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Yield
Cole's family took Max in after tragedy hit at the age of thirteen. By sixteen, an undeniable bond tied Cole and Max together, turning into dreamy high school love.
Thirty looks different.
The parents of 3-year-old Riley are on the verge of divorce. Instead of Cole being her outlet when all was dark, now her client-turned-friend, Ryke, is the one she chats with, escaping her reality. His couch is where she chooses to crash when she swears it's the last time she's leaving Cole.
Ryke's world, very different from Max's, collides with the small-town woman's in her journey of self-growth, strength, and love.
“This is one of those books that you could easily pick up and just get lost in the pages.”
second chance
motocross
friends to lovers
he falls first
trauma bond
love triangle
spicy content creator
small town romance
single parent/divorce
dual timeline
multi-character point-of-view
Book 1 of Crossroads Duet. May be read as a standalone, but follow up book suggested.
* This book was republished in May 2024 as a second edition. Not all reviews reflect the changes made in the second edition.
Thirty looks different.
The parents of 3-year-old Riley are on the verge of divorce. Instead of Cole being her outlet when all was dark, now her client-turned-friend, Ryke, is the one she chats with, escaping her reality. His couch is where she chooses to crash when she swears it's the last time she's leaving Cole.
Ryke's world, very different from Max's, collides with the small-town woman's in her journey of self-growth, strength, and love.
“This is one of those books that you could easily pick up and just get lost in the pages.”
second chance
motocross
friends to lovers
he falls first
trauma bond
love triangle
spicy content creator
small town romance
single parent/divorce
dual timeline
multi-character point-of-view
Book 1 of Crossroads Duet. May be read as a standalone, but follow up book suggested.
* This book was republished in May 2024 as a second edition. Not all reviews reflect the changes made in the second edition.
387 pages, Paperback
Published May 26, 2023
14 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
K.R. Brendlinger
6 books40 followersK.R. classifies her writing style as easy to digest and raw between the lines. Her stories are character-driven with the same packed and fast-paced pep as plot-driven stories.
K.R.'s undeniable Pisces energy emotionally steers her when the pen hits the paper, writing stories with realistic characters you can relate to and plots that submerge you.
Join the newsletter:
http://www.krbrendlinger.com
K.R.'s undeniable Pisces energy emotionally steers her when the pen hits the paper, writing stories with realistic characters you can relate to and plots that submerge you.
Join the newsletter:
http://www.krbrendlinger.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 10, 2025
I have never felt so conflicted trying to write a review after finishing a book. I’ll admit that I went into reading partially blind as I added it to my shelf last year and didn’t refresh myself on the synopsis. In general the book was not what I expected. I felt so out of sorts at times with the back & forth between timelines and characters. Though I was sucked in unable to put it down, at about the half way point I was frustrated with the main characters. I’m not a fan of the love triangle trope. Then it was like a magical end, characters went to therapy and poof everything it better. I felt no actual character growth to be honest, it just happened.. On the other hand it was refreshing to see such a realistic dynamic/struggle within a relationship. This HEA felt off to me and in the end I’m still unsettled with the story and how things played out. (Can’t go into more detail without giving too many spoilers). Wouldn’t re-read this book but would give another book by the author a shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2023
This was a very realistic depiction of separation/divorce and finding yourself after being with someone for so long. The characters are very relatable, and this definitely pulls at the heartstrings.
This hit a little too close to home for me as Max and Cole's relationship (the good parts) were very in tune with mine and my husband. Being together at a young age, being together through devastating times, basically growing up together... the ups and downs. All hit very close. Even the characters themselves remind me a lot of us as individuals, similar interests and hobbies. I'll be honest I stopped reading at about 50% and skipped ahead to the last couple of chapters. This is the main reason for the 4 ☆ rating. I just couldn't bring myself to read about Max being with someone else and actually fully separating, and it's absolutely my own preference. I do not want that to deter anyone from enjoying this book as it should be!
I definitely recommend this book. It was well written and definitely worth the time.
This hit a little too close to home for me as Max and Cole's relationship (the good parts) were very in tune with mine and my husband. Being together at a young age, being together through devastating times, basically growing up together... the ups and downs. All hit very close. Even the characters themselves remind me a lot of us as individuals, similar interests and hobbies. I'll be honest I stopped reading at about 50% and skipped ahead to the last couple of chapters. This is the main reason for the 4 ☆ rating. I just couldn't bring myself to read about Max being with someone else and actually fully separating, and it's absolutely my own preference. I do not want that to deter anyone from enjoying this book as it should be!
I definitely recommend this book. It was well written and definitely worth the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2023
Just read it already
I absolutely loved this book from K.R. She brought to life a real as hell scenario that many people will find relatable.
You'll be caught up in this love triangle just as much as Max is.
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Ryke is amazing the whole damn book, but at one point you really start to see that his priorities just don't line up with Max's. He still had some growing up to do, and he wasn't ready for that.
Cole loves Max with his every breath, and it takes her leaving for him to realize how much he does and that he's willing to work on himself for her. To be what she needs. He's so damn incredible and you can feel the love pouring off the pages from him.
Why haven't you read this book yet? You act like it just came out today....(it did, but read it)
I absolutely loved this book from K.R. She brought to life a real as hell scenario that many people will find relatable.
You'll be caught up in this love triangle just as much as Max is.
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Ryke is amazing the whole damn book, but at one point you really start to see that his priorities just don't line up with Max's. He still had some growing up to do, and he wasn't ready for that.
Cole loves Max with his every breath, and it takes her leaving for him to realize how much he does and that he's willing to work on himself for her. To be what she needs. He's so damn incredible and you can feel the love pouring off the pages from him.
Why haven't you read this book yet? You act like it just came out today....(it did, but read it)
August 20, 2023
Max moved in with Cole’s family after experiencing tragedy at a young age. They became high school sweethearts and now are 30 and parents to a 3 year old. From the outside they have a perfect marriage, but behind closed doors, they are on the cusp of a divorce.
Yield: to surrender or relinquish to the control of another; to give up.
Ryke Oank is a client of Max’s turned friend who lets her crash at his house. He is a great friend to her who really listens and is there for her while also giving her space. Max makes the decision to leave and Ryke is there for her. There are some important questions that need answered here. Is Max really done with Cole? Is Ryke ready for a relationship with Max and her daughter? Is Cole going to really fight for Max?
Max and Cole’s relationship felt like a mix of codependency and toxicity to me at the beginning of the book. Not just between themselves but also the extended family dynamic. The story bounces back between the past and present day giving it a very realistic view of two people, who clearly love each other very much, but also need to figure what they really want and if they should stay married. I loved Ryke in this book and was the perfect person for Max to go to. Also…I can’t believe it but Cole redeemed himself for me.
On a lighter note, Rave was a real delight in this book
Tropes
Multi POV
Love Triangle
Divorce
Yield: to surrender or relinquish to the control of another; to give up.
Ryke Oank is a client of Max’s turned friend who lets her crash at his house. He is a great friend to her who really listens and is there for her while also giving her space. Max makes the decision to leave and Ryke is there for her. There are some important questions that need answered here. Is Max really done with Cole? Is Ryke ready for a relationship with Max and her daughter? Is Cole going to really fight for Max?
Max and Cole’s relationship felt like a mix of codependency and toxicity to me at the beginning of the book. Not just between themselves but also the extended family dynamic. The story bounces back between the past and present day giving it a very realistic view of two people, who clearly love each other very much, but also need to figure what they really want and if they should stay married. I loved Ryke in this book and was the perfect person for Max to go to. Also…I can’t believe it but Cole redeemed himself for me.
On a lighter note, Rave was a real delight in this book
Tropes
Multi POV
Love Triangle
Divorce
May 15, 2024
This was my first experience with K.R. Brendlinger's books and I enjoyed Yield a lot.
The relationships and life of Max, Cole and Ryke were so relatable. Max and Cole were the first for each other in basically everything and after years together, they forgot themselves and what made their relationship healthy.
Max wanting to be seen and heard was something so many others deal with. Walking away and finding yourself and finding love again is hard.
The relationships and life of Max, Cole and Ryke were so relatable. Max and Cole were the first for each other in basically everything and after years together, they forgot themselves and what made their relationship healthy.
Max wanting to be seen and heard was something so many others deal with. Walking away and finding yourself and finding love again is hard.
May 26, 2023
I want to start off and say love triangle romances are not my go to read but I did really enjoy this one.
Did I get upset with the characters, yes, yes I did. But the storyline was between the 3 MC’s was very realistic.
Cole and Max are teenage sweethearts that can’t seem to figure out how to communicate without fighting over every little thing. They both have had different past experiences that they haven’t dealt with on their own. So when Mac decides enough is enough and leaves, it is eye opening for the both of them.
Ryke, man was he a character I didn’t know what to expect from him. I gotta say he was my favorite. He went outta his way to help out a “friend” by putting his feels to the side. But that is his nature, to help people. Gotta say Rave was TOTALLY unexpected but in a good way.
This was a first read by this author for me and I am glad I got the chance to find a new author to read.
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4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
7/10 recommendation‼️
Did I get upset with the characters, yes, yes I did. But the storyline was between the 3 MC’s was very realistic.
Cole and Max are teenage sweethearts that can’t seem to figure out how to communicate without fighting over every little thing. They both have had different past experiences that they haven’t dealt with on their own. So when Mac decides enough is enough and leaves, it is eye opening for the both of them.
Ryke, man was he a character I didn’t know what to expect from him. I gotta say he was my favorite. He went outta his way to help out a “friend” by putting his feels to the side. But that is his nature, to help people. Gotta say Rave was TOTALLY unexpected but in a good way.
This was a first read by this author for me and I am glad I got the chance to find a new author to read.
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4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
7/10 recommendation‼️
August 11, 2023
This book takes you to a new world dealing with the same things many people here do. You experience the pain and heartbreak and love and happiness as the characters do. Read the book and fall in love with this love triangle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2023
This is a very good book and I highly recommend
February 4, 2024
Cute
A love story with a twist. I loved seeing the characters grow. A good amount of spice. A great ending.
A love story with a twist. I loved seeing the characters grow. A good amount of spice. A great ending.
May 26, 2023
Thank you K.R. for sending me an arc copy of Yield!
I absolutely loved this story! As toxic as Cole & Max’s relationship was, I was rooting for them the whole time. I really enjoyed both of their character growth throughout the book, and how everything ended for them.
Such a beautiful, and real life scenario! A must read.
I absolutely loved this story! As toxic as Cole & Max’s relationship was, I was rooting for them the whole time. I really enjoyed both of their character growth throughout the book, and how everything ended for them.
Such a beautiful, and real life scenario! A must read.
May 27, 2023
So I am a sucker for love triangles and drama.
This book gave me both and so much more.
The story really was captivating and def kept me turning the page not knowing what to expect.
There was of course, some toxicity with the relationships, and of course a good amount of character growth.
The tension, and the banter was great.
The love triangle was very realistic, and I felt as swept up in it as Max was.
I loved all three MCs and though I had to pause while reading this....I picked it back up and was sooo glad I got to read this.
Def recommend this book and this author.
This is my third read by KR and I can honestly say, I cant wait to read more.
This book gave me both and so much more.
The story really was captivating and def kept me turning the page not knowing what to expect.
There was of course, some toxicity with the relationships, and of course a good amount of character growth.
The tension, and the banter was great.
The love triangle was very realistic, and I felt as swept up in it as Max was.
I loved all three MCs and though I had to pause while reading this....I picked it back up and was sooo glad I got to read this.
Def recommend this book and this author.
This is my third read by KR and I can honestly say, I cant wait to read more.
May 28, 2023
Wow just wow! This book gave me all the feels, and was so relatable to real life situations. That just made me appreciate and love this story so much more! I loved all the character’s YES ALL lol! The way it was written in several POV’s made me feel like I actually knew all of them. Yes there is a love triangle in this story, but… I loved both the guys wanting Max to keep them both 😂 is that realistic no, but…. I don’t care 🤷♀️The ending was just so beautifully written! This Author is AMAZING, I can’t wait to read more from her!
July 16, 2024
This is gonna be rough
This book packs a LOT of emotions. If you want all fantasy, this is not the book. This book has very raw emotions, and I had to take a minute before I reviewed it because I wasn't sure how I wanted to review this. The book wasn't bad but is in need of a good editor. It's hard in some chapters to tell what character is speaking. There's a chapter where the whole paragraph is repeated back to back. The story has really good bones, but I did struggle to get through it.
This book packs a LOT of emotions. If you want all fantasy, this is not the book. This book has very raw emotions, and I had to take a minute before I reviewed it because I wasn't sure how I wanted to review this. The book wasn't bad but is in need of a good editor. It's hard in some chapters to tell what character is speaking. There's a chapter where the whole paragraph is repeated back to back. The story has really good bones, but I did struggle to get through it.
June 4, 2024
Max finds refuge with Cole's family after a youth tragedy, leading to parenthood. Despite appearances, their relationship is rocky. Ryke, a former client turned friend, offers support as Max considers leaving. The story explores themes of love, co-dependency, and redemption.
May 23, 2024
DNF at 4%. I know I didn’t really give this book a fair shot, but the beginning was so wordy and complicated. I just could not follow all the character introductions and the plot felt dry.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews