Can't Make This Up

by Ali Parker

People who still believe in love and happily-ever-afters these days?
Brainwashed idiots. All of them.
It’s a sham.
What isn’t a sham is working hard and making an honest living.
Like me.
Not everyone respects what I do.
Especially a certain congresswoman.
Or her sexy daughter with curves to die for.
Talk about brain washing.
The best part?
She wants me just as bad as I want her.
I’m the bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
She’s the good girl with a reputation to worry about.
I’ll tear it all down.
As long as she’s mine in the end.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2023

About the author

Ali Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. The man is hot. Hello.
She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.

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Reviews

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have some pretty strong opinions that align a bit more with Flynn’s than Arianne’s. So, right off the bat my sympathies aligned more with one of our leading couple than the other. However, I loved watching this pair bicker and spar. I think “spirited debate” might be their love language. Even though they weren’t exactly enemies, they had a lot of that ‘enemies to lovers’ energy around them; it crackled from the page like static electricity. I had so much fun watching these two fall headlong in love with one another. And it was a special treat to see the cameo appearances of the previous book’s stars. However, I wasn’t a fan of Arianne’s parents, and I desperately wanted to see more growth and resolution in that rather toxic relationship. But, it still led me to another of the author’s signature Happy Endings that was just too cute and sweet for words.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirty-three year old blue collar oil rigger Flynn Bryant is a lone wolf, confirmed bachelor who doesn’t believe in love even though his friends keep pushing him down the path that they themselves have taken. Twenty-eight year old upperclass Ariane Blakely, whose mother is running for Congress, just got dumped by her cheating ex-boyfriend, hand-picked by her parents, and is not on the prowl for anything other than a way to forget the pain. So, she, a bridesmaid, accepts the offer of Flynn, the best man, for a good time with no strings, her dirty little secret. What a night it was! And, as it turns out, Flynn is no longer blue collar but rather a millionaire committed to earth’s conservancy, thanks to his half-brother’s investments of his hard-earned money. So, they meet up again at a gala promoting the Clean Oceans Institute, yet they appear to be on opposite sides of its ideologies, only the collossal attraction still exists.

Can’t Make This Up starts where You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me leaves off, and Ali Parker has once again created an incredibly exciting, complex addition to the Not You Again series. It is such a delight to be reconnected with the main characters of the previous books and to follow the unlikely path with Flynn and Ariane, whose push-me, pull-you saga is filled with snarky banter and off the charts steamy romance. Adding in the subtexts of endangered oceans and societal snobbery, readers are glued to each page in anticipation of its conclusion, which we hope fervently leads to HEA. While each book is a standalone, the reading experience is richer when read in sequence. Don’t miss any of these remarkable offerings, and hopefully we’ll next be invited to the story about Flynn’s brother Jude?

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Can’t Make This Up” is the third book in the ‘Not You Again’ series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a complete standalone. This is an opposites attract, bad boy/good girl, blue-collar/white collar romance.

Flynn is a guy who loves his bachelor lifestyle. He knows that he has no interest in pursuing false promises of love and a committed relationship. Ariane is an upper-class young woman whose dreams of a solid marriage just went up in smoke. She’s also got a ton of family pressures weighing her down. When they hook up at a wedding, it’s supposed to be no-strings, one night only, hot fun. And then it gets surprisingly complicated. It turns out that the types of jobs he’s been working for years are completely opposite of Ariane’s work and passion… And her mother’s political campaign. The biggest problem of all? When they keep running into each other, they can’t keep their hands off one another, even though it makes no sense for them to be together. I don’t want to give you all of the plot, but suffice to say that it gets more complicated before it gets better for them

Flynn and Ariane both have to struggle against their own self-imposed limitations, outside interference, and each other. It’s a volatile and emotional journey for the main characters individually and as a couple. There are several excellent secondary characters. A couple of those have had their own stories in this series already, and I’m going to look for those books. There are several that made me want to reach into the book and shake them because of sheer frustration! It seems that Flynn’s brother is likely to have his story told next – and I’m already looking forward to it.

[Brooke · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I hadn't finished this book...kinda hated everything about it but I was hoping it would take a turn in a direction where I didn't give this a low score...but alas, here we are 1 Star review.

I despised Ariane, from her stupid name to her tone of voice, to her storyline and all her damn nagging about the fucking environment. Wahhhhh. All this woman did was nag and worry about what her shit mother thought of her. Ariane acted and thought like she was seventeen still living at home. But apparently she was twenty-eight? Bitch please. So many of their arguments were overdone and ridiculous.
Flynn was a disappointment too, he had character as a secondary character in the other two Not You Again books, but I don't know. Just couldn't connect. Didn't find him sexy, didn't care about him or his values.
And lets not even fucking discuss the third act break up.... Ariane getting pregnant what the fuck was that?!?!? A fucking cop out to a shitty ending to an already shitting romance book. Normally I don't mind the pregnancy tropes but not at 85%. There wasn't even a fucking point to her getting pregnant. No point. Also, I'm not sorry but thinking eating chocolate would be bad for the baby???? Get the Fuck Out. Done. Absolutely Done.
I don't think Ali Parker is the author for me.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will make you believe in love at first sight

I really enjoy this series from Ali Parker. The first two books gave us a glimpse at two brothers who find love at a wedding. So, it was funny to see a third member of this group of friends also find a little romance at a wedding.

When you first meet Flynn in the 2nd book You've Got to be Kidding, you can see he's a bit of a man-whore. This book gives you another side of him and it makes you fall in love with him. He wants to get together with a Bridesmaid at Maverick's wedding. But when he sees Ariane, he's not sure he just wants a one-night stand.

After so many times that they bump into each other, they almost think it's fate that they are being brought together. But, Ariane's family isn't sure if the rough and tough Flynn is right for their only daughter. Each time they try to be together, something from her family's political aspirations get in the way.

The push and pull with these two is fun to read. Each character grows throughout the book. It's kind of the best way to read a book. Seeing the progression of these characters make it a fantastic read!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Flynn (an oil rig worker) and Ariane (the daughter of a woman who is going for congressman)
Ariane has been cheated on by her ex Adrian and as she is always in the limelight (she is an environmentalist and runs causes for a greener planet) Whilst at a mutual friends wedding Ariane wants a no strings attached hook up and playboy Flynn wants the same.
The thing is, he is the enemy as he pollutes the atmosphere with oil, and she is the polar opposite. Hoping for a greener planet and organises beach combing events.
They say opposites attract!
Her mother's advisor, Bradley, interferes with her life constantly tell Ariane to stop being irresponsible about what she does with her life. It's already bad enough as Adrian spread lies to the papers saying it was her that had an affair and not him.
Flynn makes her feel happier and stronger the more time they see each other the more power she seems to get to stand up to people.
This book I couldn't put down. The characters were good. The storyline was ok too. Overall a great read.
Thank you Ali
Xx

[Ally Doby (Schleicher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three of the “A Not You Again Novel” and is told is dual first person POV while leaving you with a HEA. This can be read as a standalone, although previous characters do make appearances.

I really liked Flynn and Ariane. They both were funny, hardheaded and driven by their passions. Although they didn’t always see eye to eye, their chemistry was undeniable. I loved that Flynn was so patient with Ariane, but wasn’t afraid to tell her the truth and put her in her place. I loved that Ariane found her true self when she was with Flynn. Although they both didn’t always use their communication skills when important, I was happy to see they worked things out and got the HEA they both deserved.

I loved the banter between these two, but I also loved the banter between the main characters and the side characters. I love the hint at who will be in the next book and I can’t wait to see what adventures await us.

These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariane and Flynn have a story that is very captivating. I throughly enjoyed reading how they gradually became lovers. Ariana is a very complex woman who is so devoted to her mother to the point of not living her life. I got so angry when she let her mother dictate how her life had to be. She has strong beliefs and convictions. Though I felt sad for her not having many friends or an independent lifestyle. Flynn is a hard working man who is self sufficient, a loving brother and son. He is a self professed bachelor and playboy determined never to get in a relationship or marry. I liked his confidence and how self assured he is. Flynn met Ariana at his brothers wedding and they had a one night stand. Well, you have to read to see how life changed them both. Their attraction was so hot and steamy ice water was my drink of choice. 😂😂😂! Their story is realistic with MANY ups and downs, twists and turns. This is a very interesting, fantastic book. Enjoy!

I received this book as an ARC from Bookfunnel for my honest review.

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariane and Flynn have a one night stand after both attending a wedding, the fun and games start when they next come across each other.
I was impressed with Ariane’s character especially the way she tried not to bend to her family’s wishes but then the way she treated Flynn made me think again. I switched between liking her to being frustrated at accepting her mother’s treatment.
I particularly liked the way in which Flynn challenged her mother although the story did not go into detail about their conversation it didn’t take much to imagine what would have been said. Amusing in parts, especially who would go to a beach clean wearing a white suit?
Their HEA was accomplished but true to the story admitting not without their ups and downs. I enjoyed reading their story and hope there will be a follow up with Jude next. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story, and yes, you just can’t make this up.

Flynn and Ariane’s story is one of opposites attract. Neither wants a relationship at all. She’s fresh out of a breakup. He’s a playboy when he’s not working on oil rigs. The biggest problem is the misunderstanding of the same environmental causes they are both involved in. Then, there is her mother who is running for Congress who appears to be a snob. What a rocky road they have to endure through it all, but they just can’t stay away from one another. It’s a secret relationship, until it isn’t. Such a great story that will keep you on edge with anticipation of what’s going to happen next. So many emotions and mis-assumptions. One thing is for certain, you just can’t get away from the steam on these pages. I highly recommend this read.

[Janet Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ari and Flynn meet at their friend's wedding when they are both in the wedding party. Flynn does not do relationships and Ari is just getting over being cheated on. At the reception they decide on a one-time no-strings hook up and then walk away, never to see each other again. Only, fate had other ideas for them.
Ari is an high society conservationist, whose mother is running for congress on that ticket.
Flynn always has been a blue-collar oil rig worker until some great investments made him a Billionaire and now he works the oil rigs periodically and when on shore volunteers and donates to beach clean-up and sea life.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the snarky back and forth between the main characters. I knew it was going to be a HEA but didn't know how or when. It can be read as a standalone but the others in the series give background.

[Lottie Hildenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good I could not put it down. Ariane and Flynn are perfect for each other, even though it seems like they are completely wrong for each other. She is an environmental activist, whose family’s business is solar energy and her mother is running for congress on a clean energy platform. And he is an oil rig worker. But fate keeps throwing them together and it turns out they have more in common than they thought. Flynn is so good for Ariane and gets her to finally stand up for herself and take control of her life. There were quite a few laugh out loud moments in their story and lots of emotion. This book is a very good read and I definitely recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the next book in this series, but can be read as a stand alone. They met at a wedding, he was a a groomsman and she a bridesmaid, as per the cliche, he was looking for a one night stand, and after a hirtful break up she was looking for some fun with someone different to her ex. That’s how they met, it wasn’t meant to be the start of anything, but date decided it wasn’t the end. Flynn worked on the oil rigs, Ariadne was the good girl daughter and environmental activist who’s mother was running for congress. After her break up Ariadne needed to avoid scandal at all costs. There is no way they could be together and make this work, is there? I received this as an ARC in return for my review, a book about opposites attracting and overcoming obstacles, an enjoyable read

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you enthralled from the beginning until the end. Flynn is best man at his best friends wedding and he doesn't believe he is next in line to get married. He meets a bridesmaid Ariane and spends the night with her but can he get her out of his head?Ariane just got out of a bad relationship and doesn't want to settle down, but her mom keeps pushing her to go back to her ex all a ploy to win a seat in the senate, but when sparks fly between Flynn and Ariane who is behind trying to destroy them? This was such a great story and can't wait to see what happens next.

[CatShire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flynn and Ariane's story starts at their mutual friends wedding. They both were looking for a wedding fling. Ariane is an activist from a wealthy family whose mother is very controlling. Flynn is a bad boy who comes from working on an oil rig. Little does Ariane know, he has his own wealth and does care for the environment too. They end up meeting again and again at different charity events and cannot deny their chemistry. Their banter and debates are hot and steamy. Ariane just has to get the courage to get out from under her mothers influence and go for what she wants. This is part of a series, but definitely can be read as a stand alone.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are from different ends of the spectrum but come together for a one- night stand at a wedding. They both have relationship issues but that doesn’t stop Flynn from going after what he wants which is Ariane. Her mother is running for Congress and is running on a clean energy platform. He is an oil rigger and that definitely does not go with her campaign but he and Ariane have a connection. Will he help Ariane stand up for herself and will their relationship lead them to happiness. This story kept me glued to the pages and cheering for tis couple.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the ‘Not You Again’ series, but it can be read as a standalone. This follows several troupes: opposites attract, bad boy/good girl and blue-collar/white collar romance. The story follows Flynn and Ariane. He is a bachelor at heart and loves it - he has not interest in any kind of relationship. On the other hand, Ariane has always dreamed of a good marriage but those dreams were just shattered. She’s dealing with that and her high expectations family. Flynn and her meet and solid hook up at a wedding. They both decided it’s a one night only but things don’t always work out as you intended.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali Parker never ceases to amaze me as a writer. One amazing book after another, and this one is a winner. This is part of the Not You Again series and picks up where You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me leaves off. This is Ariane and Flynn's story, and it's one you don't want to miss. No shortage of drama, steam or angst. A page-turner that's hard to put down. The book is a standalone, but you'll get more enjoyment if you read the other books in the series because of the interconnecting characters. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Deborah Bierman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali Parker never ceases to amaze me. It has it all. Flynn & Ariane's story is one for the ages. They have the usual obstacles in the relationship of prominent family vs blue collar. It's fun to watch the obstinance between them along with the great sex. Bringing in the characters from the previous books (this is #3) are an added bonus. The characters are so well developed and the witty repartee between them is a delight to read. It's a must read.

I received this book as part of the ARC group

[Christina Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flynn and Ariane are complete opposites but have things they both believe in. I loved reading how they both weren't looking for love but yet found it. Arguing over their beliefs was relatable as that happens in a lot of relationships. The journey these two characters take through the book is a great read and keeps you on your toes a few times in the book. Another great installment of the Not You Again series.

I definitely recommend reading this book! And you can read this as a standalone.

I reviewed this as an ARC and leave my honest opinion and review.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great read in this series! I loved these characters, the ups and downs, and the fire that is between them. Flynn and Ariane live in different worlds and her mother really can push buttons! The story is light, with fun along with frustrations and everything in between! I liked the growth of the characters, how determined they are, and how that helps them overcome obstacles. Definitely a book to add to your must read list.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[De · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third Time Is The Charm!!

This third (and last) book of this series was just as great as the first two. Flynn and Ariane made a great couple and were wonderful together. Ariane was getting on my nerves a bit because she had trouble standing up for herself with her mother but she did succeed in find her backbone eventually. I wish there were more books in the series because they are so great, but there are other books by this author ready for me to read!!! Ali, you are a fabulous writer, I love everything you write!!!

[Rita Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who doesn’t believe is a scam, is an idiot.

We meet at a friends wedding. Ariana thinks I am bad person because I have worked for years on a oil rig. And she is a snob, a goody, two shoes and broken hearted because the man she was with cheated on her. Flynn and Ariana hookup the evening and she finds out that Flynn is quite the lover. The chemistry between them is off the charts. I really enjoyed the book. It was entertaining. The story line was well written and moved right along. You will enjoy this book as much I did. If I could I would rate this a 10 Star book.

[Angela Mcmanus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some drama conflict and spice. Ariane is an environmental activist and Flynn is a blue collar oil rig worker turned millionaire thanks to some investments made by his brother. When they hookup at Flynns best friends wedding sparks fly. But her. Family doesn't approved and try to keep them apart. Flynn gives Ariane the confidence to stand up for herself to her family. Thank you Alli for another wonderful book.
I can't wait for the next one!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flynn and Ariane's story is filled with attraction and a one-night stand. Ali Parker weaves a great story where they come together again at many of the same fundraising events. Ariane thinks Flynn is just an oil rig worker without a conscience about the environment. Mix in a Mother's little run for Congress and things get tricky but read along as they discover what they both want in life. Another hit for Ali Parker!

[SEng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Ariane and Flynn. These two start from the opposite ends of town but can’t seem to fight the enormous attraction for each other. Add in the banter and charm and I was hooked from the start. I enjoyed this exciting, sizzling romance and catching up with the characters from the other stories in the series. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flynn meets Ariane at his best friend's wedding and expects to have a one night stand with her. However, afterwards, he can't forget about her. He then runs into her unexpectedly and things heat up from there. It's a great love story, with a major stumbling block being Ariane's very controlling mother. Their HEA is really sweet. I loved this book!

[Sharon Faurot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a arc member . I give thoughts of own free will . Flynn looking for a one night stand at a wedding with ariane but he gets so much more . Can it all work out with her family and what he did for a living . Way better then 5 stars . Ali did another amazing job writing this book .

[Nuhaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.

This book is so good, I love every moment of it from start till the end. There is so much more than you can expect in this book such as: love at first sight, one night stand, family problems, development of characters throughout the book and a HEA.

I highly recommend reading this book!!!

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

Oh I just loved Flynn and Ariane story!! They just have such connection right from the start and she found it every step of the way because her mother didn't like them together! But in the end they got a sweet little girl name willow and a happy life together!! This is a must read!! I would recommend this book to everyone!