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Can't Resist #1-3
Nice Girl to Love: The Complete Collection, Vol 1-3
This is the complete Nice Girl to Love series collection, which contains: Resisting the Bad Boy (Book One), Falling for the Good Guy (Book Two), and Choosing the Right Man (Book Three).
THE ONE SHE NEVER THOUGHT SHE COULD KEEP...
Abby Bartlett is the quintessential nice girl. Between teaching, volunteering, completing her PhD, and helping her best friend raise his daughter, Abby never gets the chance to be anything but nice. That is, until the all-wrong-for-her man she's only ever known from afar starts daring her to simply take that chance for herself. His sage advice? Try something wild and fast. Preferably him.
An unbridled, hotshot attorney with a not-so-little black book, Connor Sullivan has earned himself quite the bad boy reputation. But in his defense, he's a very conscientious one. He knows far too well that sometimes in life, love isn't enough...or worse, not even a factor at all. To avoid that misery--and repel the drama--Connor has a firm ‘nothing over a month’ rule. Who knew a nice girl would be the one to make him want to break all his rules?
THE ONE SHE NEVER HOPED SHE COULD HAVE...
Abby is well aware that everyone thinks she’s in love with her best friend Brian. He is, after all, the type of man a nice girl should be with—the polar opposite of the bad boy—the kind of guy who didn’t let his wife’s decade-long illness stop him from showering her with a lifetime of love every second until her dying day. But everyone’s wrong; she couldn’t possibly be in love with him. Because she’s never once allowed herself that option.
It’s taken a while but Brian has finally come to terms with surviving the woman he spent half his life loving, a third of it losing. Truth is though, he wouldn’t have ‘survived’ any of it really had it not been for Abby—sweet, incredible Abby—the woman he’s never once had to picture his life without, never realized he couldn’t truly live without. Until now. Now that he’s finally able to love her the way she deserves, the way he knows she wants to be loved…by his brother. Who’s giving him exactly one chance to speak now or forever hold his peace.
A DECISION SHE NEVER DREAMED SHE’D HAVE TO MAKE...
And now it’s up to Abby to decide between the bad boy wanting to start a life with her and the good guy fighting for the life they’ve already built.
THE ONE SHE NEVER THOUGHT SHE COULD KEEP...
Abby Bartlett is the quintessential nice girl. Between teaching, volunteering, completing her PhD, and helping her best friend raise his daughter, Abby never gets the chance to be anything but nice. That is, until the all-wrong-for-her man she's only ever known from afar starts daring her to simply take that chance for herself. His sage advice? Try something wild and fast. Preferably him.
An unbridled, hotshot attorney with a not-so-little black book, Connor Sullivan has earned himself quite the bad boy reputation. But in his defense, he's a very conscientious one. He knows far too well that sometimes in life, love isn't enough...or worse, not even a factor at all. To avoid that misery--and repel the drama--Connor has a firm ‘nothing over a month’ rule. Who knew a nice girl would be the one to make him want to break all his rules?
THE ONE SHE NEVER HOPED SHE COULD HAVE...
Abby is well aware that everyone thinks she’s in love with her best friend Brian. He is, after all, the type of man a nice girl should be with—the polar opposite of the bad boy—the kind of guy who didn’t let his wife’s decade-long illness stop him from showering her with a lifetime of love every second until her dying day. But everyone’s wrong; she couldn’t possibly be in love with him. Because she’s never once allowed herself that option.
It’s taken a while but Brian has finally come to terms with surviving the woman he spent half his life loving, a third of it losing. Truth is though, he wouldn’t have ‘survived’ any of it really had it not been for Abby—sweet, incredible Abby—the woman he’s never once had to picture his life without, never realized he couldn’t truly live without. Until now. Now that he’s finally able to love her the way she deserves, the way he knows she wants to be loved…by his brother. Who’s giving him exactly one chance to speak now or forever hold his peace.
A DECISION SHE NEVER DREAMED SHE’D HAVE TO MAKE...
And now it’s up to Abby to decide between the bad boy wanting to start a life with her and the good guy fighting for the life they’ve already built.
458 pages, ebook
First published July 30, 2013
306 people are currently reading
2000 people want to read
About the author
Violet Duke
36 books1,263 followersNEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English Education ecstatic to be on the other side of the page now writing emotion-rich stories with fun, everyday characters and sweet, sexy match-ups. Since her debut series in 2013, over a million readers have put all four of Violet's laugh & cry contemporary romance series on bestseller lists and Top 10 charts across the major eretailers, both in the U.S. and internationally.
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
When she isn't feeding her book-a-day addiction, Violet enjoys doing far too many things without checking the directions first (often with outrageous power tools she has no business operating), and cooking impossible-to-replicate 'special edition' dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. She lives in Hawai'i with her kids (Violet & Duke) and Mr. Violet Duke (their ringleader), with a PJs-and-rubber-slippers work dress code she takes very seriously.
♥ For fan info & epic giveaways, visit: www.facebook.com/VioletDukeBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
August 3, 2013
If you can't stand cliffhangers lucky you this is all 3 AMAZING books in ONE!
Abby - is brilliant, educated, beautiful, a heart of gold! She is unfortuantely stuck in quite the pickle with a best friend who she loves and has known her entire life, and his brother who sets her on fire.
Brian - Oh Brian! My heart aches for all he has endured but he still a strong resiliant man that makes my heart skip a beat. His daughter Skylar and him have an amazing relationship that makes me laugh out loud!
Connor - Holy Swizzle Sticks! He makes my heart stop! Connor avoids commitment and relationships beyond a month - he is teh eptiome of sex god that you just want to tame. He comes off as the bad boy but as you get to know him more you will see his ginormous heart.
This series by Violet Duke will have you screaming and squealing form cover to cover to cover. The journey of Abby meeting Connor, then awakening to he feelings for Brian, and then having to decide is gut wrenching. You will be stuck with her in this gut wrenching decesion as she tries to figure out what it is she wants.
**I receive a copy of this book for an honest review**
Abby - is brilliant, educated, beautiful, a heart of gold! She is unfortuantely stuck in quite the pickle with a best friend who she loves and has known her entire life, and his brother who sets her on fire.
Brian - Oh Brian! My heart aches for all he has endured but he still a strong resiliant man that makes my heart skip a beat. His daughter Skylar and him have an amazing relationship that makes me laugh out loud!
Connor - Holy Swizzle Sticks! He makes my heart stop! Connor avoids commitment and relationships beyond a month - he is teh eptiome of sex god that you just want to tame. He comes off as the bad boy but as you get to know him more you will see his ginormous heart.
This series by Violet Duke will have you screaming and squealing form cover to cover to cover. The journey of Abby meeting Connor, then awakening to he feelings for Brian, and then having to decide is gut wrenching. You will be stuck with her in this gut wrenching decesion as she tries to figure out what it is she wants.
**I receive a copy of this book for an honest review**
September 19, 2013
** A copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. **
Rating Clarification : 4.5 Stars
I am so glad that I got to read this Complete Collection of this series. The endings of the individual books would've killed me...LOL :) I really enjoyed this series a lot. It was different from a lot of the books I have been reading lately. I enjoyed that the cast of characters were adult age, except for Skylar ( Brian's 12 year old daughter ). It made this story seem realistic and it was refreshing that the drama was handled like adults. I don't want to say to much about what I liked about the book because it would definitely give away too much of the third book. I went into this series not really knowing what to expect but I will say that the writing of this collection was flawless. It flowed so well. I was concerned how the author was going to connect these stories without me ending up hating the Heroine. Thankfully that is not the case in this book. I really like Abby. I will say that I had my favorite pretty much after the first couple of pages and I never wavered. I was also glad to see that my favorite won out in the end. I felt that the man that Abby eventually decides on was the best choice for her. Of course if you want to know who that is then you are going to have to read this series. I would suggest that if you don't like cliffhangers then you should definitely pick up this Edition so you can read it all as one. This book was a fairly quick read...each book took me less then a day to read. A lot of that is because this story sucked me in and had me wanting to keep turning the page to see how it all worked out.
All of the characters in this book were fabulous, with the exception of Marcus ( Brian and Connor's Dad ) and Gabriella ( I wanted to punch her so many times. ) Abby was a strong heroine who I didn't find annoying at all. I loved her never ending friendship with Brian and Skylar you could really feel her love for them. Abby herself was broken also....she had a horrific tragedy happen to her in her past and I was glad to see that she was able to come out of it a stronger person. What happened to Abby really shaped the person she was in this story. Connor and Brian were also amazing Heroes in this series. I can't explain why because I would end up telling you who I picked and as stated above that would give away the ending. One thing I will say is that Connor was the sweetest bad boy I have ever encountered and Brian was an amazing father to skylar. Both of these men would go to the end of the earth for the people they love.
I would definitely recommend this book/series to anyone looking for a great love story. And just so you know...that the man that doesn't get picked in this series is actually getting his own spin-off ( Nice Guy to Love ) So hopefully he will get his HEA!!!!! It is coming out in the end of October so you won't even have to wait that long for his book. I will state that this book does have a HEA but it also ended up with a To Be Continued ending, because that author did a great job setting up for that spin-off.
Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com
Rating Clarification : 4.5 Stars
I am so glad that I got to read this Complete Collection of this series. The endings of the individual books would've killed me...LOL :) I really enjoyed this series a lot. It was different from a lot of the books I have been reading lately. I enjoyed that the cast of characters were adult age, except for Skylar ( Brian's 12 year old daughter ). It made this story seem realistic and it was refreshing that the drama was handled like adults. I don't want to say to much about what I liked about the book because it would definitely give away too much of the third book. I went into this series not really knowing what to expect but I will say that the writing of this collection was flawless. It flowed so well. I was concerned how the author was going to connect these stories without me ending up hating the Heroine. Thankfully that is not the case in this book. I really like Abby. I will say that I had my favorite pretty much after the first couple of pages and I never wavered. I was also glad to see that my favorite won out in the end. I felt that the man that Abby eventually decides on was the best choice for her. Of course if you want to know who that is then you are going to have to read this series. I would suggest that if you don't like cliffhangers then you should definitely pick up this Edition so you can read it all as one. This book was a fairly quick read...each book took me less then a day to read. A lot of that is because this story sucked me in and had me wanting to keep turning the page to see how it all worked out.
All of the characters in this book were fabulous, with the exception of Marcus ( Brian and Connor's Dad ) and Gabriella ( I wanted to punch her so many times. ) Abby was a strong heroine who I didn't find annoying at all. I loved her never ending friendship with Brian and Skylar you could really feel her love for them. Abby herself was broken also....she had a horrific tragedy happen to her in her past and I was glad to see that she was able to come out of it a stronger person. What happened to Abby really shaped the person she was in this story. Connor and Brian were also amazing Heroes in this series. I can't explain why because I would end up telling you who I picked and as stated above that would give away the ending. One thing I will say is that Connor was the sweetest bad boy I have ever encountered and Brian was an amazing father to skylar. Both of these men would go to the end of the earth for the people they love.
I would definitely recommend this book/series to anyone looking for a great love story. And just so you know...that the man that doesn't get picked in this series is actually getting his own spin-off ( Nice Guy to Love ) So hopefully he will get his HEA!!!!! It is coming out in the end of October so you won't even have to wait that long for his book. I will state that this book does have a HEA but it also ended up with a To Be Continued ending, because that author did a great job setting up for that spin-off.
Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com
August 14, 2013
Violet Duke is an amazing and talented new author. She had me all tied up in knots in this book series. After reading book one there was no doubt in my mind that Abby belonged with Connor. Then book two comes along and blows me out of the water and I am sure that Abby truly belongs with Brian. Book three was the hardest because I was rooting for both Brian and Connor. Have you ever had a friendship with someone that could have been more? I don't want to spoil the ending if you have not read this series yet. Violet reminds us of what true love is. That if you set something free and it does not come back to you then it was never yours to begin with. Connor set Abby free in book one and Brian did it in book two. So did Abby chose the right man? I went back and re-read book 1, followed with part of book 2, and then ended with book three. After reading in that order I agree that yes Abby chose the right man. Violet again does a great job with character development and I am looking forward to her spin off novel later this year.
July 29, 2015
DNF - I soooo know I am in the minority here but I just could not finish this book.
It started out okay, I liked Abby and this book looked like a solid 4* read for me until Abby blanked out when she met Marcus and then could not handle the world that Connor lived in - WTF!!!!!. To make it worse,after her confrontation with Gabriella she was "broken down". Here is an ENGLISH teacher who is busy with her PHD and she lets this Gabriella nobody snob beat her down with words not once but TWICE!!!!!!!.
The second half of the book is what made me give up. I just could not see Brian and Abby together in just felt way too incestuous for me and a little forced.
Maybe one day I will go back and read it but for now I will give this one a miss.
It started out okay, I liked Abby and this book looked like a solid 4* read for me until Abby blanked out when she met Marcus and then could not handle the world that Connor lived in - WTF!!!!!. To make it worse,after her confrontation with Gabriella she was "broken down". Here is an ENGLISH teacher who is busy with her PHD and she lets this Gabriella nobody snob beat her down with words not once but TWICE!!!!!!!.
The second half of the book is what made me give up. I just could not see Brian and Abby together in just felt way too incestuous for me and a little forced.
Maybe one day I will go back and read it but for now I will give this one a miss.
August 5, 2013
BOOK #1:
Resisting the Bad Guy was a very interesting read. It trails the story of a 'good' girl meeting and falling for a 'bad' guy.
Violet Duke creates these characters with real feelings and real needs. She is able to make her readers feel for Abby, Connor and even Brian.
Love, hurt, abandonment and death are some of the very real and relatable themes explored by Duke in this novel. This makes the reader able to sympathize and surely empathize with the characters.
I enjoyed this book and the cliffhanger at the end was enough for me to pick up book two as soon as I was finished with book one!!
I'll definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in romances.
Disclaimer: This novel was given to me by the author for an honest review.
BOOK #2:
This book was eagerly devoured after I read the first one! It was a really great read.
It was awesome to see the relationships grow and see how Abby's feelings developed for the best friend she always had.
The light playful relationship she shared with Brian turned into something that both of them cannot deny.
It's interesting that Connor, Brian's brother is giving him one chance to prove that he is what Abby wants... And needs before he takes her as his own once more.
All is fair in love and war, right?
Disclaimer: The author gave me a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
BOOK #3:
While I loved the first two books in this Nice Girl To Love series written by Violet Duke, I absolutely-over-the-top-adored this third installment.
In this novel, Abby, a 'nice' girl falls in love with two brothers. Connor is a 'bad boy' who captivates Abby in ways she never knew existed. Brian, his brother, has been Abby's best friend for most of their lives. He is the typical nice guy who says and does the right things at the right moment. Abby also loves and cherishes Brian's daughter, Skylar, as her own and has taken care of her for her entire life since Skylar's mom, Beth, was terminally ill. Problem is, Abby loves both men and she does not know which brother has her complete heart. Her journey to find her true love comes with her being able to also find herself. The trials they all face land each of them exactly where they are supposed to be.
Choosing the Right Man is the epitome of a great series which for me, probably had to do with the fact that I was on the edge, hanging on to all the ups and downs Abby had to go through before she got the ending that was right for her.
In all honesty I was thrilled with the guy Abby chose as he was the one I cheered on from the onset and I all but jumped for joy when it happened as though Abby was my best friend.
This third book was definitely the best written of all three in this series. It was captivating to the point where I realized that I was smiling and crying right along with the characters. That to me, is a great feat for an author and huge cudos goes out to Violet Duke for making that happen. She definitely involves the reader and takes us on an emotional journey that we are sure to love.
I'm giving this book a complete five star review - it was just THAT good. I recommend this novel to anyone who's looking for a great novel to dive their nose into - but please, read books one and two before you do!
(I received a free e-copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this truly is my honest opinion.)
Resisting the Bad Guy was a very interesting read. It trails the story of a 'good' girl meeting and falling for a 'bad' guy.
Violet Duke creates these characters with real feelings and real needs. She is able to make her readers feel for Abby, Connor and even Brian.
Love, hurt, abandonment and death are some of the very real and relatable themes explored by Duke in this novel. This makes the reader able to sympathize and surely empathize with the characters.
I enjoyed this book and the cliffhanger at the end was enough for me to pick up book two as soon as I was finished with book one!!
I'll definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in romances.
Disclaimer: This novel was given to me by the author for an honest review.
BOOK #2:
This book was eagerly devoured after I read the first one! It was a really great read.
It was awesome to see the relationships grow and see how Abby's feelings developed for the best friend she always had.
The light playful relationship she shared with Brian turned into something that both of them cannot deny.
It's interesting that Connor, Brian's brother is giving him one chance to prove that he is what Abby wants... And needs before he takes her as his own once more.
All is fair in love and war, right?
Disclaimer: The author gave me a copy of this novel in return for an honest review.
BOOK #3:
While I loved the first two books in this Nice Girl To Love series written by Violet Duke, I absolutely-over-the-top-adored this third installment.
In this novel, Abby, a 'nice' girl falls in love with two brothers. Connor is a 'bad boy' who captivates Abby in ways she never knew existed. Brian, his brother, has been Abby's best friend for most of their lives. He is the typical nice guy who says and does the right things at the right moment. Abby also loves and cherishes Brian's daughter, Skylar, as her own and has taken care of her for her entire life since Skylar's mom, Beth, was terminally ill. Problem is, Abby loves both men and she does not know which brother has her complete heart. Her journey to find her true love comes with her being able to also find herself. The trials they all face land each of them exactly where they are supposed to be.
Choosing the Right Man is the epitome of a great series which for me, probably had to do with the fact that I was on the edge, hanging on to all the ups and downs Abby had to go through before she got the ending that was right for her.
In all honesty I was thrilled with the guy Abby chose as he was the one I cheered on from the onset and I all but jumped for joy when it happened as though Abby was my best friend.
This third book was definitely the best written of all three in this series. It was captivating to the point where I realized that I was smiling and crying right along with the characters. That to me, is a great feat for an author and huge cudos goes out to Violet Duke for making that happen. She definitely involves the reader and takes us on an emotional journey that we are sure to love.
I'm giving this book a complete five star review - it was just THAT good. I recommend this novel to anyone who's looking for a great novel to dive their nose into - but please, read books one and two before you do!
(I received a free e-copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this truly is my honest opinion.)
October 11, 2013
Violet Duke The entire series was well worth the individual wait times. On this final installment, I was too impatient to wait for the individual book to publish via Amazon. I solved this dilemma by simply purchasing the entire collection which released first. This author weaves a tale rich in details, background, and interpersonal relationships that develop a believable environment.
I found myself frustrated, joyful and talking to the characters in my mind, as if they were my friends. I rallied behind the author's well written back story and I could understand the drive of the players. I wanted the best ending possible for my story friends, I wanted their happiness achieved in a believable context and I wasn't disappointed. Looking forward to the next of Violet Duke's books, she is on my must read list.
I found myself frustrated, joyful and talking to the characters in my mind, as if they were my friends. I rallied behind the author's well written back story and I could understand the drive of the players. I wanted the best ending possible for my story friends, I wanted their happiness achieved in a believable context and I wasn't disappointed. Looking forward to the next of Violet Duke's books, she is on my must read list.
April 16, 2014
WOW!!! This collection was great and took me on an emotional roller coaster! I went through so many emotions while reading Connor, Abby, and Brian's story. There were parts where I felt happy, sad, angry, frustrated, irritated, and more. The history Brian and Abby shared, on top of the connection and obligation Abby felt toward Skylar was heartbreaking. The instant love that bloomed between Connor and Abby, and then to see it extinguished to quickly was devastating. Despite the various range of emotions, I immensely enjoyed the story. When an author can take you from zero to sixty with words, that author is an awesome writer. I must say, this was my first read by Violet Duke but I look forward to reading much more. I highly recommend this collection to others. You will enjoy the read! I'm looking forward to reading the A Nice Guy to Love spin-off!
October 4, 2013
Holy swizzle sticks, I could not put the book down!!!!I love this series.
Abby is a good girl who is best friends with Brian (the good guy)and she has been there to help him raise his daughter Skylar since his wife got sick and died while she is working towards her dissertation
Brian's brother Conner is the bad boy with a love them for no longer then a month policy. He has eye's for Abby and she has had a secret thing for him all these year.
She knows going in about his one month rule but that does not stop her from falling for him....when her heart is broken Brian is there to pick up the pieces but can she love him like she loves Conner?
You will not be disappointed. This is going on my favorites list!!
Abby is a good girl who is best friends with Brian (the good guy)and she has been there to help him raise his daughter Skylar since his wife got sick and died while she is working towards her dissertation
Brian's brother Conner is the bad boy with a love them for no longer then a month policy. He has eye's for Abby and she has had a secret thing for him all these year.
She knows going in about his one month rule but that does not stop her from falling for him....when her heart is broken Brian is there to pick up the pieces but can she love him like she loves Conner?
You will not be disappointed. This is going on my favorites list!!
September 25, 2013
I couldn't give this 5 stars as a whole even though I gave 2 of the books 5 stars.
I can't say in detail about the story or it'd give too much away but I can say these books are written extremely well. Even though it's a love triangle you don't hate anyone in these books. The reason I can't give this 5 stars is because my heart is still broke over the guy not picked. I cried and my heart broke for him. She chose right and I'm not upset for her to be with the guy she chose. They had passion and heart pounding chemistry. But I fell in love with the other one and I wanted sooooo badly for him to be happy and get his girl. He deserved it. I couldn't help my heartbreak when she chose and that over shadowed my happiness for Abby and ????.
I can't say in detail about the story or it'd give too much away but I can say these books are written extremely well. Even though it's a love triangle you don't hate anyone in these books. The reason I can't give this 5 stars is because my heart is still broke over the guy not picked. I cried and my heart broke for him. She chose right and I'm not upset for her to be with the guy she chose. They had passion and heart pounding chemistry. But I fell in love with the other one and I wanted sooooo badly for him to be happy and get his girl. He deserved it. I couldn't help my heartbreak when she chose and that over shadowed my happiness for Abby and ????.
March 21, 2018
Love triangle plus
A love triangle to rival all love triangles. Book 1 saw her with Conner, wasn't a huge fan of his player ways to start with but then he seemed so genuine after a while.
Book 2 saw her fall for her best friend, Conner's brother, Brian. I really liked them together but you could tell the chemistry wasn't the same.
Book 3, now this one annoyed me at the start but I was happy with the ending.......I'm not saying who she ended up with. You'll have to read it
A love triangle to rival all love triangles. Book 1 saw her with Conner, wasn't a huge fan of his player ways to start with but then he seemed so genuine after a while.
Book 2 saw her fall for her best friend, Conner's brother, Brian. I really liked them together but you could tell the chemistry wasn't the same.
Book 3, now this one annoyed me at the start but I was happy with the ending.......I'm not saying who she ended up with. You'll have to read it
October 5, 2014
great read. keeps you wondering, never got boring. I was however torn that someone's heart had to get broken. Very well written!
April 26, 2019
Trilogy book #1. I don't usually like trilogies because of the cliffhangers but this was very compelling read. There is the usual trope of Connor, the rich playboy who holds to his rule by having relationships with a set termination date, never more than a month. He meets the epitome of an inteligent, goody-good woman, a professor going for her doctorate. He is intrigued by her call-it-as-she-sees-it attitude towards him. She is intrigued by him and wants to shed her goody-good image for a while. She knows she would lose her heart but hopes the termination date would help her not to lose it. She slowly realizes he is the "saint bad boy" and loses her heart anyway. He also realizes he can't get enough of her that he hates the thought of ending the relationship. There are just too many outside factors to keep them together.
book 2 is about her romance with Brian, the best friend and first love. Abby fell in love with Brian the first time she met him in college but he was completely taken with Beth whom he married and had a child with. Then he cared for her as she suffered thru a debilitating disease then died. Abby was best friends with Beth and helped raise Skylar, Brian and Beths daughter. Abby was a part of their lives for so long it was easy to slip into a relationship with Brian once their eyes and minds adjusted to the notion.
This story is compelling because Brian is so wonderfully a good guy this would be a no brainer. she should stay with him. After all she loves him. But I know this is more complicated. She still has feelings for Connor. I can't help but wonder how the author will justify this intense all encompassing love between her and Connor and the easy thoughtful caring love between her and Brian. I honestly don't know who to root for. This is a comparison between the love for and of an alpha male and the love of and for a beta male. Both are amazing in and of themselves. How can you compare then choose which is right? Especially when both feel right.
Book 3 - Connor came back to get his girl but Brian won't back down. They way they all try to convince her seems a little strange but it ended up working. This was so compelling and it explained more her feelings for each man. I understand stand now who she chose and why. This was really good and settled in the right spot.
book 2 is about her romance with Brian, the best friend and first love. Abby fell in love with Brian the first time she met him in college but he was completely taken with Beth whom he married and had a child with. Then he cared for her as she suffered thru a debilitating disease then died. Abby was best friends with Beth and helped raise Skylar, Brian and Beths daughter. Abby was a part of their lives for so long it was easy to slip into a relationship with Brian once their eyes and minds adjusted to the notion.
This story is compelling because Brian is so wonderfully a good guy this would be a no brainer. she should stay with him. After all she loves him. But I know this is more complicated. She still has feelings for Connor. I can't help but wonder how the author will justify this intense all encompassing love between her and Connor and the easy thoughtful caring love between her and Brian. I honestly don't know who to root for. This is a comparison between the love for and of an alpha male and the love of and for a beta male. Both are amazing in and of themselves. How can you compare then choose which is right? Especially when both feel right.
Book 3 - Connor came back to get his girl but Brian won't back down. They way they all try to convince her seems a little strange but it ended up working. This was so compelling and it explained more her feelings for each man. I understand stand now who she chose and why. This was really good and settled in the right spot.
September 25, 2020
Resisting the Bad Boy Review: This is an okay romance. I didn't feel any heat. I find Abby to be too easily swayed. I don't like Connor, I find him to be whiny, it's made clear as to why. Yet he has good qualities. He loves his brother and has sacrificed for him. In my opinion the one thing going for it, was the hint of suspense. I did find myself turning the pages wanting to see what happens. If you hate cliffhangers don't read.
Falling for the Good Guy Review: For me Falling for the Good Guy was just wrong on so many levels. First I felt Brian was doing a lot of pressuring Abby. Second I didn't like Connor trying to control things by pushing Brian at Abby. Third by the way he walked away. Four how easily Abby was able to move on. With all that I was still entertained. I couldn't wait to see what would happen. In my opinion it's like a wreck you can't turn away from.
Choosing the Right Man Review: Choosing the Right Man was my favorite of the three books. This one brought tears to my eyes. I felt bad for Brian but I think he should have seen it coming. I still don't like Connor and his manipulative ways. Don't like how the brothers were making decision with even including Abby.
Overall it just a middle of the road series.
Falling for the Good Guy Review: For me Falling for the Good Guy was just wrong on so many levels. First I felt Brian was doing a lot of pressuring Abby. Second I didn't like Connor trying to control things by pushing Brian at Abby. Third by the way he walked away. Four how easily Abby was able to move on. With all that I was still entertained. I couldn't wait to see what would happen. In my opinion it's like a wreck you can't turn away from.
Choosing the Right Man Review: Choosing the Right Man was my favorite of the three books. This one brought tears to my eyes. I felt bad for Brian but I think he should have seen it coming. I still don't like Connor and his manipulative ways. Don't like how the brothers were making decision with even including Abby.
Overall it just a middle of the road series.
September 26, 2018
I'm not a fan of cliff hangers so when I can get a trilogy in a box set I'm all for it. I'm so glad that I was able to read this one back to back. These stories started out good, I loved Conner and Abby together. Then it turned into a triangle, which I'm not a huge fan of especially when they involve brothers. Brian and Abby were good together too. But I couldn't help feeling as if their feelings for each other hadn't grown out of obligation for Sklar and grew into something they didn't understand but thought was something else. So when put to the final challenge I felt for Abby. She needed to put herself first and she was having a hard time doing that. I loved the final result I'm as I was rooting for the two of them to end up together, even if they had to go through all the challenges that they did. This was shorter than I'm expected but sweet none the less, and who doesn't like a good guy/bad guy challenge.
October 19, 2022
A twisty heartwarming/heartbreaking story
Nice Girl to Love Three-book Boxed Set Collection by Violet Duke:
*****Resisting the Bad Boy #1:
Connor and Abby are sooo good together! A one month fling? Or more? Ends on a cliffhanger.
*****Falling for the Good Guy #2:
Brian and Abby. Best friends with a lot of history. And lots of reasons to be more — but,“why”, “why not”. Heartwarming and heartbreaking with all the feels, ends on a cliffhanger.
****Choosing the Right Man #3:
So. This story is intense with lots of heartbreak. And some disconnects. Was it been 28 days apart, or months? Conner hadn’t slept with anyone since Abby. But. Abby slept with Brian… Still, love wins out, with the right man, and with friends/family.
Favorite quote: “Instead of planning my life, you made me want to simply live it.”
—PTators
Nice Girl to Love Three-book Boxed Set Collection by Violet Duke:
*****Resisting the Bad Boy #1:
Connor and Abby are sooo good together! A one month fling? Or more? Ends on a cliffhanger.
*****Falling for the Good Guy #2:
Brian and Abby. Best friends with a lot of history. And lots of reasons to be more — but,“why”, “why not”. Heartwarming and heartbreaking with all the feels, ends on a cliffhanger.
****Choosing the Right Man #3:
So. This story is intense with lots of heartbreak. And some disconnects. Was it been 28 days apart, or months? Conner hadn’t slept with anyone since Abby. But. Abby slept with Brian… Still, love wins out, with the right man, and with friends/family.
Favorite quote: “Instead of planning my life, you made me want to simply live it.”
—PTators
November 24, 2018
Wow!!! This book is so worth the read!!! I just love the way that the author had written this series leading up to the epic love triangle at the end.
This three book series involves not one love story but two, and an epic conclusion between the twisted love triangle. All of the characters are well built with many layers. The storyline is fast paced yet keeps your attention. You’re drawn in from the beginning and crave more after the book is finished.
I do recommend reading these books in order without too much time in between. There aren’t any “recaps” at the beginning of the second and third book, which I loved since I read them all of the way through.
This three book series involves not one love story but two, and an epic conclusion between the twisted love triangle. All of the characters are well built with many layers. The storyline is fast paced yet keeps your attention. You’re drawn in from the beginning and crave more after the book is finished.
I do recommend reading these books in order without too much time in between. There aren’t any “recaps” at the beginning of the second and third book, which I loved since I read them all of the way through.
May 20, 2020
Good enough, I guess
I should probably just stop reading this genre. I’m always irritated by how easily the antagonist can explain things away, how easily everything is forgiven. I do read these books because they’re light and easy, but it’s just become too easy. There is no real life relating, even with the issue if HD. “Oh, she’s just a friend. You know I wouldn’t lie to.” “Oh, okay. I know, of corse you wouldn’t.” I don’t even want to read Brian’s book because they way it was set up at the end of this...seriously, who acts like that and better yet, who would be into it? I guess I’m looking for something more real and less...this.
I should probably just stop reading this genre. I’m always irritated by how easily the antagonist can explain things away, how easily everything is forgiven. I do read these books because they’re light and easy, but it’s just become too easy. There is no real life relating, even with the issue if HD. “Oh, she’s just a friend. You know I wouldn’t lie to.” “Oh, okay. I know, of corse you wouldn’t.” I don’t even want to read Brian’s book because they way it was set up at the end of this...seriously, who acts like that and better yet, who would be into it? I guess I’m looking for something more real and less...this.
December 5, 2023
Had surprising depths for a romance series. The main problem I had was that the whole relationship with Brian just felt forced and unnecessary to me. He was boring, and the whole second book was pretty much just blah while I waited for the inevitable ending that was book 3.
I also don't like the idea of her sleeping with both brothers, which just feels ick to me, but I guess at least she wasn't doing that when she dated them both at the same time. Still, it just felt like the second book didn't need to happen. I gave an extra star for having some more to the storyline than just the romance because I appreciate a romance with an actual plot.
I also don't like the idea of her sleeping with both brothers, which just feels ick to me, but I guess at least she wasn't doing that when she dated them both at the same time. Still, it just felt like the second book didn't need to happen. I gave an extra star for having some more to the storyline than just the romance because I appreciate a romance with an actual plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2019
Great Series!
What a great series! I cried several times for Brian and Skyler and Huntingtons disease.. I don't want Skyler to have it... Brian's been crushed too many times. Abby had to choose between 2 brothers on who to spend her life with. Craziness! I can't wait to read Brian's story next. Thank you for being a great writer!
What a great series! I cried several times for Brian and Skyler and Huntingtons disease.. I don't want Skyler to have it... Brian's been crushed too many times. Abby had to choose between 2 brothers on who to spend her life with. Craziness! I can't wait to read Brian's story next. Thank you for being a great writer!
November 9, 2018
Addictive reading!
Lived the characters, enjoyed the personal struggles and resolutions. Slightly disappointed in the description of the final decision Abby made, but otherwise a great read.
Lived the characters, enjoyed the personal struggles and resolutions. Slightly disappointed in the description of the final decision Abby made, but otherwise a great read.
January 16, 2018
Romance for the ages
The rollercoaster ride that love is. Certainly is shown well here. The characters are amazing, I want to know them personally.
The rollercoaster ride that love is. Certainly is shown well here. The characters are amazing, I want to know them personally.
March 16, 2018
First and the third are alright but the second shouldn’t really exist... it’s a continuation of the first and a not convincing one.
March 6, 2020
Whew...what a rollercoaster ride! Wow....not bad!
October 18, 2014
Nice Girl to Love: Trilogy Boxed Set, #1 Resisting, #2 Falling, #3 Choosing (The CAN'T RESIST Series) Violet Duke
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Contemporary romance
This is the way I love to read a trilogy, where all the books are out and I can read through back to back without waiting for more. I hate waiting months – years even - for the next part of a book, I find I just lose the impetus of the story so this was a perfect read in that sense for me.
I liked Abby – who couldn’t, she’s one of those genuinely nice people, who help others just because they can and don't have a malicious side to them. Abby has a good girl front, but in her past there’s a dark side that still shadows her actions. She’s known Brian for years and helped him with Skylar while his wife was ill, and after she died. she’s been a solid support. Brian – he seems the nice guy too, and perhaps a perfect match for Abby. He was certainly a loyal husband and a wonderful dad, with Skylar being his priority. Connor is described as the “bad boy” type and yet...to me he didn’t seem that way. He’s a playboy but he’s honest, upfront with what he expects and doesn’t lead ladies on to think he’ll change. Everyone knows after one month that's it – that's the way he is and while I’d find that hard to take I admire his honesty about it.
When we get to know all of them better we see more, we learn about Abby's past, can see much of why Brian is so independent, and that Connor isn’t as black as he’s painted. In fact he gave up a lot to help Brian when Beth was pregnant and has been a huge support to him since.
So, Abby starts with one month with Connor, falls in love and then the month is up. Connor though has shocked himself, he doesn’t want this to be the end but...Brian seems to have finally recognised what's under his nose and he wants a shot at winning Abby’s love. Connor agrees to step back and let Brian try to win Abby’s heart, even though he loves her himself. That’s where for me Brian falls down – he Knows Abby is in love with Connor, he Knows Connor loves Abby, he Knows she’s distraught at his dropping contact and yet – he wants her for himself never thinking of what either Abby or his brother want. To me that’s quite selfish, if he genuinely felt for Abby surely he’d be honest, and let her go the way her heart wants. Why only now does he want her when she’s been there for years, it’s as if he only noticed her once Connor did.
After dating him for one month, and learning some surprises Abby is stuck, both brothers want her but how can she choose. To me its the one that makes her heart spin, Connor, but being Abby she can’t bear to hurt Brian, he doesn’t affect her heart the way Connor does, but that long friendship they have is confusing her, Brian’s presenting himself differently, and he’s a man she is attracted to – is it enough though? Of course there’s also the fact that if she chooses him Connor will be hurt. They all make an agreement that personally I think is weird....but that’s fiction Winking smile
There’s some heat here, some really sad events, and some humour too. I’d have liked more of Connor’s jealous exes – just because I love that bitch snark that comes out. Skylar was a gem and I was really sad for her in parts, she deserved so much after losing her mum but life is unfair. I can see where she wanted Abby and her dad to be together, a young teen would hope for that once the option is presented. She’d have been happy if Abby and Connor were together before Brian made a play, once that was done though her views were inevitable – a new mum who loves her and she knows, respects and loves, or an new aunt. Well, look at it from her side and its an easy choice. Its not hers to make though, but whatever happens she’s affected closely.
Its a good series, not heart stopping dramatic, though there are moments that are breath holding, and overall its a trilogy I enjoyed but not one I’d re read. I don’t have the same criticism of Connor as other reviewers have – to me he was honest and upfront, and I’d rather that than a sleaze who leads people to think there’s more, then drops them. His views were practically considered and he did it to stop anyone getting hurt – or at least try...Abby sleeping with both was a bit ...strange. I think she’d have felt more uncomfortable about it than we’re told. There’s nothing actually wrong in it – just that the side of her we’re given I wouldn’t have expected her to do that.
Stars: three and a half. Better than just Good, but not a Great book. Its well written and everything adds up neatly its just emotionally it didn’t get me deeply and I want that from my romances.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Contemporary romance
This is the way I love to read a trilogy, where all the books are out and I can read through back to back without waiting for more. I hate waiting months – years even - for the next part of a book, I find I just lose the impetus of the story so this was a perfect read in that sense for me.
I liked Abby – who couldn’t, she’s one of those genuinely nice people, who help others just because they can and don't have a malicious side to them. Abby has a good girl front, but in her past there’s a dark side that still shadows her actions. She’s known Brian for years and helped him with Skylar while his wife was ill, and after she died. she’s been a solid support. Brian – he seems the nice guy too, and perhaps a perfect match for Abby. He was certainly a loyal husband and a wonderful dad, with Skylar being his priority. Connor is described as the “bad boy” type and yet...to me he didn’t seem that way. He’s a playboy but he’s honest, upfront with what he expects and doesn’t lead ladies on to think he’ll change. Everyone knows after one month that's it – that's the way he is and while I’d find that hard to take I admire his honesty about it.
When we get to know all of them better we see more, we learn about Abby's past, can see much of why Brian is so independent, and that Connor isn’t as black as he’s painted. In fact he gave up a lot to help Brian when Beth was pregnant and has been a huge support to him since.
So, Abby starts with one month with Connor, falls in love and then the month is up. Connor though has shocked himself, he doesn’t want this to be the end but...Brian seems to have finally recognised what's under his nose and he wants a shot at winning Abby’s love. Connor agrees to step back and let Brian try to win Abby’s heart, even though he loves her himself. That’s where for me Brian falls down – he Knows Abby is in love with Connor, he Knows Connor loves Abby, he Knows she’s distraught at his dropping contact and yet – he wants her for himself never thinking of what either Abby or his brother want. To me that’s quite selfish, if he genuinely felt for Abby surely he’d be honest, and let her go the way her heart wants. Why only now does he want her when she’s been there for years, it’s as if he only noticed her once Connor did.
After dating him for one month, and learning some surprises Abby is stuck, both brothers want her but how can she choose. To me its the one that makes her heart spin, Connor, but being Abby she can’t bear to hurt Brian, he doesn’t affect her heart the way Connor does, but that long friendship they have is confusing her, Brian’s presenting himself differently, and he’s a man she is attracted to – is it enough though? Of course there’s also the fact that if she chooses him Connor will be hurt. They all make an agreement that personally I think is weird....but that’s fiction Winking smile
There’s some heat here, some really sad events, and some humour too. I’d have liked more of Connor’s jealous exes – just because I love that bitch snark that comes out. Skylar was a gem and I was really sad for her in parts, she deserved so much after losing her mum but life is unfair. I can see where she wanted Abby and her dad to be together, a young teen would hope for that once the option is presented. She’d have been happy if Abby and Connor were together before Brian made a play, once that was done though her views were inevitable – a new mum who loves her and she knows, respects and loves, or an new aunt. Well, look at it from her side and its an easy choice. Its not hers to make though, but whatever happens she’s affected closely.
Its a good series, not heart stopping dramatic, though there are moments that are breath holding, and overall its a trilogy I enjoyed but not one I’d re read. I don’t have the same criticism of Connor as other reviewers have – to me he was honest and upfront, and I’d rather that than a sleaze who leads people to think there’s more, then drops them. His views were practically considered and he did it to stop anyone getting hurt – or at least try...Abby sleeping with both was a bit ...strange. I think she’d have felt more uncomfortable about it than we’re told. There’s nothing actually wrong in it – just that the side of her we’re given I wouldn’t have expected her to do that.
Stars: three and a half. Better than just Good, but not a Great book. Its well written and everything adds up neatly its just emotionally it didn’t get me deeply and I want that from my romances.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers
July 10, 2017
Talk about nailing it first time out of the chute. Violet Duke's Nice Girl to Love series is nothing short of amazing!! Not many author's have Duke's skill as an author for totally selling all her characters and their stories to that place deep within their reader's heart. Duke makes it seem effortless.
Right from the start, her first book in this three-part series, Resisting the Bad Boy, placed her solidly on my list of auto-buy authors. She engages you in the first paragraph and never lets your attention stray. Her characters are lively, fun, and snappy with their banter. I found myself smiling, chuckling, and laughing out loud throughout the book. The only thing I like more in my choice of reading material is a hot, sexy scene and she deftly fills the pages with plenty of those as well. She gives us an incredibly romantic story about Connor, an emotionally shut-off bad boy who is revealed to be a good, self-sacrificing man by Abby, the good girl who brings it all out when she shows him real affection without an ulterior motive. These two well-written characters are great together and have smokin’ hot chemistry. I could offer details of so many scenes to illustrate my views but I don’t want to spoil your chance to read and enjoy it for yourself just as I did. Twice.
Ms. Duke's second book continues Nice Girl Abby's story in Falling For the Good Guy. I readily admit I fell hopelessly in love with Connor in Resisting the Bad Boy right along with Abby and started reading Falling For the Good Guy stubbornly and solidly Team Connor. At the same time I knew if anyone could sway my opinion it was Violet Duke. Sometimes I hate being right, but she does not disappoint. FFTGG is filled with witty dialogue, laughter, love, heartbreaking moments, passion, and so much more that kept this reader fervently flipping to the next page to see how it would play out, while at the same time, never wanting it to end. Abby and Brian have been best friends and 100% involved in each others lives for over thirteen years. She was by his side through the birth of his daughter, the caretaking of his wife, helping to raise Skylar, and as he recovered from the loss of Beth, his beloved wife and her good friend. They have ALWAYS loved each other and have a history so romantically tragic it begs for a future filled with happiness. Add in the role Abby has played as an undefined surrogate Mom to Skylar and Duke makes it all seem so right for them to finally be a real family.
But it also seemed so right that Abby was the light to Connor's broken soul and they were destined to be together. And of course, Abby still has unresolved feelings for Connor and he for her. Which brings us to Choosing the Right Man, book three of this wonderful series, which finally tells us which of the Sullivan brothers Abby will end up with. I was on pins and needles as I began to read CTRM to see how Violet would work it all out since I loved both Brian and Connor (as did Abby!) and as I've come to count on, Ms. Duke does not disappoint her readers! Of course it helps that in the end, Abby chose the man I wanted her to be with! ((Big Smiles))
Because of the nature of this ending, I am not going to spoil the book for other readers, but I will say I eagerly encourage any romance lover to read this complete three book collection. You won't be sorry and you will find a story with well-developed characters you will easily come to connect with, sympathize with, laugh with (and at), cry with, and love. You will see them make sacrifices and demonstrate loyalty we all hope to find in our friends, family and lovers. And you will be fanning yourself reading the heat and passion that comes off the pages in such a delightfully descriptive way. In other words, you will not be disappointed and you will agree Ms. Duke's books are worth every penny!!
**On that note, I was so happy to see there will be a new book. FINDING THE RIGHT GIRL will tell the new love story of the guy Abby doesn't choose. A Happily Ever After for everyone -- and you wonder why I say Violet Duke never lets me down!!
Right from the start, her first book in this three-part series, Resisting the Bad Boy, placed her solidly on my list of auto-buy authors. She engages you in the first paragraph and never lets your attention stray. Her characters are lively, fun, and snappy with their banter. I found myself smiling, chuckling, and laughing out loud throughout the book. The only thing I like more in my choice of reading material is a hot, sexy scene and she deftly fills the pages with plenty of those as well. She gives us an incredibly romantic story about Connor, an emotionally shut-off bad boy who is revealed to be a good, self-sacrificing man by Abby, the good girl who brings it all out when she shows him real affection without an ulterior motive. These two well-written characters are great together and have smokin’ hot chemistry. I could offer details of so many scenes to illustrate my views but I don’t want to spoil your chance to read and enjoy it for yourself just as I did. Twice.
Ms. Duke's second book continues Nice Girl Abby's story in Falling For the Good Guy. I readily admit I fell hopelessly in love with Connor in Resisting the Bad Boy right along with Abby and started reading Falling For the Good Guy stubbornly and solidly Team Connor. At the same time I knew if anyone could sway my opinion it was Violet Duke. Sometimes I hate being right, but she does not disappoint. FFTGG is filled with witty dialogue, laughter, love, heartbreaking moments, passion, and so much more that kept this reader fervently flipping to the next page to see how it would play out, while at the same time, never wanting it to end. Abby and Brian have been best friends and 100% involved in each others lives for over thirteen years. She was by his side through the birth of his daughter, the caretaking of his wife, helping to raise Skylar, and as he recovered from the loss of Beth, his beloved wife and her good friend. They have ALWAYS loved each other and have a history so romantically tragic it begs for a future filled with happiness. Add in the role Abby has played as an undefined surrogate Mom to Skylar and Duke makes it all seem so right for them to finally be a real family.
But it also seemed so right that Abby was the light to Connor's broken soul and they were destined to be together. And of course, Abby still has unresolved feelings for Connor and he for her. Which brings us to Choosing the Right Man, book three of this wonderful series, which finally tells us which of the Sullivan brothers Abby will end up with. I was on pins and needles as I began to read CTRM to see how Violet would work it all out since I loved both Brian and Connor (as did Abby!) and as I've come to count on, Ms. Duke does not disappoint her readers! Of course it helps that in the end, Abby chose the man I wanted her to be with! ((Big Smiles))
Because of the nature of this ending, I am not going to spoil the book for other readers, but I will say I eagerly encourage any romance lover to read this complete three book collection. You won't be sorry and you will find a story with well-developed characters you will easily come to connect with, sympathize with, laugh with (and at), cry with, and love. You will see them make sacrifices and demonstrate loyalty we all hope to find in our friends, family and lovers. And you will be fanning yourself reading the heat and passion that comes off the pages in such a delightfully descriptive way. In other words, you will not be disappointed and you will agree Ms. Duke's books are worth every penny!!
**On that note, I was so happy to see there will be a new book. FINDING THE RIGHT GIRL will tell the new love story of the guy Abby doesn't choose. A Happily Ever After for everyone -- and you wonder why I say Violet Duke never lets me down!!
March 29, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Nice Girl to Love: The Complete Collection by Violet Duke contains the first three novels in the series that feature Abby. This collection contains Resisting the Bad Boy (#1), Falling For the Good Guy (#2) and Choosing the Right Man (#3). I really enjoyed reading each of these books, and it was so nice to have them all at the same time as a part of a set. I couldn't wait to read the next book after both the first and second stories, so it was really great to have them all bundled together. I am really enjoying this series and I can't wait to read more in this series about the other characters.
In the first book, Abby is working on completing her PhD all while helping her best friend Brian care for his daughter. Brian lost his wife when their daughter was a baby and has been leaning on his brother Connor and Abby ever since. Abby is looking for something to shake up her nice girl world, and Connor offers himself as exactly what she needs to do it. Connor never does anything more than one month with a girl, so it seems like the perfect way for her to get what she is looking for. But soon they are both starting to feel more than they expected, and they both begin to wonder if there is something more between them. In the second book, Brian begins to realize that his feelings for Abby go beyond friendship. He is finally ready to move past losing his wife, and he knows that what is between him and Abby could be so much more. Abby has never allowed herself to view him as anything other than a friend though, and isn't sure if they are just friends or could be more. In the third book, Abby must make her choice between her best friend that she is comfortable with and has a familiar relationship to build on and the former bad boy looking to start a life with her.
I liked Connor a lot. I thought that he was great. He was honest and up front with Abby, and he just seemed to be genuine. He was so good for Abby, and I liked the way he got her to loosen up and have some adventure in her life. She was good for him as well, and I liked that they were able to banter back and forth so easily. Things were just so natural between them. They were both smart and witty, and I enjoyed seeing the tension between them give way to the passion that they both felt. Abby was so easy to like. She was normal and down-to-earth and I liked that she wasn't into a bunch of drama like so many of the heroines you see in contemporaries. She was great with Connor and I thought that they fit together perfectly. While I liked Brian a lot and I felt for him after everything he had been through, I never thought that he was the man for Abby. What they had was comfortable and familiar, but it was also friendly. They were great friends and had always been there for each other for support and to lean on, but I just never felt anything but a friends vibe between these two. I didn't feel like they had the passion or chemistry that Abby and Connor did. Connor and Abby had it all in my opinion, and the emotional connection as well as the chemistry is what made them perfect for one another to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed these stories. They were short and light reads, and I found myself getting lost in the story. I loved the characters and thought that they were all so real and believable. These books were ones that were so easy to just relax with, and I found myself really liking Violet Duke's writing style. I thought that she did a great job telling the story and showing depth with each character. I won't say how things turned out and spoil it, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series now that I know who Abby chose. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for this series, and I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy contemporary romance books. I think this series is one that readers will enjoy and that they will find the characters easy to relate to.
**Review Copy Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**
Nice Girl to Love: The Complete Collection by Violet Duke contains the first three novels in the series that feature Abby. This collection contains Resisting the Bad Boy (#1), Falling For the Good Guy (#2) and Choosing the Right Man (#3). I really enjoyed reading each of these books, and it was so nice to have them all at the same time as a part of a set. I couldn't wait to read the next book after both the first and second stories, so it was really great to have them all bundled together. I am really enjoying this series and I can't wait to read more in this series about the other characters.
In the first book, Abby is working on completing her PhD all while helping her best friend Brian care for his daughter. Brian lost his wife when their daughter was a baby and has been leaning on his brother Connor and Abby ever since. Abby is looking for something to shake up her nice girl world, and Connor offers himself as exactly what she needs to do it. Connor never does anything more than one month with a girl, so it seems like the perfect way for her to get what she is looking for. But soon they are both starting to feel more than they expected, and they both begin to wonder if there is something more between them. In the second book, Brian begins to realize that his feelings for Abby go beyond friendship. He is finally ready to move past losing his wife, and he knows that what is between him and Abby could be so much more. Abby has never allowed herself to view him as anything other than a friend though, and isn't sure if they are just friends or could be more. In the third book, Abby must make her choice between her best friend that she is comfortable with and has a familiar relationship to build on and the former bad boy looking to start a life with her.
I liked Connor a lot. I thought that he was great. He was honest and up front with Abby, and he just seemed to be genuine. He was so good for Abby, and I liked the way he got her to loosen up and have some adventure in her life. She was good for him as well, and I liked that they were able to banter back and forth so easily. Things were just so natural between them. They were both smart and witty, and I enjoyed seeing the tension between them give way to the passion that they both felt. Abby was so easy to like. She was normal and down-to-earth and I liked that she wasn't into a bunch of drama like so many of the heroines you see in contemporaries. She was great with Connor and I thought that they fit together perfectly. While I liked Brian a lot and I felt for him after everything he had been through, I never thought that he was the man for Abby. What they had was comfortable and familiar, but it was also friendly. They were great friends and had always been there for each other for support and to lean on, but I just never felt anything but a friends vibe between these two. I didn't feel like they had the passion or chemistry that Abby and Connor did. Connor and Abby had it all in my opinion, and the emotional connection as well as the chemistry is what made them perfect for one another to me.
Overall, I really enjoyed these stories. They were short and light reads, and I found myself getting lost in the story. I loved the characters and thought that they were all so real and believable. These books were ones that were so easy to just relax with, and I found myself really liking Violet Duke's writing style. I thought that she did a great job telling the story and showing depth with each character. I won't say how things turned out and spoil it, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series now that I know who Abby chose. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for this series, and I definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy contemporary romance books. I think this series is one that readers will enjoy and that they will find the characters easy to relate to.
**Review Copy Provided by Between the Sheets Promotions**
April 7, 2015
Book 1 - Resisting the Bad Boy - This was a very good read. Connor and Abby had such great banter between the two of them. It was comfortably sarcastic, which is always an attractive combination of strong confident characters. Connor is the bad boy who can only commit to a one month limit with any woman he wants to conquer. He walks away no questions asked. Abby is the good girl (sort of) who has had a crush on Connor. Abby is best friends with Brian who is Connor's brother. Connor has met Abby several times and each time he has no recollection of her. Not exactly a good feeling for her. After an uncomfortable meeting at his "McMansion" due to Brian's young daughter Skylar, Connor insults Abby and sends her on her way. Connor, who is quite arrogant about his physical attributes then realizes that Abby was there for Skylar. Connor feels bad and shows up at Abby's with flowers trying to apologize (which is out of character for him). Connor finds Abby attractive and offers her the "one month" with him. She barters with him and decides she will do this with a few rules of her own which would be to at least have a month of him rather than nothing at all. It isn't exactly a month but I wish it was a year. I really thought that the love story that was written was engaging. It was hard to put down and it broke you heart at times. Abby is such a great character and you can't help but fall in love with both Connor & Abby. See what happens the month is up. I didn't want it to end. Very easy read. ENJOY
Book 2 - Falling for the Good Guy - This is the story of Brian & Abby. Connor stepped away from Abby and is giving Brian an opportunity to see if they are in love. Connor is selfless in this act and although he has strong feelings for Abby he wants to give his brother the opportunity because he feels that Brian may be in love with Abby. Connor, always doing the right thing for his brother, he lets his brother take a chance. This is a beautiful story of how Brian & Abby try to ignite a love between each other. A love that they may already have but haven't realized it. The dynamics are awesome between Brian & Abby and Skylar (Brian's daughter). Brian is thoughtful, patient, kind, and everything you would want in a man, but maybe not if you were the same personality. Abby is awesome as well and has given so much of her life to Brian and Skylar as Brian's wife was dying of Huntington's Disease. It is a sad story and a beautiful one all in the same book. The author really did her research and wrote a beautiful story.
Book 3 - Choosing the Right Man - I absolutely loved loved loved this book. Book 1 was great, Book 2 was good, but Book 3 was so absolutely AWESOME and hard to put down. It was so HAWT! Connor or Brian, Brian or Connor. This book had me thinking that maybe Abby could have both men and that both men would be ok with her. Wishful thinking really. Between Connor & Brian, they were both equal to one very strong, emotional, loving, man. Although both Brian & Connor were giving in their own way, I would have had a hard time choosing. Brian and Connor were both willing to walk away for each others happiness. I was team Connor in book 1 & 2 and then I questioned who I really wanted her with but in the end I was definitely team Connor - but hopeful Brian would find his own happiness. I loved that they physically fought over her and then they ended up taking turns dating her to get her to choose the right man. I can't give away too much.....MUST READ
Book 2 - Falling for the Good Guy - This is the story of Brian & Abby. Connor stepped away from Abby and is giving Brian an opportunity to see if they are in love. Connor is selfless in this act and although he has strong feelings for Abby he wants to give his brother the opportunity because he feels that Brian may be in love with Abby. Connor, always doing the right thing for his brother, he lets his brother take a chance. This is a beautiful story of how Brian & Abby try to ignite a love between each other. A love that they may already have but haven't realized it. The dynamics are awesome between Brian & Abby and Skylar (Brian's daughter). Brian is thoughtful, patient, kind, and everything you would want in a man, but maybe not if you were the same personality. Abby is awesome as well and has given so much of her life to Brian and Skylar as Brian's wife was dying of Huntington's Disease. It is a sad story and a beautiful one all in the same book. The author really did her research and wrote a beautiful story.
Book 3 - Choosing the Right Man - I absolutely loved loved loved this book. Book 1 was great, Book 2 was good, but Book 3 was so absolutely AWESOME and hard to put down. It was so HAWT! Connor or Brian, Brian or Connor. This book had me thinking that maybe Abby could have both men and that both men would be ok with her. Wishful thinking really. Between Connor & Brian, they were both equal to one very strong, emotional, loving, man. Although both Brian & Connor were giving in their own way, I would have had a hard time choosing. Brian and Connor were both willing to walk away for each others happiness. I was team Connor in book 1 & 2 and then I questioned who I really wanted her with but in the end I was definitely team Connor - but hopeful Brian would find his own happiness. I loved that they physically fought over her and then they ended up taking turns dating her to get her to choose the right man. I can't give away too much.....MUST READ
October 26, 2013
I RECEIVED AN ARC OF THIS IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW!!!
Resisting The Bad Boy
This is the first book in a trilogy and is not a stand alone. This book does end with a cliffhanger. With that being said I want you to know that the second book is out right now and I will be starting it as soon as I finish this review. I loved the characters. They have you laughing constantly with the way they banter. As soon as Abby and Connor first started talking to one another they had me hooked. Their sexual chemistry is explosive. They definitely heat thing up. This is Abby, the good girl, and Connor's, the bad boy who shows no emotion, story. This is a well written story that had me rooting for Abby and Connor the minute they agreed to a one month relationship. Connor needs someone to love and who will love him back and Abby just brings something out in him that I can't resist.
The second story will be Abby and Brian's (the good boy, Abby's best friend, and Connor's younger brother) story. I'm a huge Connor and Abby fan from just this book and can't wait to finish the trilogy to see who she ends up with. Violet Duke awesome job on pulling a reader in. You kept me glued to my kindle and left me wanting more. Can't wait to see where we go next with these books. A must read for all book lovers out there.
Falling For The Good Guy
Wow! Violet once again you've done it. You drew me into the story and kept me glued to my kindle. I just couldn't put it down. I absolutely love Abby. In this book we see a more motherly and family side of her. She wasn't quite as spunky as she was in the first book and I missed that about her. Brian is a good guy and really sweet. He does love Abby and she loves him too. Is their love that of friends or could it be more. They have been through so much together it would be so easy for her to be with him. They do have good chemistry and are good together.
Well done Violet Duke. The second book in the trilogy was just as a big a hit for me as the first one. I love that it ends with a cliffhanger because I have my hopes and wishes for how the trilogy will end. Can't wait to read the last book in this incredible series. If you haven't checked out Violet Duke's Nice Girl To Love Series you need to do it now. You don't know what you are missing.
Choosing The Right Man
This is the final book in Violet Duke's Nice Girl To Love trilogy. The first book was Abby and Connor's story which ended with a cliffhanger. Then came book two which was Abby and Brian's story and also ended with a cliffhanger. Now we reach the end of our journey...who will Abby choose?
I loved this book. I couldn't imagine a better ending for this trilogy. The characters have continued to grow and develop throughout the series. With them learning that there are different types of love and the importance of family. Brian and Connor's mom is a great character and I like the way she was added to the story. It was nice to see the boys having one parent loving them and being a parent to them before the end of the book. Their mom may not have been the best mom growing up but she has sure learned how to play the guilt card. Love it.
Violet Duke this trilogy is amazing. You keep the reader guessing right up until she makes her decision and then you have us guessing a little bit more. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more from you and the story you write for the one who wasn't choosen. This series is a definite must read for all book enthusiasts out there.
Resisting The Bad Boy
This is the first book in a trilogy and is not a stand alone. This book does end with a cliffhanger. With that being said I want you to know that the second book is out right now and I will be starting it as soon as I finish this review. I loved the characters. They have you laughing constantly with the way they banter. As soon as Abby and Connor first started talking to one another they had me hooked. Their sexual chemistry is explosive. They definitely heat thing up. This is Abby, the good girl, and Connor's, the bad boy who shows no emotion, story. This is a well written story that had me rooting for Abby and Connor the minute they agreed to a one month relationship. Connor needs someone to love and who will love him back and Abby just brings something out in him that I can't resist.
The second story will be Abby and Brian's (the good boy, Abby's best friend, and Connor's younger brother) story. I'm a huge Connor and Abby fan from just this book and can't wait to finish the trilogy to see who she ends up with. Violet Duke awesome job on pulling a reader in. You kept me glued to my kindle and left me wanting more. Can't wait to see where we go next with these books. A must read for all book lovers out there.
Falling For The Good Guy
Wow! Violet once again you've done it. You drew me into the story and kept me glued to my kindle. I just couldn't put it down. I absolutely love Abby. In this book we see a more motherly and family side of her. She wasn't quite as spunky as she was in the first book and I missed that about her. Brian is a good guy and really sweet. He does love Abby and she loves him too. Is their love that of friends or could it be more. They have been through so much together it would be so easy for her to be with him. They do have good chemistry and are good together.
Well done Violet Duke. The second book in the trilogy was just as a big a hit for me as the first one. I love that it ends with a cliffhanger because I have my hopes and wishes for how the trilogy will end. Can't wait to read the last book in this incredible series. If you haven't checked out Violet Duke's Nice Girl To Love Series you need to do it now. You don't know what you are missing.
Choosing The Right Man
This is the final book in Violet Duke's Nice Girl To Love trilogy. The first book was Abby and Connor's story which ended with a cliffhanger. Then came book two which was Abby and Brian's story and also ended with a cliffhanger. Now we reach the end of our journey...who will Abby choose?
I loved this book. I couldn't imagine a better ending for this trilogy. The characters have continued to grow and develop throughout the series. With them learning that there are different types of love and the importance of family. Brian and Connor's mom is a great character and I like the way she was added to the story. It was nice to see the boys having one parent loving them and being a parent to them before the end of the book. Their mom may not have been the best mom growing up but she has sure learned how to play the guilt card. Love it.
Violet Duke this trilogy is amazing. You keep the reader guessing right up until she makes her decision and then you have us guessing a little bit more. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more from you and the story you write for the one who wasn't choosen. This series is a definite must read for all book enthusiasts out there.
March 10, 2017
Nice girl to love
Talk about hot and steamy this book has it all.hhow two brothers grow up to be totally different and want the same pretty girl .dont think I could ever do what she had done.
Talk about hot and steamy this book has it all.hhow two brothers grow up to be totally different and want the same pretty girl .dont think I could ever do what she had done.
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