This Guy?

A Girl's Bestie #1

by Ali Parker

You can’t just use a girl and ghost her. But this guy did. My roommate has some hot jerk lead her on and break her heart, but what he doesn’t count on is me. I’m tired of seeing her hurt, so it’s my turn to play ball with his heart. This guy is going to fall in love with me and then poof —I’ll leave him dizzy in love and wondering how he’ll survive without me. The jerk needs a taste of his own medicine. The only problem? Holy hell is he fine. Like drool and stare fine. Of course he’s not just any regular dude. He’s gotta be rich, talented, and swoony. I’m in trouble. I thought I would take him for a ride, but I wasn’t ready for this guy .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

510 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 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.

Website- http://aliparkerbooks.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/AliParkerAut...
Twitter- https://twitter.com/AliParkerAuthor
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/aliparkerau...
Insiders Group- https://aliparkerbooks.com/come-join-...

Reviews

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an emotional roller-coaster. Be prepared to lose a little sleep, because once you start reading you'll find this book hard to put down. The chemistry between Lauren and Jameson is explosive. It begins as a way to get back at him after he broke her friend's heart. She begins her revenge by making him fall in love with her, and then she dumps him. What happens when she starts having feelings for him? What happens when he turns out to be the mystery buyer of her candle company. They are both strong, likable characters who grab your heart. No shortage of drama or twists and a very entertaining story that you will love. I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Fizzle · Rating 1 out of 5]

So silly of a premise that I didn't get past the second chapter before returning it.

[Jenn Allen · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, I really tried. I even set it aside hoping that a little break would help but I just can't get myself back into this read. What starts as trying to get revenge for a friend that had her feelings hurt, turns into her lying to said friend about the guy because she already has feelings for him. I can't imagine that going well when it eventually comes out. My heart hurts for the friend and I just feel gross with the lies. DNF at 19%.

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

[Mimi Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Watson is preparing to sell her candle business at a private online silent auction and is expecting a large payout. She lives with four of her best friends, and when she learns that one, Mary Ellen, was led on then ditched on the first date by a guy named Jameson, she vows to take him down.

Billionaire architect Jameson Astor is excited to have run, literally, into Lauren at the library and even more so that she agreed to have coffee with him, unaware of Lauren’s actual intentions. So when they really hit it off, Jameson is not only surprised but also happy, and immediately Lauren is torn between their attraction and her vow to Mary Ellen to make him fall in love with her then ditch him.

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive.” Lauren does indeed follow through with her promise and in doing so, ends all hope of a future with Jameson, but it doesn’t end there because sweet revenge is hard to ignore. So jump on this train as to comes barreling into the station, and don’t forget the motion sickness piIlls because there are more upside downs, lurches, twists, and turns than a high speed rollercoaster!

And, as an added bonus, in a literary way, Ali Parker, romance writer extraordinaire, shares with readers her latest endeavor as a candle maker. Nothing better than creating from your own reality!

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

[Jean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear, there were just bound to be tears before the end of this story. I had mixed feelings about Jameson, it felt as if he was just a smooth character that would use his charm to get what he wanted instead of being a businessman with integrity. But then he thought nothing of regularly getting his secretary Andrew a fancy coffee from the coffee shop so he wasn’t all bad.
When Lauren agreed to get revenge on behalf of her friend by encouraging him to fall for her and then dumping him by leaving a note in retaliation for doing this to her friend, that seemed a harsh thing for her to do too. Perhaps at that stage they deserved each other. What a mean thing he then did in buying Lauren’s business. Only one of Lauren’s friends was wise enough to counsel Lauren but would she listen.
It was a topsy turvy relationship, just when you thought they were going to get their HEA it all went downhill. Add in a woman spurned who’d had a few drinks and the fireworks went off.
It took some serious self-reflecting on Jameson’s part before they got on an even keel.
I enjoyed the story, it was full of conflict and make-up but in the end it showed especially how Jameson had matured and even supporting how his secretary moved across to help Lauren’s businesses, definitely a change of heart for the better.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies to lovers to soul mates with fun in between.

This is a story about realizing your mistakes and becoming better people, and own up to those mistakes. Their journey is a rocky road with road block after road block. They have the tension, magnetism and steam between them but, I would say, they are impulsive with their ideas. Jameson is an architect and works for Astor, Inc., one part of his family’s business, and is a billionaire. He also likes to do side projects, like business opportunities to invest in. Lauren owns a million dollar candle company called Watson Wicks since she’s been in college. She’s going to put it up for silent auction, but wants the transition period to be a year. She’s ready to travel, and then start a new business. Revenge on Lauren’s part is the name of game for Jameson, who came on to one of her roommates and besties of four in order to get the library for a charity gala his company is holding. Did I mention he’s also hot? Jameson thinks it’s some kind of kismet that they met in the library when Lauren bumped into him. He can’t stop thinking about her. It's also the same for her. This is a long and intense story, but also funny, and worth the read.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah this story was incredible
The story takes a lot of twists and turns, but it's genuinely a lovely romance that tugs at your heart.
Lauren was only trying to get back at the man who broke her best friend's heart. Little did she know that Jameson would not be the guy she thought he was.
Jameson may be a player of sorts, but he isn't always such a cold-hearted guy like he was with Mary Ellen (Lauren's friend). He only asked her out to see if she could allow him to use the library as a charity function. She took it the wrong way and he handled the brush-off poorly.
Lauren falls for him, but still goes through with her plan. It breaks her heart to leave him. And Jameson wants his own bit of revenge for her break-up. Buying her company is a good way.
I told you - so many twists and turns.
You will enjoy the banter between the two of them. The way they find each other again is very romantic. And the redemption for both characters was so satisfying.

[Bea Childminding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had mixed feelings about Jameson, it felt as if he was just a smooth character that would use his charm to get what he wanted instead of being a businessman with integrity. But then he thought nothing of regularly getting his secretary Andrew a fancy coffee from the coffee shop so he wasn’t all bad.
When Lauren agreed to get revenge on behalf of her friend by encouraging him to fall for her and then dumping him by leaving a note in retaliation for doing this to her friend, that seemed a harsh thing for her to do too. Perhaps at that stage they deserved each other. What a mean thing he then did in buying Lauren’s business. Only one of Lauren’s friends was wise enough to counsel Lauren but would she listen.
It was a topsy turvy relationship, just when you thought they were going to get their HEA it all went downhill. Add in a woman spurned who’d had a few drinks and the fireworks went off.
It took some serious self-reflecting on Jameson’s part before they got on an even keel.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a slow burner that finished strongly,. It’s a story of revenge, deceit, miscommunication before realisation, fresh starts and honesty. Lauren Watson has decided to sell her candle business so she can go travelling before moving on to the next business opportunity. Meanwhile her quiet roommate goes on a date, but finds out halfway though that her date, Jameson, just wanted to ask a favour for business reason, and he walks out on leaving her a note when she goes to the bathroom. Lauren, encouraged by her other roommates hatches a plan to turn the table on Jameson and make him feel the same hurt and humiliation that he caused. But things don’t always go to plan! This is no straightforward love story, it has many twists and turns along the way to keep you engaged and have you rooting for things to work out. I thoroughly enjoyed finding out what happens next. I received this as an ARC in return for this review

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a little slow to start for me, but I'm glad I stuck it out. Lauren is tired of watching her friend and roommate, MaryEllen be hurt by men. So what is going to do? Make him fall in love with him and ditch him like he did her friend. Only problem is emotions and feelings get involved. Things get complicated - fast - when he seeks his own form of revenge by purchasing her candle company. Plenty of drama as these two fight their feelings. Throw in an overbearing father, a woman who can't take no for an answer, and the quiet one who decided to fight her own battle, and things REALLY get interesting. Serious sparks and chemistry between these two, and I loved his assistant, no, I mean secretary, Andrew. Quite the character. This story is longer than Ali Parker's typical books so be sure to set aside plenty of time to read.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome book. Twists and turns that will blow your mind. So many people, and so many secrets and lies. What you think starts out at love it first sight or pretty much love at first sight, turns into I’m not good enough for you, book. When Jameson realizes he has treated women wrong, he doesn’t feel like he can love anyone or anyone can love him until he makes himself lovable. This book is filled with lust, desire on fire, lots of long, meaningful conversations that prove you have found your true love. It’s like a tug-of-war between Jameson and Lauren because of one of her roommates. So much anger, manipulation, feelings so hurt you think they will never mend, blaming each other, trying to find their way back to each other. By the time you get to the end, you realize that how the book started is how it will end. A really, really good book.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is longer than most of Ali Parker's books but that's because it needed to be, and once the story got going, it seemed to have a slow start, I became totally caught up in the story. It's about Lauren who decides to get revenge for her friend Mary Ellen on Jamesonm one of the guys who had hurt her in the past by doing to him what he did to her friend. Now I've always believed that two wrongs don't make a right and I wasn't at all surprised when her plan went awry. Lauren wasn't planning on feelings and emotions becoming involved, nor was she expecting Jameson to seek his own form of revenge by purchasing her business.

I enjoyed being a fly on the wall to all the drama as they fought their feelings and the chemistry between them. The twists and turns in the story kept me reading and wondering what was going to happen next. An enjoyable story not to be missed.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! Prepare to settle in for a long wild ride. I found the beginning to be particularly filled with ups and downs for me. The chemistry between Lauren and Jameson is so powerful and irresistible, but the game-playing going on left me despairing if these two would ever find their way to being together. There are a lot of obstacles in their paths, some of them self-created, and so much learning and growing they both need to do. I loved following them on this journey, and I kind of hate letting go of these characters now. My fingers are crossed that just maybe we’ll see the roommates and siblings starring in books of their own in the future.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the lengthy steamy Dallas set novel This Guy? : A Girl’s Bestie Rom Com by Ali Parker and this review was given freely.
I enjoyed the drama, twists, realistic characters, and heartwarming ending in this instant attraction romance with 20-something wealthy main characters who still room with their best friends.

Soon-to-be millionaire Watson Wicks candle company owner Lauren vows to avenge her shy librarian roommate Mary Ellen, who was set up and stranded by billionaire architectural company heir and business flipper Jameson, but their instant attraction, Mary Ellen’s anger, and a social-climbing coworker lead to his buying Lauren’s business and a series of catastrophes that result in romantic and career changes.
18+ for steamy scenes.

[Deborah Bierman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2023
This story has it all. The relationships forged in college create the basis of this book. The girls have the "sister code" and the guys have the "bro code". Jameson and Lauren work hard at their relationship with all the ups and downs that go with it. Both characters are extremely adept in business. The post college roommates each offer an insight into the relationship of both Lauren and Jameson. Needless to say, this is a fabulous romantic story that should not be missed. I love strong entrepreneurial couples that are equally matched . Hope this becomes a series.

I was given this book to read as part of the ARC team, and have given this review freely

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

This story was slow and did take me some time to get into, but I’m glad I stuck it out. There was a lot of drama between multiple characters, and a lot of hurdles that the couples had to overcome before they got their HEA.

I loved their chemistry and their banter, they were perfect for each other. I loved that they both had a close set of friends they could lean on when they needed them. I absolutely loved the personal assistant..no wait..the secretary.

This is a long book, so be sure to set some time aside for it. I’m hoping we get to see their friends find love too.

I received an advanced readers copy via BookFunnel/the author. These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.

[Jodie Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lauren agrees to get back at Jameson for hurting her friend but actually is he the bad guy and how can she hurt him knowing she has caught feelings? With her company on the cusp of selling and trying to plan ahead and for a family holiday, she has little time to worry about Jameson until he turns out to be the new buyer of her company

I didn’t like this story. I hated the so called friend with a passion. Lauren was an idiot and who would agree to do that in the first place.

I read quick, I can read a book in a day whilst working full time and managing care, cooking and household/gardening chores… this took me over a month and was a struggle. I can’t not finish a book but had the others in this series and returned them all.

Xx

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a brilliant read.
Lauren will do anything for her friends so when one of her friends has a man who used her for her connections then dumped her in a restaurant she vows to get revenge. She is going to get him too fall for her then dump him.
What she wasn't expecting was to fall for him.
Jameson was starting to have feelings for Lauren so he got back at her by buying the candle company she was in the process of selling.
Feelings are hurt, hearts are broken but can they find their way back to each other or is this the end for them.
A must read with so much drama and plenty of emotion but also a brilliant ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[PW · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!! This book does an outstanding job of showing the relationships between friends. I loved that Lauren and her girls are a close knit group, that is so very refreshing especially with how they support each other. It was good to read how Jamison and his boys were also supportive of each other and offered each other sound advice. This story is captivating with easy flow. There are some plot holes but not significant enough to interfere with my enjoyment of the story. The multiple storylines added depth and complexities that made had me reading nonstop. Enjoy!

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

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book started out a little slow, but once it started moving, I was hooked. I really did like Jameson and Lauren. I didn’t fully agree with what Lauren’s plan was going in completely blind, but oh well. This book was like a roller coaster, many ups and downs, and twists turns. Those two characters were really put through the wringer, yeesh. They were so easy to root for. I didn’t like Mary Ellen’s character very much or the fact that she just hit away with what she did. Lauren was a much better friend and way bigger person. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Nuhaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

Oh My God, what a rollercoaster this book was. Lauren who was seeking revenge from Jameson because of her best friend that has been broken hearted by the same man. It has so many twists where you realised your mistakes and how to overcome it. But she end up falling for him and break her heart, Jameson tried to play the same game to her. It is an amazing book that you will want to stay till the end to finish it. Highly Recommended!

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with a cast of strong characters centering on Lauren and Jameson. The saying " two wrongs don't make a right" totally describes how these two start their relationship. The author does a great job developing their story and building the chemistry, tension and anxiety as Lauren sets her plan for revenge. Things have a way of backfiring though. I loved reading their story. It's well written with descriptive scenes, move fluidly and is a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Linda Corbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, I find a heroine that I have a hard time warming up to. Lauren took me a bit to get to like because she at first came across like a lot of the heroes in other books... cocky and arrogant. Like she knew better than anyone else what was good for them. Anyway, she redeemed herself. This story had a lot of ups and downs, and I loved the connection between Lauren and Jameson. They just could not stay away from each other. Their hearts knew they were meant to be together. With this crazy group of friends, this book was really awesome.

[Stephanie Dazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning Jameson seemed like an arrogant jerk who just wanted to use his good looks to get what he wanted. When Lauren takes her scorned best friends feelings into her own hands to exact revenge against Jameson but she wasn’t expecting it to land her the love of her life. They experienced many twists and turns and Lauren tried to keep her feelings in check and not fall in love and release her candle company and get revenge. Love finds you in the most random times and this book was phenomenal and kept me turning the pages until the end.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

When revenge takes an unexpected turn. Lauren tries to honeytrap Jameson to avenge her friend, but she finds herself catching genuine feelings for him. There are lots of twists in this pair’s journey, many making it seem they’d never end up together. Liked the character development as they looked at themselves how their actions and attitudes impacted on others, good to see the change for the better.

[Judy25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the fact that even after Lauren imploded their relationship neither one of them could forget the other. Their bond was that strong. They overcame many obstacles to finally attain their HEA, but it was worth it. Both main characters were very strong-willed, but they also could admit when they were wrong and had made mistakes. Their growth as individuals and as a couple was refreshing. I highly recommend this book.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. This is a lovely, long read that I enjoyed from start to finish. This is a couple you will enjoy and root for. Their banter was addicting. The story takes a lot of twists and turns, but even the long length went quickly and left me wanting more. The story focuses on Jameson and Lauren. Lauren was out revenge of sorts - Jameson broke her best friend's heart but, it turned out he wasn’t the man she thought he was. Such a great read,lots of ups and downs. A true 5 🌟.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic and will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end. Lauren is trying to sell her candle business and lives with several women and when one of them gets hurt by a man it's lauren to take charge and show this man Jameson how it feels to get hurt ,but when feelings become real for them both who ends up getting hurt? It's a great story and will definitely have you loving both characters in the story.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of the sweetest couples ever! Always worried about everyone but themselves. They are made for each other, soulmates for sure. But the struggle is real, but they cannot stay apart! The third time is a charm for them. His Dad butts in where he shouldn't. This book will make you swoon, make you mad, make you happy, a little drama never hurt anyone! Can't wait for the next book, these 5 roommates are interesting characters! It's one not to miss!

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s a girl to do when a guy crushes her best friend by ghosting her mid-date? Break HIS heart by making him fall of you…of course.

Except Jameson isn’t the snake that Lauren expected him to be. And their chemistry is absolutely combustible. I really enjoyed their story and this fun new rom com from Ali Parker

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review