Liar, liar, he lights my pants on fire… It all started with a lie and an omission on the tail end of a bad day.
One year ago, I left my past behind, desperate to shed an identity I no longer want. So sometimes? I’m *cough* not exactly honest about it.
Ahem.
When my best friend suggests a blind setup to turn my terrible night into a celebration of my newfound independence, I hesitate. But only for a moment.
I was looking for a night of freedom, but I never expected that a blind setup would lead me straight into the arms of the wrong guy.
Really.
Because unbeknownst to me, that brooding, angsty, and dangerously alluring man? He’s not my blind setup. As I lied about my identity, he omitted to tell me he was hiding his own.
Our one-night stand leaves us consumed by an overwhelming obsession with one another. But secrets have a way of surfacing. Especially when he offers me a job at his club.
I can’t deny the pull of a man like Ezra. He can’t stay away either—no matter how much we taunt one another. Amidst the tangle of deception, can we find truth in our feelings?
*Broken Like Me is the third book in The Boys from Clear Lake Series but can be read as a standalone*
K.C. Everly lives in her imagination and invites you to join her. Reader and writer of steamy contemporary romances and sexy romantic comedies, K.C. creates worlds where happily ever after exists and human connection takes center stage. Kick up your feet and get lost in the love, laughs, and all the feels.
I loved this book! Solid 4.5 if it let me do half stars. Admittedly, I tend to be more of a dark romance reader but this was a breath of fresh air. I did binge read this book in less than 24 hours. It’s was well written and although I prefer more description when it comes to spice, the author still drew a clear picture. This is book 3 in the series but can be read as a standalone. This was my first time reading this author but I definitely added book 1 and 2 to my TBR! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I will first say that I received this as an ARC in return for my honest review and opinion. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the colors of the cover and the cover in general. Purple is my favorite color and that alone drew me into wanting to read this book first until I read the blurb then I was like sign me up, please.
I loved this book, and I would re-read this again. I normally don't find myself reading these types of books, as I prefer the darkest you can give me, but I enjoyed this so much.
This is also a book in a series, it is book 3 in The Boys from Clear Lake. However, it can be read as a standalone. I did not and have not heard of the other books but after reading this I have added them both to my TBR list.
Thank you for the opportunity to read your novel. I loved it and your work K.C.
Okay, I did not think I was going to like Ezra so much! haha. This boy is significantly more angsty than the other guys! Here K.C. was with no third-act breakups and then comes Ezra, lol. He's moody and angsty and driven and determined to best his father (who makes it difficult for him at every turn). But holy wow... the chapter toward the end where he is wrestling with his feelings and emotions is just PALPABLE. My heart broke for him and while I hated his choices, I understood it.
But cue Sunny, because that woman was just the right fit. Naive, but not stupid. Determined, but not a doormat. I felt like she was the perfect fit for both understanding him based on her own background and the moment when she chooses herself and you see her come full circle in her character arc? So satisfying!
The HEA was super sweet. K.C. doesn't usually do big romantic gestures, so this was a fun change up, but not so over the top that I was rolling my eyes.
Angsty, a bit of conflict in this one that was between characters themselves, and as usual, an amazing cast of side-characters doing their part to make the story all the richer and more enjoyable. That club scene??? This one is the steamiest of The Boys books, I think! Very well done, and as with most romance books, I love steamy scenes and rarely can have too many, haha. But this was a good ratio to story building.
Edit to add: How could I forget Noble??? That entire chapter with Ezra and Bizzy was HILARIOUS. Also, I adored Bizzy. I hope she'll get a book of her own! Seems like Ezra's sister Bree is going to be the protagonist in Ty's book (yaaaaaaaaaay! Brother's best friend is always solid!). But the crystals and Noble swindling big, bad Ezra, lol. Still laugh when I think about that!!!
Wow what do I say about this series… I am so surprised at how high I rated all 3 of these books! Usually there’s at least one in a series that I don’t like, but all 3 had such good stories and quality of writing.
I think the main thing is how not outrageous they are: Book one doesn’t have “the biggest rock band in the world” Book two doesn’t have a complete grumpy recluse who hates everyone And book three doesn’t have a self made billionaire by age 4 lol
I exaggerate but I think too many books are a bit too much and take me out of the romance.
I loved Sunny and Ezra and the real problems they faced with their parents and I’m glad the Clear Lake boys talked sense into their brother like always. Some extra angst packed into this one but I enjoyed it! The grovel was impressive.
I did read all 3 of these books in under 24 hours but it was a lazy Saturday and I read fast. All is good.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would have read this myself 100%
*Thank you to BookSirens and KC Everly for providing an ARC for an honest
This book was really great! It actually has to be my favorite of the series! I could not get enough of this couple! They were fun and sexy and so filled with tension!
Sunny and Ezra both had such heartbreaking lives but I really enjoyed watching them bond and become closer because of that. KC has such a wonderful way of making her characters feel so relatable. Like with every book in this series you get sucked in by the characters and their stories. You become invested in their happy endings.
I adored how strong Sunny was in spite of everything. She constantly fought so hard to remain tough and to power through whatever bad things happened to her. She was a breath of fresh air! It was sad to see Ezra continue to push good things away from fear but I loved how much Sunny refused to give up on him! They were such a wonderful couple!
This is such a wonderful series and I'm so sad that the next book will be the last!
Sunny and Ezra's story was really sweet, and I loved this book so much! I've really enjoyed all of the books in the Boys from Clear Lake series! For me, thus far, Sunny's story is my favorite (followed by Vivian and then Jaime, though I've loved each one).
I loved the original premise of the couple's meet-cute and getting them together. There was some angst there with it, and it really made me laugh out loud quite a lot! Chapter 17 in particular really had me laughing. I loved the original dynamic between the characters. It has enemy to lovers vibes, but that's not quite an accurate description. It's not a true enemies to lovers trope, but it's also no frenemies to lovers or friends to lovers. But the antagonizing and taunting between characters was so, so good!
I'm not typically into brooding main male characters, but KC really roped me in on this one. Ezra had a good heart and a messy past with his father that influenced how he saw himself. Sunny had a similar relationship with her mother, and I loved the way she was able to show Ezra how to overcome those demons (or broken pieces). They ended with such a swoony HEA, and I loved that she stuck with him, but also didn't let him railroad over her or mistreat her.
My favorite part about reading KC's books is how relatable the characters are in terms of their emotions and feelings and relationships. They aren't perfect, but they're trying, and regardless of a character's life circumstances, they really do feel like real people when reading. I love that character development and it's one of my favorite parts of KC's books.
The spice was fantastic in this one! I loved that it was peppered throughout the book. We get a little to start, some in the middle, and of course more at the end. This really felt like a nice combination of plot and spice.
I'd definitely recommend this book, and you can read it as a standalone (though I recommend the rest of the series, too!).
Was very happy to receive an advanced copy of this book 🫶❤️
I have loved every book in this standalone series, but Ezra and Sunny's story is my favorite. While the first two books were low-angst, this one had a kick of it! I'm surprised how much I enjoyed that, but I found Ezra's snarky and brooding humor to be really enjoyable 🤣 not over the top, and very relatable (as all Everly's characters tend to be, regardless of storyline).
Great banter (as usual), relatable and wonderful characters, a story that pulls you in (I read this in less than a day), and a super swoony HEA. I cannot recommend this book enough!!!
Can definitely be read on its own, but I loved the interwoven mentions of past characters and look forward to future ones (I'm thinking we'll get a best friend's little sister trope for Ty's story!!).
I highlighted so many passages in my copy. Beautifully written and emotional, but always done accessibly. Not too flowery, but not dumbed down either. Just well done.
Definitely recommend this one. You'll laugh, cry, swoon, and kick your happy little feet. Read it!!!
Loved, loved, loved this one. This is the third book in the series, but can be read on its own. I really enjoyed Ezra's broody personality, in part because I felt like his backstory was well done and it made sense. Sometimes characters feel grumpy just to meet a trope, and I didn't get that here. I think it made his relationship with Sunny even more special. Neither tried to change the other, but rather wanted to love and accept one another while also working to be better partners for one another.
Despite Ezra claiming to never be called funny, I laughed a lot in his POV chapters. I enjoyed Sunny's character as well. I liked that she had growth and pushed herself, despite her past. Great character development and growth in this one (like the other books as well). I'm looking forward to Ty's story, and am sad there aren't more of the boys to read, lol.
Really well written story for this one as well. Definitely recommend, and it's such a unique set up for the characters! Five stars for the story itself, and five stars for the spice being spicy. Such good scenes, and not at all cringy. Can't wait for the next one.
My favorite of the boys from clear lake series so far. Sunny was such an awkward but lovable and fun character. I loved watching her grow and how hard she worked to get where she wanted to be. Ezra was just the right amount of angsty and broody and a touch of an a-hole, but not beyond redeemable or over-the-top. I found his character quite believable and was really rooting for him to overcome holding himself back.
This was a unique storyline, and I enjoyed that. I read this book pretty quickly, over the course of two days. It catches your interest for sure, and man, some of those Ezra chapters were just so freakin' emotional. I loved the mix of playful, funny, great banter, sexy scenes, and yet emotional components that really hit hard.
Five stars from me. Spice would be a four spicy peppers read for me, but I do tend to read lower-spice books, so your mileage may vary. Regardless, they were really well written, emotional, and hot.
This book had a little of everything in it. At time I was laughing so hard and then the story would take an emotional turn. I felt so sorry for Sunny ... the way she grew up was almost like a cult and I'm so glad she was able to break away. She was so strong and was able live her life on her own terms. Even though Ezra was a successful club owner, he still measured his self worth by his father's standards. The chemistry between Sunny and Ezra was off the charts. Sunny knew that Ezra was her soul mate. Even though Ezra didn't want to put a label on his feelings for Sunny, he didn't want to poison her with the darkness he got from his father. I laughed so hard when Sunny was mad at Ezra and painted a wall in his club while he was away ... you'll know it when you read it ... lol. This is a great addition to the series and I can't wait for Ty's book next.
Sunny had a bad week, everything that could go wrong did. So her friend recommended a place she’d meet her at so they party and forget her troubles. She also told her to check out the bartender who’s her friend and a good time. Ezra has issues because of his horrible parents, he seems a little regimented and uptight. On the night they met she mistakes him for the bartender Brent and he doesn’t correct her mistake. Even after the earth shattering connection they shared that had him chasing after her. By the way, she told him her name was Susie, it’s Sunny. This is where the story takes off, full speed ahead. This two are strong characters and the stuff going through Ezra’s head made me laugh. Their love story is a roller coaster ride, throughly enjoyed it. The ending was awesome, I’m giving it four stars and I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of this book, and I'm happy to leave a review voluntarily. When I get an email that there's a new ARC from K.C. Everly it's a no-questions-asked download for me. We're back with the Boys from Clear Lake with Ezra's story. The angst! The brooding! The crankiness!
Through the previous two books I was sort of looking out for the small appearances from the other "Boys" knowing that each would get their own book, and I feel like we didn't hear or see much of Ezra before. As great as it was to get to know him a bit better, Sunny was such a cool character to follow. I really loved seeing both of these characters grow and develop through this book!
I feel like Everly could have worked more Phil Collins references in, but I'll forgive her. You can read this as a standalone, but why limit yourself? Go back and read the first two. You won't regret it.
This one was a sizzler! I have read all the The Boys from Clear Lake previous to this book and I have to say this one was the spiciest so far! Ezra may be the freakiest among the four friends, but in a good way. I really enjoyed reading how he and Sunny meet and the development of their relationship. Ezra and his avoidant attachment issues is completely thrown off by Sunny's quirkiness. The play between them was entertaining to read. I just love their dynamic. This is a "last to know" kind of love story with a HEA, though I thoroughly enjoyed and cried at the moment Sunny puts him in his place. I read the last few chapters twice! Their process of healing from their family traumas to a place of love and growth was beautiful.
Sunny and Ezra were a perfect couple. They both have come from broken families and they both have inner problems that they are working through. Sunny’s best friend Nicole try’s to help her find a guy, sunny sees Ezra and thinks that he is the guy. Ezra realizes that Sunny thinks he’s someone else but for some reason he’s drawn to her. These two were beautiful together. They fought for their love. I loved that when Ezra was pushing Sunny away, she still held onto him a little tighter and tried to show him how amazing they were together. I loved that they made each other better and helped each other through their struggles.
I received an ARC copy and I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
This is such a well written and enjoyable book. It is so focused and positive, yes there are ups and downs, but in the end reading it makes you feel so good. It starts with the irrepressible Sunny, who has had to battle to make her own choices. She soon meets the grumpy Ezra, who has decided to be the anthesis of his father. Unfortunately, that decision creates some hilarious consequences. The chemistry between Sunny and Ezra is sizzling and their scenes are all encompassing. I got so engrossed in the story that I almost willed them to be together. I didn’t want it to end. I highly recommend this book.
Wow, this novel was so good! I have read and loved the other novels in this series and this novel did not disappoint. From the very first chapter this novel reached out and grabbed hold of my heart and did not let go until the very last page. Even then I did not want this novel to end. This is one of my favorite kind of novels where there is great dialogue and great banter. I loved Ezra and Sunny's story. Their chemistry was so good! I love when a novel can make me laugh out loud, almost bring me to tears and finally leaves me with a happy heart. This novel checked all of my boxes. I can't wait to see what is coming next.
Ok, I swear each time I read a book in this series it becomes my new favourite. It was Ezra's turn for happiness, but he was determined to not let that happen!
Sunny was great. I loved the way she'd blurt out whatever she was thinking. She was a breath of fresh air, compared to Ezra's character.
Both Sunny and Ezra were broken in their own ways, and though their upbringings had some similarities, they chose different ways of handling it as an adult.
This book had misunderstandings, some great artwork, laugh out loud moments, and some sweet ones too! Oh, and don't forget the steam!
I am excited for Ty's story! Best friend's little sister?? Can't wait!
Well written, great book. I really like how K.C. Everly writes believable characters who aren't over the top. They're emotional people who make mistakes and hold each other accountable. Sunny may come from a terrible mom but that doesn't hold her back and she uses that as fuel to be a better person. I love how the characters evolve throughout the book and we get glimpses from the past 2 books too although I'd like to see a little more of the other characters-I miss them.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book 3 in Everly's The Boys from Clear Lake series and can be read as a standalone. A well written and captivating story, our main characters are Sunny and Ezra. I loved the steam factor and the angst between our characters. I loved their banter and especially the meet-cute. Good humor - had me laughing out loud - thankfully no one was around to hear the bursts! Overall Everly delivers relatable characters that will have you compelled to continue their journey til the end. I really loved this one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m swooning with the back of my hand across my forehead wondering if l will dramatically faint or not, loved it. The main characters Sunny and Ezra were really well developed with a cohort of others along for the ride weaving seamlessly into the storyline.
Great plot with the right villains and supporting heroes needed to bring the story together and ending with a beautiful HEA yep swoon!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I love reading Everlys books because even starting hot and heavy her characters go through so much development. And they know how to communicate! Some learn quicker than others but no matter the conflict the issues are resolved through support and communication. I’ve fallen in love with the closeness and accountability that the Clear Lake boys have for each other and the true sense of brotherhood they have.
KC Everly does it again making me fall for another one of her MMCs. This is the third book in the Boys from Clear lake series by K.C. Everly. Two peas in a pod with being raised by narcissistic parents Ezra and Sunny are both trying to avoid becoming their parents. Their story starts in the most unconventional way of mistaken identity and insta-lust. The chemistry between them, the banter, the spice ( 🥵) were all top notch. Through their “situationship” and uncertainty of how to define it, both trying to prove themselves but in different ways; Sunny that she can stand on her own two feet and is worthy to be loved and Ezra that no one has control over him, even his detached power hungry father. This one is more so focused on breaking those toxic molds that can be put in place by family. I loved their stories, their growth, and the accountability taken when mistakes are made.
I liked Sunny. Ezra not as much, his grovel at the end was ok I suppose. And I liked them together once he allowed himself a relationship. Not enthusiastic about the last or the fist in this series. Book 2 was ok.
Every book in this series gets better and better! This one is full of fun 🔥🌶 scenes! This author writes such relatable characters. I found myself connecting to Sunny, her story, and her sweet charm. Ezra, we all needed Everly to put this fun lover on the page! 👏🏼 I can't wait for the next stand-alone in this series!