic read that touches on some topics that might be triggering, so check the warnings. It features Nate, the lovable young Carter brother who has joined his brother’s company, but his lovable side does not come across at all with his PA Bea, a young lady that has been hurt badly in the past and still suffers the after effects. I enjoyed this story a lot and I'm glad there was a HEA as Bea really deserved it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you have been reading the series, be prepared for another emotional tear jerker. It was beautifully written as Bea had a real traumatic high school experience and what she had to do to survive it all. While Nate has his own insecurities working under his brother and projecting them to Bea, his personal assistant. It was messy getting there but once they sorted it out, they a good solid couple. Fingers crossed that Bea's brother and Callie will get a book or will be mentioned as the series continues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this one dia number on me - so deep, emotional, and excellent character building. Such big themes expertly handled. Yes, Nate wasn't acting his best at the beginning but he soon turned it around. PLus, there were reasons for his behaviour and I love this about this author. Her characters are flawed but there is always a reason, they're always 3-dimensional. If you're someone who appreciates how hard it is to battle with mental health, then you'll see how strong these characters are. Can't wait for Helena next!
Another emotional charged read! Make sure you read with caution as there are difficult topics that may trigger some, but are approached with compassion. Nate and Bea both believe they're 'fools' or at the least are seen as one. There's an underlying connection between them. I was once again completely immersed from start to finish and can't wait to see what happens next in the series...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Like all of her books this author really knows how to tell a story, I've read nearly every single one and none have disappointed! This one focuses on Beatrice and Nate and ah I'm in love with them both and getting to see big brother Cameron and lily again too was just lush. I also liked how Helena's story was heavily hinted at but without revealing any details whatsoever! Next on my list, The Devil
Great second book I couldn’t put it down !!! Nate turned into a total arse around Bea and he made her life a living hell what he didn’t realise was she had already gone through so much in her life. How would she feel having mr nice guy Nate around or had he pushed her too far? Her past come backs to haunt her in a big way and she needs to put that to bed.
Wow, this was emotional. Very reminiscent of how brutal school can be, but also really interesting how victims think and why they do what they do. I also knew Nate was having troubles as he had changed somewhat from the first book and there had to be a reason why. The main relationship was everything I hoped for but the side stories made it really special. Love, love, love Ben!
Well, excuse me while I go and grab another tissue. This was a great read from Taylor; the way she takes on hard-hitting themes never fails to amaze me. Nate was very much the fool...to begin with. Thankfully, he shows who he truly is and offers Bea everything she's been hoping for. This is a heavy read so do read the trigger warnings. Recommended!
Bea had given up on love, Nate was a playboy until he went to work for his brothers company. Bea had been his PA for nearly 2 years but they didn't habe the best of starts. But will one moment change it all? Well written steamy, boss/employee desires action and more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'll be honest, I loved Nate from book 1 in this series. But let me tell you I actually hated him at the start of this book. He was vile to Bea. Now, Bea, this girl. Has my heart. She was so brave and strong. My heart ached for her. All that she went through and to still be standing. I love her. But finally Nate turned it around and I needed up liking him. I'm so excited for the next book
Taylor did a great job with Bea and Nate. Their story is tackles some tough subjects. It will have you go through some emotions especially if you are sensitive to certain triggers. But if you can handle them I'd recommend it because it is a page turner.
Another fantastic instalment in the Carter trilogy. Deliciously dark and sinful. Great character development, and storyline evolution. Would recommend. Cannot wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Bea was a complexed character and I loved her. I enjoyed the fact, that her point of view was delivered in the first person. I couldn't put this book down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.