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Bitterthorn, Texas #1
Ugly Ducklings Finish First
Metal Mouth. Queen Geek. Dr. Payton Pruitt heard it all growing up. But she's over it, and attending her ten-year high school reunion is the perfect way to prove it to herself. Even if there's only one person she's interested in seeing in Bitterthorn, Wiley Sharpe.
Now a respected lawyer, Wiley didn't live down to the label Most Likely to Be Slapped with a Paternity Suit. But recent acts of vandalism suggest someone still sees him as a heartbreaker, and the reunion seems a likely place to find the culprit. Instead, Wiley comes face-to-face with his old pal Payton�and is wowed not only by her transformation into a ravishing swan, but by the connection they still share.
Payton is pleased the playboy she used to tutor has grown into an honorable man, but she's too smart to fall for a guy with roots in a place she couldn't wait to leave. But while Payton is an academic genius, Wiley is the one with the PhD in pleasure, and he intends to use it to convince her to stay…
63,000 words
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2013
21 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 27, 2017
3.75 STARS
I liked it, it was sweet and the chemistry between the MCs was really palpable. Would have rated this 4STARS if there was an epilogue.
Safety gang- SAFE
I liked it, it was sweet and the chemistry between the MCs was really palpable. Would have rated this 4STARS if there was an epilogue.
Safety gang- SAFE
August 21, 2013
You know those stories where the man and woman fall madly in lust, and then in love, despite the fact that they’re polar opposites or sworn enemies or whatever, and then the man has to pretend to dump the woman to protect her from his bastard self or his past coming back to haunt him or what have you, and then she’s royally pissed when he takes her back and she says, “Why the fuck didn’t you just tell me?” and he says, “Because then you wouldn’t have left and I was afraid you’d get hurt.” And then we’re all supposed to swoon. Am I the only one who’s read too many of those lately? Well, here’s another.
On the surface Ugly Ducklings Finish First appealed to me. Geeky girl goes to her ten-year high school reunion, now a gorgeous doctor. The girl-magnet jock she tutored but who wouldn’t give her the time of day at school is blown away. Yay! Dream come true! Take that, my high school years! Kidding; mine weren’t so bad. I was the pretty geek who helped the jocks with their homework and then partied with them. Everybody’s best friend! Nobody’s girlfriend. Not bitter, I swear.
Yeah, so I’ve got some issues left over from high school, and we all do, and I just love stories where we kick those painful memories in the nuts. But I didn’t love this one. I liked it okay, but there was too much that just didn’t work for me.
First, a bit more about the book. Wiley Sharpe, “the Coyote,” is now a lawyer, but in high school he was a skirt-chasing jock who needed a tutor to help him graduate. At his ten-year high school reunion, he’s struck by an attractive, unfamiliar woman, and then he recognizes her: his geeky tutor, Payton Pruitt. Except now she’s Dr. Pruitt, and she’s back in town against her better judgment.
Payton had a hellish time of high school. She had skipped three grades, had braces and glasses, and had absolutely no friends. She also had a mom who pushed her to extremes. When she left town, she didn’t look back. But now she’s back in the area for a conference, so she’s come to her reunion to seek closure.
Once Wiley gets his mitts on her, though, he’s not about to let her go. Except that someone’s been threatening him, so he can’t let her get too close. Of course.
So what didn’t work for me? Well, first off, the sex scenes were a combination of old-school hyperbole and au courant smut. I think that was a big one. The love scene prose was just a bit purple for my taste, although other readers may absolutely love the prose. Plus, Payton’s looks may have improved but her attitude has not. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t sympathize with her. She was just far too negative, so I didn’t understand what about present-day Payton, other than her appearance, Wiley just had to have around. And lastly, the ending wrapped up far too abruptly and left a couple of unanswered questions. I just wasn’t convinced.
Despite all that, I did enjoy this book on a certain level. Mostly the former geek (Former? Riiight…) in me who didn’t get the guy back then.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC.
More reviews at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com
On the surface Ugly Ducklings Finish First appealed to me. Geeky girl goes to her ten-year high school reunion, now a gorgeous doctor. The girl-magnet jock she tutored but who wouldn’t give her the time of day at school is blown away. Yay! Dream come true! Take that, my high school years! Kidding; mine weren’t so bad. I was the pretty geek who helped the jocks with their homework and then partied with them. Everybody’s best friend! Nobody’s girlfriend. Not bitter, I swear.
Yeah, so I’ve got some issues left over from high school, and we all do, and I just love stories where we kick those painful memories in the nuts. But I didn’t love this one. I liked it okay, but there was too much that just didn’t work for me.
First, a bit more about the book. Wiley Sharpe, “the Coyote,” is now a lawyer, but in high school he was a skirt-chasing jock who needed a tutor to help him graduate. At his ten-year high school reunion, he’s struck by an attractive, unfamiliar woman, and then he recognizes her: his geeky tutor, Payton Pruitt. Except now she’s Dr. Pruitt, and she’s back in town against her better judgment.
Payton had a hellish time of high school. She had skipped three grades, had braces and glasses, and had absolutely no friends. She also had a mom who pushed her to extremes. When she left town, she didn’t look back. But now she’s back in the area for a conference, so she’s come to her reunion to seek closure.
Once Wiley gets his mitts on her, though, he’s not about to let her go. Except that someone’s been threatening him, so he can’t let her get too close. Of course.
So what didn’t work for me? Well, first off, the sex scenes were a combination of old-school hyperbole and au courant smut. I think that was a big one. The love scene prose was just a bit purple for my taste, although other readers may absolutely love the prose. Plus, Payton’s looks may have improved but her attitude has not. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t sympathize with her. She was just far too negative, so I didn’t understand what about present-day Payton, other than her appearance, Wiley just had to have around. And lastly, the ending wrapped up far too abruptly and left a couple of unanswered questions. I just wasn’t convinced.
Despite all that, I did enjoy this book on a certain level. Mostly the former geek (Former? Riiight…) in me who didn’t get the guy back then.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC.
More reviews at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com
November 1, 2014
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Loved this book ..even when it made me cry buckets. I'm a sap I know it and Stacy Gail has a way with tearing you down or rather her characters have a way with knowing just what to do to break your heart. Then she puts you back together and you just aren't the same afterwards.
Didn't think I'd ever read a book with the hero named Wiley and like him. You proved me wrong Stacy.
Really sweet and sexy book with some angst thrown in that will make you want to throw your Kindle. But the sexy sizzling and spicy romantic interludes will make you forgive her..I did.
November 27, 2025
Ugly Ducklings Finish First bring you back to “home town” USA, summerses you in small town life and wraps you up in the budding relationship of Dr. Payton Pruitt and Wiley Sharpe, Attorney. This is a perfectly delightful story about the geek that turned into the beautiful, successful, doctor then at her high school reunion she nabs the attention of the high school super playboy jock she tutored.
If you like an enjoyable, easy, quick reading experience of a couple finding love you should check out Ugly Ducklings Finish First.
If you like an enjoyable, easy, quick reading experience of a couple finding love you should check out Ugly Ducklings Finish First.
August 6, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
I can’t help it, I always root for the under dogs, there’s just something so gratifying when they succeed. So, I found myself firmly in the corner of the heroine Payton Pruitt in this story but I have to admit I have a real soft spot for the hero, Wylie “Coyote” Sharpe, as well. Both are trying to move on from their high school nicknames and reputations while trying to deal with the undeniable attraction they both have for one another as adults.
In high school Payton who was two years younger than the rest of her classmates was tasked with tutoring the school’s star basketball player Wylie. While Wylie hated that he needed the help, he appreciated everything Payton did for him but she never realized that nor did she realize that he held her in such high esteem. Wylie never realized how one careless remark from his youth affected Payton nor how alone and awkward she felt while in high school. When they meet at their 10 year reunion, Wylie can’t believe how Payton has changed and while he’s changed a great deal everyone wants to remember him for his hound dog reputation and his athleticism, not for the man he’s become. A man that he gives Payton great credit for creating, but one she insists was always there.
Honestly, I can’t remember a book where I liked the main characters both so well. I flat out loved these guys and even when Payton was scared and running or when Wylie was being a jerk I still loved them. They are just so perfect for one another and while it was hard for Payton to accept, it was nice how easily Wylie did. Of course living in a small town their affair was the talk of the town as well as the fact that Payton was there to help a local resident give birth giving everyone hope they’d once again have a doctor in Bitterhorn, Texas.
While their relationship was in the forefront of this book, there were some other stories going on adding some interest and intrigue. In addition Payton was healing her relationship with her Mom and Wylie was dealing with some vandalism to his personal property. All of this added to an already full book but just made it that more exciting and well rounded.
I love the way this story flowed and I truly appreciated that although this book takes place in Texas the author didn’t write stereotypical Texas characters. Ugly Ducklings Finish First is an exceptional story with entertaining characters, an intriguing plot, and great dialog. While this is the first book I’ve read by author Stacy Gail, it won’t be the last.
Review copy provided for an honest review
4.5 STARS
I can’t help it, I always root for the under dogs, there’s just something so gratifying when they succeed. So, I found myself firmly in the corner of the heroine Payton Pruitt in this story but I have to admit I have a real soft spot for the hero, Wylie “Coyote” Sharpe, as well. Both are trying to move on from their high school nicknames and reputations while trying to deal with the undeniable attraction they both have for one another as adults.
In high school Payton who was two years younger than the rest of her classmates was tasked with tutoring the school’s star basketball player Wylie. While Wylie hated that he needed the help, he appreciated everything Payton did for him but she never realized that nor did she realize that he held her in such high esteem. Wylie never realized how one careless remark from his youth affected Payton nor how alone and awkward she felt while in high school. When they meet at their 10 year reunion, Wylie can’t believe how Payton has changed and while he’s changed a great deal everyone wants to remember him for his hound dog reputation and his athleticism, not for the man he’s become. A man that he gives Payton great credit for creating, but one she insists was always there.
Honestly, I can’t remember a book where I liked the main characters both so well. I flat out loved these guys and even when Payton was scared and running or when Wylie was being a jerk I still loved them. They are just so perfect for one another and while it was hard for Payton to accept, it was nice how easily Wylie did. Of course living in a small town their affair was the talk of the town as well as the fact that Payton was there to help a local resident give birth giving everyone hope they’d once again have a doctor in Bitterhorn, Texas.
While their relationship was in the forefront of this book, there were some other stories going on adding some interest and intrigue. In addition Payton was healing her relationship with her Mom and Wylie was dealing with some vandalism to his personal property. All of this added to an already full book but just made it that more exciting and well rounded.
I love the way this story flowed and I truly appreciated that although this book takes place in Texas the author didn’t write stereotypical Texas characters. Ugly Ducklings Finish First is an exceptional story with entertaining characters, an intriguing plot, and great dialog. While this is the first book I’ve read by author Stacy Gail, it won’t be the last.
May 28, 2016
I'm sad to say while this has all the SG emotional depth I have grown to love, it has none of the repercussions I adored in her House of Payne works.
August 4, 2013
Ummm Stacy… sweetie… You can breathe again! You gave me another fun story with two people who are truly meant to be together even with their different backgrounds. I adored the two of them even when I wanted to yell at the heroine to see him for who he is now not the legend.
Payton didn't have the best childhood with her mom and dad. She was definitely a daddy's girl and when he died the last thing tying her to her hometown was gone. She's made a life for herself as a successful pediatrician in Houston but decided to come home for her high school reunion in order to put the ghosts to rest. Instead we get to see her really take stock of her life and start to want more than what the logical side of her is willing to contemplate she could have. I liked her ability to see Wiley in a different light from everyone else in most respects but honestly got frustrated with her putting him in the same box as others do when it came to his ability to love. She tended to judge people fairly quickly which did make sense after what she dealt with growing up but admittedly it did get me a little frustrated.
Wiley was something else. He really wants to put the high school reputation to rest but when you live in a small town nothing is ever forgotten. Does he like women? Yes. I appreciated that he owned up to his reputation but I also felt that he tended to take too much on the chin and not speak up at how much it was getting to him to those who kept bringing it up. He's a great guy and when he realizes who the beautiful woman is at the reunion he just can't help but want to get to know the grown-up version of the only female outside of family that really got him. He truly did see behind her mask in high school and when he realized that he hurt her by his teenage behavior he apologized and owned up to it.
Their relationship is quick, hot and filled with a bit of angst as they both realize that they have something special that might be worth holding on to. I'd love a chance to see them in a few years just to see how things are going so if Stacy wants to write more about Bitterthorn I'd be happy to read it.
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
Payton didn't have the best childhood with her mom and dad. She was definitely a daddy's girl and when he died the last thing tying her to her hometown was gone. She's made a life for herself as a successful pediatrician in Houston but decided to come home for her high school reunion in order to put the ghosts to rest. Instead we get to see her really take stock of her life and start to want more than what the logical side of her is willing to contemplate she could have. I liked her ability to see Wiley in a different light from everyone else in most respects but honestly got frustrated with her putting him in the same box as others do when it came to his ability to love. She tended to judge people fairly quickly which did make sense after what she dealt with growing up but admittedly it did get me a little frustrated.
Wiley was something else. He really wants to put the high school reputation to rest but when you live in a small town nothing is ever forgotten. Does he like women? Yes. I appreciated that he owned up to his reputation but I also felt that he tended to take too much on the chin and not speak up at how much it was getting to him to those who kept bringing it up. He's a great guy and when he realizes who the beautiful woman is at the reunion he just can't help but want to get to know the grown-up version of the only female outside of family that really got him. He truly did see behind her mask in high school and when he realized that he hurt her by his teenage behavior he apologized and owned up to it.
Their relationship is quick, hot and filled with a bit of angst as they both realize that they have something special that might be worth holding on to. I'd love a chance to see them in a few years just to see how things are going so if Stacy wants to write more about Bitterthorn I'd be happy to read it.
Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2013
As with most Carina books, this is a quick, easy read. As I gave it a 5-star rating when I rated it on Goodreads, clearly I didn't have any major issues that took away from my appreciation of it. This featured a couple of classic tropes (nerd-girl turned sexy and reformed rake) and didn't particularly do anything original with them. But the way Ms. Gail presented them, I got plenty of giggles.
I liked seeing this couple get together. Payton was a sweetheart and yet still haunted by her high school days. She has mother issues which I enjoyed seeing her actually attempt to work through, making a pretty darned good start by the end of the book. Wiley was (for me) hilarious, in how everyone who knew his high school reputation (which was pretty much everyone in Bitterthorn), thought he was waaaay too familiar with the ladies. Yet he rather liked Payton back when she tutored him in high school and of course, she had the hots for him, though she had to hide it. After all, she was the nerd tutor and he was the uber-popular football star.
When they first meet at their 10-year reunion, Wiley doesn't recognize her, but she recognizes him. She has a bit of fun with that, but ultimately, the truth comes out quickly. They work through some of their issues.
The one disappointing factor that stuck with me, even a week or so after reading this book, came toward the end when Wiley was trying to protect Payton. I felt he was a bit of an ass, and could have handled it a lot better/smarter than he did.
There was a side-plot which involved Wiley and someone who was clearly out to get him (spay-painting his house, etc.). That was another not-so-great-part of the book, which involved a couple of eye rolls on my part, but in the end didn't bother me enough to effect my rating/enjoyment of this book.
Ultimately, this was a great book and definitely worth reading. 5-star rating.
Thank you for letting me read this, Carina/Ms. Gail!
I liked seeing this couple get together. Payton was a sweetheart and yet still haunted by her high school days. She has mother issues which I enjoyed seeing her actually attempt to work through, making a pretty darned good start by the end of the book. Wiley was (for me) hilarious, in how everyone who knew his high school reputation (which was pretty much everyone in Bitterthorn), thought he was waaaay too familiar with the ladies. Yet he rather liked Payton back when she tutored him in high school and of course, she had the hots for him, though she had to hide it. After all, she was the nerd tutor and he was the uber-popular football star.
When they first meet at their 10-year reunion, Wiley doesn't recognize her, but she recognizes him. She has a bit of fun with that, but ultimately, the truth comes out quickly. They work through some of their issues.
The one disappointing factor that stuck with me, even a week or so after reading this book, came toward the end when Wiley was trying to protect Payton. I felt he was a bit of an ass, and could have handled it a lot better/smarter than he did.
There was a side-plot which involved Wiley and someone who was clearly out to get him (spay-painting his house, etc.). That was another not-so-great-part of the book, which involved a couple of eye rolls on my part, but in the end didn't bother me enough to effect my rating/enjoyment of this book.
Ultimately, this was a great book and definitely worth reading. 5-star rating.
Thank you for letting me read this, Carina/Ms. Gail!
August 3, 2013
High school athlete Wiley “Coyote” Sharpe needed a little academic assistance and it came in the form of 15 year old advanced student Payton Pruitt. Now it is time for their 10 year reunion and boy has everything changed. Wiley is now a lawyer and Payton comes back to town a doctor and looking fine. Wiley is bowled over and has made it his mission to get Payton to his bed. What he doesn't count on is her getting into his heart as well. Payton came back to town to lay the demons of her high school years (aka hell) to rest. She is flattered by Wiley’s attention but she knows he was a player in high school she has changed has he?
I got a kick out of this story. Besides the whole reunion thing there is a lot of sub stories going on that keep you intrigued and wondering just what is going to happen next. Not your run of the mill high school reunion romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I got a kick out of this story. Besides the whole reunion thing there is a lot of sub stories going on that keep you intrigued and wondering just what is going to happen next. Not your run of the mill high school reunion romance.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 6, 2013
Wiley is the star athlete from High school. The one Payton never forgot, and doesn’t necessarily want to see at her high school reunion. Payton is just going to the reunion to prove to herself that she can. Payton was a super nerd who was Wiley’s tutor in high school.
Now 10 years later a lot has changed, Wiley is a lawyer and Payton comes back to town a doctor and looking beautiful. Payton is flattered by Wiley’s attention now but she knows he was a player in high school, and she doesn’t know if he has changed.
I really enjoyed this story, it is well written and the characters (past and present) were interesting. I love to read about how people changed but even more about lessons learned. It defiantly can hold deeper meaning in the storyline, not your typical high school reunion romance.
ARC Provided by NetGallery
Now 10 years later a lot has changed, Wiley is a lawyer and Payton comes back to town a doctor and looking beautiful. Payton is flattered by Wiley’s attention now but she knows he was a player in high school, and she doesn’t know if he has changed.
I really enjoyed this story, it is well written and the characters (past and present) were interesting. I love to read about how people changed but even more about lessons learned. It defiantly can hold deeper meaning in the storyline, not your typical high school reunion romance.
ARC Provided by NetGallery
August 30, 2013
I was all on board for a geek turned chic story; however, this one fell flat. I flounced after this line: "Even if it was Payton Pruitt"
Obviously every one only saw her looks. I would have wished that she showed up and people talked to her because she was smart and worth knowing for other reasons than she now looked hot. She had no personal growth. Couldn't she look hot without being a vapid vain person like the kids in high school were. She had turned in to what they were in high school instead of a beautiful woman, and by the time I flounced, he hadn't changed much either.
And before everyone says I flounced too early - my thought is this: Don't set your characters up with these qualities in the first couple of chapters and expect me to believe they are totally different further in to the book when you start extolling their virtues. First impressions and all - you know.
Obviously every one only saw her looks. I would have wished that she showed up and people talked to her because she was smart and worth knowing for other reasons than she now looked hot. She had no personal growth. Couldn't she look hot without being a vapid vain person like the kids in high school were. She had turned in to what they were in high school instead of a beautiful woman, and by the time I flounced, he hadn't changed much either.
And before everyone says I flounced too early - my thought is this: Don't set your characters up with these qualities in the first couple of chapters and expect me to believe they are totally different further in to the book when you start extolling their virtues. First impressions and all - you know.
July 29, 2013
Review featured on www.books-n-kisses.com
This is a sweet, albeit common, story. Hasn’t every fan of romance read the one about the geek in school who couldn’t get her crush’s attention and she grows up gorgeous and he falls in love with her? Sure we all have and this is pretty much the same. However, Gail has a way of writing that I really enjoy reading and this story was no different.
I enjoyed the characters and the connection they had right away. Wiley is a great male character who the reader wishes would turn up at her school reunion and Payton while smart is not written as pretentious.
If you are looking for an enjoyable short read than this is the book you should pick up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a sweet, albeit common, story. Hasn’t every fan of romance read the one about the geek in school who couldn’t get her crush’s attention and she grows up gorgeous and he falls in love with her? Sure we all have and this is pretty much the same. However, Gail has a way of writing that I really enjoy reading and this story was no different.
I enjoyed the characters and the connection they had right away. Wiley is a great male character who the reader wishes would turn up at her school reunion and Payton while smart is not written as pretentious.
If you are looking for an enjoyable short read than this is the book you should pick up.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2013
Received an ARC from NetGalley.
June 5, 2018
I really liked this - it's a pretty standard contemporary romance with a suspense background, but I thought the suspense part was done well - I mean, it wasn't a huge surprise, but the suspense plot also didn't take over the book, and in terms of playing out, stayed relatively low-key (=realistic) throughout, which was nice. I liked that, while the heroine's high school experience had been miserable, it had been kind of realistically miserable (she was mostly ignored) and a lot of the trauma had been because of the pressure she was putting on herself. I also appreciated that while the hero was a popular jock and the heroine was a nerdy outcast, they had been friends and mattered to one another in high school; I tend to have difficulty when the hero was the heroine's tormentor and now has Reformed And Seen The Error Of His Ways, and by the by totally wants to bang the now-hot heroine. Even teenage boys can be decent, kind human beings; it's not an unrealistic expectation to have of them, even the ones that grow up into alpha romance novel heroes. I have known enough people to excuse crappy teenage boy behavior aimed at girls with "well, he just has a crush" that I don't like it in romance novels. Here, it was not difficult to imagine that the heroine would find herself pulled emotionally towards the hero - he was always one of the bright spots in town for her. There was some stupid "I must pretend not to love you for your own safety" nonsense towards the end, but over all the emotions felt real and the plotting was good.
October 13, 2022
I was excited. The story Started off promising, but combination of the H pushing away and the h fighting it at the end gave me whiplash. The back and forth of her denying their breakup and him being a totally unnecessary dick went on for way too long. And the reason was dumb. I love some good drama and angst but it felt way too contrived and really took away from the story.
October 26, 2017
Meh. 3 Stars.
This was a good book. Nothing great but nothing horrible. It was funny and kept you engaged as a reader. The H was a fun flirt and the h was funny and vulnerable. They both were smart and high achieving. The sex however left A LOT to be desired. The steam level in this book was a mild simmer. wile it was detailed a bit it wasn't necessarily described. The feelings they were having while doing it were more described than what they were actually doing.. like bla bla bla she could almost feel the world move, and he followed in her wake. while that's nice, I still would have liked to know how exactly he rocked her world. There wasn't a lot of sex maybe 2 sense. a few make out sessions. Zero 4play or oral. There was one hot dry hump behind a restaurant but over all it was all very mild. 2/5 steam.
Good book but I probably would read this author again or continue if there is a sequel.
This was a good book. Nothing great but nothing horrible. It was funny and kept you engaged as a reader. The H was a fun flirt and the h was funny and vulnerable. They both were smart and high achieving. The sex however left A LOT to be desired. The steam level in this book was a mild simmer. wile it was detailed a bit it wasn't necessarily described. The feelings they were having while doing it were more described than what they were actually doing.. like bla bla bla she could almost feel the world move, and he followed in her wake. while that's nice, I still would have liked to know how exactly he rocked her world. There wasn't a lot of sex maybe 2 sense. a few make out sessions. Zero 4play or oral. There was one hot dry hump behind a restaurant but over all it was all very mild. 2/5 steam.
Good book but I probably would read this author again or continue if there is a sequel.
September 14, 2013
“He dated just about every swoony girl who crossed his path in high school, including me, but you were the only one he ever fought for.”–-Jilly to Payton
What does the guy who was super popular, athletic, and a girl-magnet have in common with the girl who was geeky, friendless, and super brainy back in high school? Well, neither one of them wants to be standing there in the gymnasium during their ten year reunion. Both are trying to escape their high school reputations, and neither expect that the event they were both dreading on attending will turn out to be…not that bad. In fact, the oh-so-dreaded event will allow these two opposites to recognize that what the other felt in high school was much more than their tutor/tutee relationship.
I loved this book! Ugh, high school is such an awkward time for everyone, and I liked hearing two different sides of the popular spectrum. First, we have Wiley, who was a hormonal teen and serial dater with the title of “Most Likely to be Slapped with a Paternity Suit.” Still living in his small town as a lawyer, it’s not easy to escape his past and let people know that he’s grown-up. Then, we have gifted Payton. If it’s not hard enough skipping a grade in school, try skipping three! Nick-named Baby Brain, poor Payton went through so much emotional trauma for being so smart and young compared to her class mates! Now a doctor in Houston–away from the small town she would rather never step in again–she’s only stopping by the reunion to face those past demons since she’s in the area for a medical conference anyway.
The characterization is fantastic, and in the end, I feel like I know Payton and Wiley and can understand why they did what they did–both back in high school and in the present. I loved how Ms. Gail let us have peeks into the past by having the two of them talk about an event so we can hear both sides of the story and see the reactions in the present. There were several events like this, which was fun since we could see how their past relationship grew while not overwhelming the overall story with in-depth flashbacks. Given their history and the present day chemistry, it’s so much fun and believable how they would fall in love.
There is humor, especially with the effects of gossip in a small town, and I found myself smiling while reading more than a few times. There are some sex scenes, and with the word choices they’re definitely written as lovemaking scenes as opposed to graphic/raunchy sex scenes. I would still label this as medium-heat and for 17+ (there are also a few curse words thrown in but not many). Overall, it’s a sweet and sexy romance, and I was really rooting for Wiley and Payton throughout the story. There is also a mystery that Wiley is entangled in that plays a big part in affecting their relationship progress. I’m definitely recommending this to anyone who enjoys romance! This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
What does the guy who was super popular, athletic, and a girl-magnet have in common with the girl who was geeky, friendless, and super brainy back in high school? Well, neither one of them wants to be standing there in the gymnasium during their ten year reunion. Both are trying to escape their high school reputations, and neither expect that the event they were both dreading on attending will turn out to be…not that bad. In fact, the oh-so-dreaded event will allow these two opposites to recognize that what the other felt in high school was much more than their tutor/tutee relationship.
I loved this book! Ugh, high school is such an awkward time for everyone, and I liked hearing two different sides of the popular spectrum. First, we have Wiley, who was a hormonal teen and serial dater with the title of “Most Likely to be Slapped with a Paternity Suit.” Still living in his small town as a lawyer, it’s not easy to escape his past and let people know that he’s grown-up. Then, we have gifted Payton. If it’s not hard enough skipping a grade in school, try skipping three! Nick-named Baby Brain, poor Payton went through so much emotional trauma for being so smart and young compared to her class mates! Now a doctor in Houston–away from the small town she would rather never step in again–she’s only stopping by the reunion to face those past demons since she’s in the area for a medical conference anyway.
The characterization is fantastic, and in the end, I feel like I know Payton and Wiley and can understand why they did what they did–both back in high school and in the present. I loved how Ms. Gail let us have peeks into the past by having the two of them talk about an event so we can hear both sides of the story and see the reactions in the present. There were several events like this, which was fun since we could see how their past relationship grew while not overwhelming the overall story with in-depth flashbacks. Given their history and the present day chemistry, it’s so much fun and believable how they would fall in love.
There is humor, especially with the effects of gossip in a small town, and I found myself smiling while reading more than a few times. There are some sex scenes, and with the word choices they’re definitely written as lovemaking scenes as opposed to graphic/raunchy sex scenes. I would still label this as medium-heat and for 17+ (there are also a few curse words thrown in but not many). Overall, it’s a sweet and sexy romance, and I was really rooting for Wiley and Payton throughout the story. There is also a mystery that Wiley is entangled in that plays a big part in affecting their relationship progress. I’m definitely recommending this to anyone who enjoys romance! This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
August 4, 2013
* Original Review posted on Gin's Book Notes (http://ginsbooknotes.com)
The story is told from two characters points of views. Payton Pruit, a young doctor, who returns to her hometown of Bitterhorn, Texas for her ten year high school reunion to prove to all her past tormentors that she is no longer the victim that she once was and Wiley Sharpe, past high school jock and ultimate playboy turned local family law attorney.
There were times when Payton got on my nerves and I was like, “Get over it already” but then I would remember that she graduated when she was fifteen years old and all those insecurities of not fitting in were still haunting her. She grows a lot during the story, puts some of her demons to rest, and realizes that she has had a lot of misconceptions about her past and the people she has tried to leave behind.
Wiley is adorable, smart, and persistent. In high school he was the playboy jock who had to be tutored by a then thirteen year old Payton in order to pass his senior year. He remembers the past in a completely different way than Payton does and is determined to make her see things his way.
In the midst of all the reconnecting and healing there is a mystery to be solved and a bad guy to catch. I don’t want to give any of the story away but some of my favorite parts were during the times that Wiley and Payton where trying to gather evidence. One of the characters, old Mrs. Bimmel, was hilarious!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, fast and fun contemporary romance with a side of drama thrown in. I had a great time reading it and look forward to reading future books by Stacy Gail featuring Bitterhorn, Texas.
The story is told from two characters points of views. Payton Pruit, a young doctor, who returns to her hometown of Bitterhorn, Texas for her ten year high school reunion to prove to all her past tormentors that she is no longer the victim that she once was and Wiley Sharpe, past high school jock and ultimate playboy turned local family law attorney.
There were times when Payton got on my nerves and I was like, “Get over it already” but then I would remember that she graduated when she was fifteen years old and all those insecurities of not fitting in were still haunting her. She grows a lot during the story, puts some of her demons to rest, and realizes that she has had a lot of misconceptions about her past and the people she has tried to leave behind.
Wiley is adorable, smart, and persistent. In high school he was the playboy jock who had to be tutored by a then thirteen year old Payton in order to pass his senior year. He remembers the past in a completely different way than Payton does and is determined to make her see things his way.
In the midst of all the reconnecting and healing there is a mystery to be solved and a bad guy to catch. I don’t want to give any of the story away but some of my favorite parts were during the times that Wiley and Payton where trying to gather evidence. One of the characters, old Mrs. Bimmel, was hilarious!
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a light, fast and fun contemporary romance with a side of drama thrown in. I had a great time reading it and look forward to reading future books by Stacy Gail featuring Bitterhorn, Texas.
September 8, 2013
Ugly Ducklings Finish First was a very touching and tenderly moving story of a young woman Payton Pruitt who was a genius in school. She was 15 when she graduated if that tells you anything. She skipped two grade levels so she was called the Queen Geek, Metal Mouth but what really killed her is what she was called by the guy she had a made crush on, Wiley “Coyote” Sharpe, “Baby Brain.” Which he called her when she asked him when she mentioned that they had to set up her tutoring him in from of his friends in his Jr. Year. It crushed her and she never forgot it. Yet, she tutored him.
She tutored him for his Jr. and Sr. year and without either of them knowing or anyone from the school they became good friends. Now though it is time for their ten year High School Reunion of Bitterthorn in Texas. Wiley was the high school jock and lady killer that only lasted with one girl maybe a week, who is now a Lawyer. Payton was the “Baby Brain” who always had her head in a book and never had a friend who is now a doctor. Life had sure changed.
Follow them on the journey that got them to where they are today and see how the weather the storm of what may or may not have been a true friendship or something else. See where they are going and how fun it can be to get there. This is an interesting look back at all the awkward teen genes we all had and how it can and does affect us all. I totally enjoyed it. Provided by netgalley.com
She tutored him for his Jr. and Sr. year and without either of them knowing or anyone from the school they became good friends. Now though it is time for their ten year High School Reunion of Bitterthorn in Texas. Wiley was the high school jock and lady killer that only lasted with one girl maybe a week, who is now a Lawyer. Payton was the “Baby Brain” who always had her head in a book and never had a friend who is now a doctor. Life had sure changed.
Follow them on the journey that got them to where they are today and see how the weather the storm of what may or may not have been a true friendship or something else. See where they are going and how fun it can be to get there. This is an interesting look back at all the awkward teen genes we all had and how it can and does affect us all. I totally enjoyed it. Provided by netgalley.com
August 11, 2013
I sat down to read this on a day when I needed something light and playful and I can say -- with confidence -- that I got just that. Wiley and Payton are SO DAMN CUTE together that it worked.
Which isn't to say that their relationship is without friction. It is. Payton knows that Wiley used to play fast and loose with the ladies and she's not willing to risk her heart. Wiley is dealing with his vandalizing stalker and he's not willing to risk Payton. Payton has a life outside of Bitterthorn that she's determined to get back to. Payton also might have a *few* issues with the way she views love and marriage after growing up with the ups and downs of her parents' marriage.
With the way the two of them light up around one another, falling into bed is easy. The hard part is deciding if what they have is worth going all in for. There's small town gossip and the fractured relationship between Payton and her mother to navigate. There's danger in unexpected places and the past keeps rearing up and poking at both Payton and Wiley.
As successful as they've both become, they still have to try to live down those pesky high school days when they were Baby Brain and the Coyote.
Stacy Gail delivers the sexy, small town fun and I'm in.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Which isn't to say that their relationship is without friction. It is. Payton knows that Wiley used to play fast and loose with the ladies and she's not willing to risk her heart. Wiley is dealing with his vandalizing stalker and he's not willing to risk Payton. Payton has a life outside of Bitterthorn that she's determined to get back to. Payton also might have a *few* issues with the way she views love and marriage after growing up with the ups and downs of her parents' marriage.
With the way the two of them light up around one another, falling into bed is easy. The hard part is deciding if what they have is worth going all in for. There's small town gossip and the fractured relationship between Payton and her mother to navigate. There's danger in unexpected places and the past keeps rearing up and poking at both Payton and Wiley.
As successful as they've both become, they still have to try to live down those pesky high school days when they were Baby Brain and the Coyote.
Stacy Gail delivers the sexy, small town fun and I'm in.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
September 3, 2013
4.5 Stars
In Ugly Ducklings Finish First by Stacy Gail, Dr. Payton Pruitt used to be the ugly duckling with the most horrible nicknames, metal mouth, queen geek, baby brain, all because she was so smart she skipped a couple of grades and she was younger then everyone else in high school. She preferred to have her head in a book than to hear all the names they gave her. Until she was assigned as Wiley (Coyote) Sharpe’s tutor to help him get passing grades so he could graduate. She lived to help him and for her studies, but the fact that Wiley was one of the popular kids did not help her be closer to him. Read More...
In Ugly Ducklings Finish First by Stacy Gail, Dr. Payton Pruitt used to be the ugly duckling with the most horrible nicknames, metal mouth, queen geek, baby brain, all because she was so smart she skipped a couple of grades and she was younger then everyone else in high school. She preferred to have her head in a book than to hear all the names they gave her. Until she was assigned as Wiley (Coyote) Sharpe’s tutor to help him get passing grades so he could graduate. She lived to help him and for her studies, but the fact that Wiley was one of the popular kids did not help her be closer to him. Read More...
September 10, 2013
3.5 stars
Ugly Ducklings Finish First by Stacy Gail
Nerdy girl tutors hot jock in high school. Nerdy girl likes hot guy. Ten years later, hot guy falls for not so nerdy girl. This is a classic story of high school kids that crush on each other not knowing they are feeling the same way who reunite years later.
Wiley really wants to pursue a relationship with geeky Peyton who tutored him in high school. Peyton is now a hot doctor who is independent. Can this couple get over the past to find each other in the future?
I liked this story. It was a quick, easy, refreshing read.
This review is also posted here
Ugly Ducklings Finish First by Stacy Gail
Nerdy girl tutors hot jock in high school. Nerdy girl likes hot guy. Ten years later, hot guy falls for not so nerdy girl. This is a classic story of high school kids that crush on each other not knowing they are feeling the same way who reunite years later.
Wiley really wants to pursue a relationship with geeky Peyton who tutored him in high school. Peyton is now a hot doctor who is independent. Can this couple get over the past to find each other in the future?
I liked this story. It was a quick, easy, refreshing read.
This review is also posted here
October 11, 2013
Dr. Payton Pruitt was a child genius who tutored Wiley Sharpe so he could graduate from high school. Now she's back for their ten-year reunion. She never felt like she fit in, but she wants to prove she's over all that.
Wiley was voted Most Likely to Be Slapped with a Paternity Suit in high school, but he always felt like Payton saw the real him. Now she's back for their reunion and she grew up well. He wants to be with her, but he has to convince her that he's not the same playboy he was in high school.
Wiley was voted Most Likely to Be Slapped with a Paternity Suit in high school, but he always felt like Payton saw the real him. Now she's back for their reunion and she grew up well. He wants to be with her, but he has to convince her that he's not the same playboy he was in high school.
December 9, 2014
There were quite a few editing mistakes throughout this book and it became quite distracting. Otherwise I enjoyed the relationship development between Payton and Wiley. The secondary plot with the foreclosures was well done, it didn't distract from the romance. Unfortunately, there was something missing for me. I found myself skimming at times and being a bit bored (almost as though some things moved too fast and others too slow).
October 2, 2013
If you are looking to be entertained while seeing these two fall in love, Ugly Ducklings Finish First is a cute and funny fast-read, perfect for those who like those high school romances where the geek girl wins. - Full review available at http://romanticreadsandsuch.wordpress...
author-genre-trope-not-for-me
May 15, 2015The book has good ratings but not in a mood to read it for now.
Manho H was voted Most Likely to Be Slapped with a Paternity Suit in High school, don't want to read about a guy like this!!Nerd loner h has crush on manho popular H, SICK of this trope!!!!!
Hopefully the H matured as he grew up:(
Manho H was voted Most Likely to Be Slapped with a Paternity Suit in High school, don't want to read about a guy like this!!Nerd loner h has crush on manho popular H, SICK of this trope!!!!!
Hopefully the H matured as he grew up:(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2015
Braving a class reunion as an accomplished beautiful woman at a school where you were taunted and derisively called 'baby brain' took courage. Then the jock you tutored and wouldn't acknowledge you at school now wants to bed you.
The acceptance, healing and possibility cut short nearly brought me to tears. Good blend of romance & suspence.
The acceptance, healing and possibility cut short nearly brought me to tears. Good blend of romance & suspence.
January 3, 2024
First book to kick of 2024 an it was an easy read, I bought in December as I had read the second one an was looking forward to read this.
Wish there was more of the past written about both the character but it was an okay book
Wish there was more of the past written about both the character but it was an okay book
May 18, 2015
loved it. Can't wait to read the next book.
September 3, 2013
Loved it! Nice quick read with all the elements I'm looking for in a book.
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