What do you think?
Rate this book
Gambling on Love #2
Highest Stakes
Kendra doesn’t believe in love. Sex sure. But never love.
Then Kendra Roberts discovers she’s accidentally been in a relationship for two years when her friend with benefits acknowledges how he feels about her. Time to cut him loose.
For a while, it’s easy for her to believe she made the right choice. Hiding from the truth is as second nature to her as breathing. Until she goes on a girl’s weekend and realizes just how lucky she’d been to have Adam in her life.
Panic goes nuclear when Kendra finds out that Adam is trying to move on. But being in a friend’s wedding together could be the second chance Kendra needs to prove she wants the same forever Adam does.
Then Kendra Roberts discovers she’s accidentally been in a relationship for two years when her friend with benefits acknowledges how he feels about her. Time to cut him loose.
For a while, it’s easy for her to believe she made the right choice. Hiding from the truth is as second nature to her as breathing. Until she goes on a girl’s weekend and realizes just how lucky she’d been to have Adam in her life.
Panic goes nuclear when Kendra finds out that Adam is trying to move on. But being in a friend’s wedding together could be the second chance Kendra needs to prove she wants the same forever Adam does.
Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
24 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Heather Young-Nichols
79 books1,718 followersHeather Young-Nichols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. She writes swoony heroes and snarly heroines with a heap of romance.
When she's not writing, she's binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.
Follow me on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Young-...
Follow me on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherYoung...
Join Sweet +Sexy with a Side of Snark
https://www.facebook.com/groups/10531...
When she's not writing, she's binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.
Follow me on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Heather-Young-...
Follow me on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/HeatherYoung...
Join Sweet +Sexy with a Side of Snark
https://www.facebook.com/groups/10531...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Want to read
July 25, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (7/25/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Kendra doesn’t believe in love. Sex sure. But never love.
Then Kendra Roberts discovers she’s accidentally been in a relationship for two years when her friend with benefits acknowledges how he feels about her. Time to cut him loose.
For a while, it’s easy for her to believe she made the right choice. Hiding from the truth is as second nature to her as breathing. Until she goes on a girl’s weekend and realizes just how lucky she’d been to have Adam in her life.
Panic goes nuclear when Kendra finds out that Adam is trying to move on. But being in a friend’s wedding together could be the second chance Kendra needs to prove she wants the same forever Adam does.
Blurb:
Kendra doesn’t believe in love. Sex sure. But never love.
Then Kendra Roberts discovers she’s accidentally been in a relationship for two years when her friend with benefits acknowledges how he feels about her. Time to cut him loose.
For a while, it’s easy for her to believe she made the right choice. Hiding from the truth is as second nature to her as breathing. Until she goes on a girl’s weekend and realizes just how lucky she’d been to have Adam in her life.
Panic goes nuclear when Kendra finds out that Adam is trying to move on. But being in a friend’s wedding together could be the second chance Kendra needs to prove she wants the same forever Adam does.
October 29, 2016
Up for Forever is the second book in the Up for Grabs series, and whilst it was not my favourite it was still an enjoyable read.
Having read Up for Everything first, despite it being the third book, I had an idea of what to expect from the first two books. I knew how the stories would end, I knew some of the drama that would come to light, and yet I was unwilling to let such a thing stop me from enjoying the stories. With the first book, Up for Grabs, I found that I had wanted a little bit more drama. The story had promise and yet it didn’t quite make it all the way. With Up for Forever, I found there was more drama and yet the story didn’t feel quite as fun.
Our second story in the series is a lot of drama. We have breakups and makeups. As with the first book, it was a rollercoaster ride, with our emotions firing all over the place. Truthfully, I enjoyed the characters more than I thought I was going to. In the other two books, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Kendra. She was a vital part of the group, and yet there was something missing. This book works to amend that, making her into something more. Whilst it did help her to develop, and I did enjoy getting to know her more, I couldn’t help but feel as though she was a little bit of a cliché.
In fact, the whole book felt a little bit clichéd. It was enjoyable, yes, but it didn’t have the unique shock factor of the first book. It was your typical romance, just like the first book, but unlike the first book it didn’t have the little extra unique aspect that allowed it to become something more.
I cannot deny that I enjoyed the book. More than anything, I enjoyed getting to know Kendra. In fact, getting to see so much of her allowed me to really enjoy her character. She went from being the one I cared the least about to being one I really enjoyed. I just wanted something more from this one, hence why it isn’t quite a full four stars for me.
Overall, it was a great little read that adds a lot to the series, yet it wasn’t my favourite.
Having read Up for Everything first, despite it being the third book, I had an idea of what to expect from the first two books. I knew how the stories would end, I knew some of the drama that would come to light, and yet I was unwilling to let such a thing stop me from enjoying the stories. With the first book, Up for Grabs, I found that I had wanted a little bit more drama. The story had promise and yet it didn’t quite make it all the way. With Up for Forever, I found there was more drama and yet the story didn’t feel quite as fun.
Our second story in the series is a lot of drama. We have breakups and makeups. As with the first book, it was a rollercoaster ride, with our emotions firing all over the place. Truthfully, I enjoyed the characters more than I thought I was going to. In the other two books, I wasn’t sure how I felt about Kendra. She was a vital part of the group, and yet there was something missing. This book works to amend that, making her into something more. Whilst it did help her to develop, and I did enjoy getting to know her more, I couldn’t help but feel as though she was a little bit of a cliché.
In fact, the whole book felt a little bit clichéd. It was enjoyable, yes, but it didn’t have the unique shock factor of the first book. It was your typical romance, just like the first book, but unlike the first book it didn’t have the little extra unique aspect that allowed it to become something more.
I cannot deny that I enjoyed the book. More than anything, I enjoyed getting to know Kendra. In fact, getting to see so much of her allowed me to really enjoy her character. She went from being the one I cared the least about to being one I really enjoyed. I just wanted something more from this one, hence why it isn’t quite a full four stars for me.
Overall, it was a great little read that adds a lot to the series, yet it wasn’t my favourite.
February 12, 2017
After reading Up for grabs I knew without a doubt I would read this book. Having enjoyed Kendra's no nonsense attitude in the first book I couldn't wait.
This book picks up after Up for grabs left off even though you don't need to read it to follow along, I would recommend it.
Kendra is very commitment shy and kinda got in a relationship with Adam without even realizing it was happening, when Adam wants more Kendra bolts afraid of the potential fallout. When she realized how good she had and the huge mistake she made Adam wasn't having any of it. But Kendra isn't one to take things lying down.
I loved having Kendra and Flannery back, they are hilarious and so enjoyable!! I can't wait for Sams book!!!!! I've wanted more of him from book 1.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book
This book picks up after Up for grabs left off even though you don't need to read it to follow along, I would recommend it.
Kendra is very commitment shy and kinda got in a relationship with Adam without even realizing it was happening, when Adam wants more Kendra bolts afraid of the potential fallout. When she realized how good she had and the huge mistake she made Adam wasn't having any of it. But Kendra isn't one to take things lying down.
I loved having Kendra and Flannery back, they are hilarious and so enjoyable!! I can't wait for Sams book!!!!! I've wanted more of him from book 1.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book
February 7, 2017
**I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.**
My Rating: 4 "Oh my word Adam is so swoon-worthy" Stars!
Genre: New Adult Romance
Have you ever read a book where the female lead character totally messes things up with the guy you know she's suppose to be with and you're all like...
Girlllll you better get it together! Don't you see how amazing he is?!? Fix it now!
...Yeah, that was me with this book.
Up For Forever is the second book in the Up For Grabs series snd picks up right where the first book left off!
((I highly recommend reading the first book in the series, Up For Grabs, before this one.))
Told from Kendra Roberts perspective we are immediately immersed back into this group of friends' world.
Kendra has been in a relationship with Adam Burger for over two years now (even though she doesn't want to label it a "relationship") and she's starting to think things are getting too serious & deep between them two. With constant memories of her dysfunctional family, doubts of true love creep in. So what does this commitment-phobe do? Break things off and totally shatter Adam's heart in the process.
With plans kicking into high gear for Kendra's best friend Flannery & her fiancé Cain's wedding at the end of August, our main character is starting to realize maybe what she had with Adam was special after all. That maybe she does want a forever with him. And maybe...her past won't be a reflection of their future. But it all depends on one thing...after having his heartbroken, will Adam want Kendra back?!?
"Because I was going to be sitting at a table with a man I'd recently come to realize I'd already been in love with. Not only that but I wanted the things that I'd made sure to never want. A future with him. A forever."
I highly enjoyed this second installment in the Up For Grabs series! I appreciated that it started where the last book left off. I think reading from Kendra's POV was just as interesting as was with Flannery in Up For Grabs! I really felt bad when Kendra broke up with Adam. I had immediately loved his character from the first book so it was hard to see him go through this heartbreak.
Learning what pushed Kendra to the breakup was also hard to read. I can understand how difficult it would be to live that kind of life as a kid and have it affect your relationships. But seeing Kendra come to the realization that what she had all along with Adam was different, was real, brought a smile to my face!
Up For Forever was a fun, at times emotional read! It was beautiful to see Flannery & Cain tie the knot! I loved them in the first book so seeing their relationship come full circle was nice. I enjoyed the HEA for everyone and I'm excited to read the third book in the series, Up For Everything (Sam's story)!
I'd recommend this book for 18+.
~KristaMae
May 30, 2018
Doesn't hold up
I thought this would be better than it turned out to be, so at first I wasn't too fussed by the obvious lack of editing. But the story lost momentum around the 40% mark and showed it wouldn't deliver, so past that point all the mistakes had begun to grate.
Aside from the disregard for her readers and craft this writer shows by publishing such sloppy work, her storytelling is inconsistent and lacks depth.
There was a good build into the friction between the couple, Kendra and Adam, and after things boiled over it appeared as though they would have a hard journey to find their way back. Adam looked like he was set to move on and I usually enjoy the premise of the hero moving on in second-chance type stories, particularly if the heroine is hard to root for - which is how I found Kendra.
But the writer didn't commit to that aspect of the story and all the conflict had fizzled by the halfway point. Then the story just got dull and day-to-day, an I found myself skimming much of the last half. I didn't much care for anyone anyway, because the characters weren't well-developed.
Safe, uninspiring read, low on angst and emotion. Eminently forgettable.
I thought this would be better than it turned out to be, so at first I wasn't too fussed by the obvious lack of editing. But the story lost momentum around the 40% mark and showed it wouldn't deliver, so past that point all the mistakes had begun to grate.
Aside from the disregard for her readers and craft this writer shows by publishing such sloppy work, her storytelling is inconsistent and lacks depth.
There was a good build into the friction between the couple, Kendra and Adam, and after things boiled over it appeared as though they would have a hard journey to find their way back. Adam looked like he was set to move on and I usually enjoy the premise of the hero moving on in second-chance type stories, particularly if the heroine is hard to root for - which is how I found Kendra.
But the writer didn't commit to that aspect of the story and all the conflict had fizzled by the halfway point. Then the story just got dull and day-to-day, an I found myself skimming much of the last half. I didn't much care for anyone anyway, because the characters weren't well-developed.
Safe, uninspiring read, low on angst and emotion. Eminently forgettable.
May 18, 2020
I fell in love with Adam. Even when Kendra realized what she had, he didn't make it easy for her. It's normally the other way around and I loved it. The story captivated me and I was hooked wanting to know why Kendra didn't want a relationship. The narrator did a great job bring the story to life.
June 6, 2016
Heather Young-Nichols
Up for Forever
Up For Forever is the second in the Up for Grabs series. I have not read Up For Grabs, which I understand is Flannery and Cain's story but it did not hinder me from enjoying Up For Forever. I would suggest reading Up For Grabs first but it is not necessary. I will probably go back and read it just because these characters are fun. I love the dynamic between all of them, especially Flannery and Kendra.
I got a kind of "Friends" vibe from this great group of college/post college kids. They are all up in each others business and trying to help each other out. They are thick as thieves and always there to support each other.
Kendra is anti-relationship although she has been with Adam for an extended period of time. Adam is the perfect guy. Gorgeous, attentive, great in the sexy department and faithful. When he wants to move their relationship forward, Kendra turns tail and runs.
The interactions between the characters is well written and flows so well that you feel a part of the conversation. I snickered several times. This is overall a pretty light hearted read although there are few deep issues that are presented. I love all the characters an anticipate Sam's to be a great story as well, assuming the next one is about him. ;-)
I would recommend for anyone looking for an entertaining love story.
I was provided a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Up for Forever
Up For Forever is the second in the Up for Grabs series. I have not read Up For Grabs, which I understand is Flannery and Cain's story but it did not hinder me from enjoying Up For Forever. I would suggest reading Up For Grabs first but it is not necessary. I will probably go back and read it just because these characters are fun. I love the dynamic between all of them, especially Flannery and Kendra.
I got a kind of "Friends" vibe from this great group of college/post college kids. They are all up in each others business and trying to help each other out. They are thick as thieves and always there to support each other.
Kendra is anti-relationship although she has been with Adam for an extended period of time. Adam is the perfect guy. Gorgeous, attentive, great in the sexy department and faithful. When he wants to move their relationship forward, Kendra turns tail and runs.
The interactions between the characters is well written and flows so well that you feel a part of the conversation. I snickered several times. This is overall a pretty light hearted read although there are few deep issues that are presented. I love all the characters an anticipate Sam's to be a great story as well, assuming the next one is about him. ;-)
I would recommend for anyone looking for an entertaining love story.
I was provided a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
July 1, 2017
I really loved Kendra and Adam’s story. I couldn’t put this down! This was an emotional rollercoaster, wow. Kendra has huge commitment issues and even though she has been with Adam for over two years, in her eyes, they are friends with benefits. Adam has had enough and wants more. He loves her, he wants a forever with her. They are now out of college and it only makes sense to take the next step. When Kendra freaks, Adam is done, done with it all. It was heart-breaking to see Kendra finally look inside herself and understand what she had, what she felt, and ultimately, what she may have lost. Of course, you know they will get an HEA, but the journey they faced to get to that point was emotional and touching, and most importantly, it didn’t seem rushed. I loved the way Adam wouldn’t rush it, he knew he had to protect his heart.
This one is my favorite yet, but I also can’t wait to dive into Sam’s story.
This one is my favorite yet, but I also can’t wait to dive into Sam’s story.
August 11, 2017
All the sassy banter and all the angst-y emotions that filled the first book are back for a repeat performance in the second book. It also has all the friends-are-the-family-we-choose vibe that made the original so lovable. The first book I read in the series was the third one, so I already knew what the outcome would be and I had and idea of what hurdles Kendra and Adam would have to overcome. Adam, I pretty much loved from the first time Flannery hits him in the first book. It's taken a little more effort to wrap my heart around Kendra. She's so strong that it's sometimes hard to empathize with her. It was good to learn what she grew up with so that we could see how she became someone who needed to cut a man loose just because he wanted to be with her forever. Ordinarily I'd say I can't wait to read the next book, but since I already have I suppose I can admit that I think it might be my favorite. It ties everything, and everybody, back together.
February 5, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this second book in the "Up For Grabs" series about Kendra and Adam. The unorthodox relationship dynamics in Kendra's family make her skeptical and afraid to open up to love. So when reformed playboy Adam professes his love for her, Kendra does the only thing she knows how to do to protect herself - she pushes him away. When she loses Adam, Kendra loses more than a lover, she also loses a best friend, which forces her to reevaluate her take on relationships and love.
Although, I liked "Up For Grabs", I enjoyed this book so much more. Kendra and Adam's relationship grows gradually over time and we see how Kendra's character develops and grows throughout the course of the book. There were also a lot less typos in this book! I'm also glad that we see all of the friends that we grew to love in the first book and I can't wait to read Sam's story.
Although, I liked "Up For Grabs", I enjoyed this book so much more. Kendra and Adam's relationship grows gradually over time and we see how Kendra's character develops and grows throughout the course of the book. There were also a lot less typos in this book! I'm also glad that we see all of the friends that we grew to love in the first book and I can't wait to read Sam's story.
September 8, 2015
Kendra and her Best Friend finish college, Kendra doesn’t start law school till fall so she decides to stay with Best friend Flannery and her fiancé. They all were friends in college, there was five of them, but Kendra was in a relationship with Adam and when he wants to get closer, in their relationship Kendra freaks out and they break up. With her helping Flannery plan for her wedding it seems that Kendra has a meltdown and misses Adam.
Well I really enjoyed reading this book, I haven’t read the first one yet, but plan to. I like the way to author writes and the story is fun to read.
I did receive an ARC from the publisher for an honest opinion.
Well I really enjoyed reading this book, I haven’t read the first one yet, but plan to. I like the way to author writes and the story is fun to read.
I did receive an ARC from the publisher for an honest opinion.
November 8, 2021
Great book
What a wonderful story. This book pulls at your heart strings as you watch Kendra struggle to grow up and deal with her past. Plus since its a continuation of the series, you get all the well written characters you've come to love from the first book. I can't wait to jump into the next book at see how Sam's story plays out.
Great addition to any book lovers collection.
Happy reading...enjoy!
What a wonderful story. This book pulls at your heart strings as you watch Kendra struggle to grow up and deal with her past. Plus since its a continuation of the series, you get all the well written characters you've come to love from the first book. I can't wait to jump into the next book at see how Sam's story plays out.
Great addition to any book lovers collection.
Happy reading...enjoy!
May 1, 2023
This was a great listen. I loved the characters of Adam and Kendra. Actually I loved all the characters. The story was just the right amount of sweet, hotness and romance.
The pace of the story and narration was good and complemented each other very well. Amazing job!
The pace of the story and narration was good and complemented each other very well. Amazing job!
October 16, 2017
Wonderful book. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
March 4, 2017
I received a free ebook under New Adult Book Club in-exhange to honest review. Thank you NABC! ❤
It's the second book in the Up for Grab series. I honestly didn't expect that Kendra has her own story. The story begins after Cain proposed to Flannery in their graduation.
Kendra is rich and came from a powerful family, but, broken. She has some issue with commitment because her childhood experience and what her parents did. She's attached to her friends because her family neglect her.
Adam love Kendra but she's doesn't want to commit. She's afraid and scared about things in relationship.
The heartbreak and realization in this book makes it more interesting. I did enjoy this book more than the first one (Up for Grab). Maybe because of Kendra's quirky personality. Plus, Adam's adorable personality and hotness. I like how Ms. Heather write her characters. All of her characters have their unique personality.
It's an easy to read book. I'm hooked with how the characters throw banters to each other and jealous about their friendship. They are uniquely funny and charming.
I'm thrilled to learn that Sam has his own story! He's my most favorite character in this series!
It's the second book in the Up for Grab series. I honestly didn't expect that Kendra has her own story. The story begins after Cain proposed to Flannery in their graduation.
Kendra is rich and came from a powerful family, but, broken. She has some issue with commitment because her childhood experience and what her parents did. She's attached to her friends because her family neglect her.
Adam love Kendra but she's doesn't want to commit. She's afraid and scared about things in relationship.
The heartbreak and realization in this book makes it more interesting. I did enjoy this book more than the first one (Up for Grab). Maybe because of Kendra's quirky personality. Plus, Adam's adorable personality and hotness. I like how Ms. Heather write her characters. All of her characters have their unique personality.
It's an easy to read book. I'm hooked with how the characters throw banters to each other and jealous about their friendship. They are uniquely funny and charming.
I'm thrilled to learn that Sam has his own story! He's my most favorite character in this series!
September 1, 2020
What a great romance read / listen. I really loved this story line. This is Kendra and Adam's story of love discovered. The narration on this read was a bit distracting for me, it was really choppy in places like there were unnecessary pauses in sentences that shouldn't have them, otherwise really well done. I couldn't have done with out all the lead up to Kendra's past - I don't really get why she felt she needed to keep everything so secret from her best friends but I love that her friends were there for her and I love the dynamic between all these characters - They all seem very relatable and very next door-ish. Friends who are there and support each other even when there is conflict in a group is more the reality than not and I loved how Young-Nichols portrayed this. Great read / listen. I hope to have the opportunity to read more about this band of besties!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
*this review is based on the audio version of this read
March 13, 2023
I’m going with 3.5 stars bumped to 4 stars because, you know, no half stars! Anyway, I didn’t read the first book in this series, Highest Bidder, but it really didn’t matter all that much. I got the jest of Highest Bidder just by conversations in Highest Stakes. The characters are the same group of friends from book one, however, the focus is on Adam and Kendra. These two have been together for two years with very different expectations for their relationship. Well, actually, only Adam (and all the other friends) considered it a relationship. Kendra just considered it fun with an expiration date. Who’s right?
I have to admit that Adam may be on my favorite book-boyfriends list. He is adorable and loyal, but certainly no pushover. Kendra is just a messed-up ball of confusion. She has her reasons, but good golly, she has issues. Adam may be up for sainthood. Anyway, Highest Stakes is a fun and entertaining read!
I have to admit that Adam may be on my favorite book-boyfriends list. He is adorable and loyal, but certainly no pushover. Kendra is just a messed-up ball of confusion. She has her reasons, but good golly, she has issues. Adam may be up for sainthood. Anyway, Highest Stakes is a fun and entertaining read!
April 7, 2020
Audio Review:
Highest Stakes (Gambling on Love, Book 2) is a new adult college romance with supporting character's crossing over from previous audio. I actually read these out of order as I read book three first, then book one and then book two so I knew what to expect. I was thrilled to get the chance to listen these in audio's. This one being my least favourite in the series but still so good. I adored Adam from book one. Kendra not so much but that maybe because I so adored Flanigan so much no other female could compete with her. Suffused with sassy banter and angsty moments a fun entertaining listen.
Narrator Sara Chambers inflection was smooth and dramatic. Her performance brought the characters and their lovestory to reality.
A cheerful listen with engaging characters.
Highest Stakes (Gambling on Love, Book 2) is a new adult college romance with supporting character's crossing over from previous audio. I actually read these out of order as I read book three first, then book one and then book two so I knew what to expect. I was thrilled to get the chance to listen these in audio's. This one being my least favourite in the series but still so good. I adored Adam from book one. Kendra not so much but that maybe because I so adored Flanigan so much no other female could compete with her. Suffused with sassy banter and angsty moments a fun entertaining listen.
Narrator Sara Chambers inflection was smooth and dramatic. Her performance brought the characters and their lovestory to reality.
A cheerful listen with engaging characters.
September 2, 2020
This book made me so angry at times. Not at the story, but at the author. I expect less chauvinism from any modern author, and especially from a female one, especially in this era. The phrase "cry like a girl" repeated itself, coming from the main female character. The second time it did I wanted to turn off the audiobook and not complete it. The only reason I kept going was that the story itself wasn't bad and I wanted to write an honest review after completing the whole book.
The narrator sounded mechanic, monotonous, and felt like she didn't understand what she was reading. In addition, there was an eco to the recording, which ended up as a less than exciting listen.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The narrator sounded mechanic, monotonous, and felt like she didn't understand what she was reading. In addition, there was an eco to the recording, which ended up as a less than exciting listen.
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2020
Audiobook. The narrator was very stilted at the beginning with a noticeable echo. It got a little better as the book went on, or I got used to it, but she still sounded stiff. She enunciated well, so there is that.
The story was fun when it wasn't heartbreaking. I didn't read the first book in the series but it is constantly referenced (and properly explained so you don't have to have read it) with the main characters of book 1 tying the knot and tightly woven into Kendra and Adam's story. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
The story was fun when it wasn't heartbreaking. I didn't read the first book in the series but it is constantly referenced (and properly explained so you don't have to have read it) with the main characters of book 1 tying the knot and tightly woven into Kendra and Adam's story. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
February 23, 2017
In this sequel we picked right back up into the community of characters from Up For Grabs. This time we were reading about Kendra and Adam's relationship. There is love, heartbreak, and realization in this love story. I went through the ups and downs with them and felt like it was happening to me! We also got a special cameo from Flannery and Cain so that was sweet! Can't wait for Up For Everything, Sam's story!
April 21, 2020
Highest Stakes
This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone since I haven’t read the first and still loved this one. These two are so in love and yet Kendra is not able to admit it. The angst that they both go through is a bit of a rollercoaster that we can’t help but hop on and ride with them to see how they can get their happy ending. I really enjoyed this book and all the characters in it. I will definitely be looking into the rest of this series.
This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone since I haven’t read the first and still loved this one. These two are so in love and yet Kendra is not able to admit it. The angst that they both go through is a bit of a rollercoaster that we can’t help but hop on and ride with them to see how they can get their happy ending. I really enjoyed this book and all the characters in it. I will definitely be looking into the rest of this series.
Read
August 8, 2020Now on all retailers!
Amazon: https://geni.us/HighestStakesAmazon
Nook: https://geni.us/HighestSakesNook
Apple: https://geni.us/HighestStakesApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/HighestStakesKobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/HighestStakesGoogle
Audible: https://geni.us/HighestStakesAudible
Amazon: https://geni.us/HighestStakesAmazon
Nook: https://geni.us/HighestSakesNook
Apple: https://geni.us/HighestStakesApple
Kobo: https://geni.us/HighestStakesKobo
Google Play: https://geni.us/HighestStakesGoogle
Audible: https://geni.us/HighestStakesAudible
June 21, 2017
Love it mainly for Flannery and Cain. I loved Adam until everything became all srs bzns. Idkidk I'm torn. But it deserved more than mediocre rating, so 4 stars it is. Can't wait for Sam's story.
September 17, 2019
Sweet young romance with some heat. You fall in love with the characters in this author's stories. You will cheer them on and hope that they fight for love. Well written and realistic.
August 4, 2020
Nice variation: girl meets boy, girl loses boy, girl needs to work to get him back. Well done.
March 26, 2021
Great book. Fantastic author.
February 19, 2017
I had gotten both books as an ARC (since reading only the 2nd book might have some gaps in the story).
Book 1 - Up For Grabs - was all about Flannery's journey. A brand new and innocent one. Up For Forever is Kendra's story - Flannery's best friend - which starts as Kenda and Flan are about to graduate and head out into the big bad world.
Kendra still wants to hide - she continues studying to accomplish her aim to be a lawyer. As the group is all splitting up (Cain is working and staying elsewhere already); Adam - who she has been "seeing" all through college is move an hour or so away from where Kendra is going to be and when he starts talking about the future; Kendra baulks and cuts him loose saying it was only a "friends with benefit" arrangement they had.
Adam obviously did not agree with her - but he walked away since she was adamant in her decision. With all stories, something triggers in Kendra and she realises what she has lost - but almost the same time, Adam starts dating and now she is left heartbroken. The road to fixing her mistakes is long and rocky.
I'll admit, I preferred Flannery's story over Kendra's. There is always something about first loves and Flannery's innocence that will be more appealing to most. Kendra's story is more about how we tend to think our decisions to guard ourselves (and our hearts) are always the best ones. But the world has more in store for us and by the time we figure out that we screwed our own selfs over it just might be too late. We scramble to fix it; sometimes we do, sometimes we don't.
We do see the cast from book 1 appear and are some of the driving forces to make Kendra understand what she has lost and help her find her way again.
Book 1 - Up For Grabs - was all about Flannery's journey. A brand new and innocent one. Up For Forever is Kendra's story - Flannery's best friend - which starts as Kenda and Flan are about to graduate and head out into the big bad world.
Kendra still wants to hide - she continues studying to accomplish her aim to be a lawyer. As the group is all splitting up (Cain is working and staying elsewhere already); Adam - who she has been "seeing" all through college is move an hour or so away from where Kendra is going to be and when he starts talking about the future; Kendra baulks and cuts him loose saying it was only a "friends with benefit" arrangement they had.
Adam obviously did not agree with her - but he walked away since she was adamant in her decision. With all stories, something triggers in Kendra and she realises what she has lost - but almost the same time, Adam starts dating and now she is left heartbroken. The road to fixing her mistakes is long and rocky.
I'll admit, I preferred Flannery's story over Kendra's. There is always something about first loves and Flannery's innocence that will be more appealing to most. Kendra's story is more about how we tend to think our decisions to guard ourselves (and our hearts) are always the best ones. But the world has more in store for us and by the time we figure out that we screwed our own selfs over it just might be too late. We scramble to fix it; sometimes we do, sometimes we don't.
We do see the cast from book 1 appear and are some of the driving forces to make Kendra understand what she has lost and help her find her way again.
February 6, 2017
Up For Forever by Heather Young-Nichols is the second book in the Up For Grabs series and is told from the point of view of the main female character Kendra. When Kendra and Adam met in college they instantly began a friends with benefits relationship. Having not the best examples of what love could be from her parents growing up, Kendra has always kept guys at a distance to avoid getting hurt and believes true love doesn't actually exist. So she's surprised to learn that Adam has his sights set on forever for the two of them. Kendra freaks out and breaks up with him. But after learning the dynamics of a friend's painful breakup, Kendra starts to realize how great she had it with Adam. But is it too late and has Adam moved on?
This is a classic "don't know what you got till its gone" story. I enjoyed reading this. It was a well-written easy read. I liked how strong of a character Kendra was and enjoyed reading about her transformation as the story went on. And her friendship with best friend Flannery was so fun to read! It's the kind of friendship everyone wants to have at some point in their life. Adam was a true sweetheart. Definitely a keeper! My only criticism of the book is that the storyline was a bit too predictable for me. There weren't any plot twists or surprises. From the first chapter, I could pretty much predict how the entire book was going to go. But that's not always a bad thing either. It's nice to have a feel-good easy read sometimes.
This is a great series though. Definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of New Adult novels. I look forward to continuing on with the next book!
*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review*
This is a classic "don't know what you got till its gone" story. I enjoyed reading this. It was a well-written easy read. I liked how strong of a character Kendra was and enjoyed reading about her transformation as the story went on. And her friendship with best friend Flannery was so fun to read! It's the kind of friendship everyone wants to have at some point in their life. Adam was a true sweetheart. Definitely a keeper! My only criticism of the book is that the storyline was a bit too predictable for me. There weren't any plot twists or surprises. From the first chapter, I could pretty much predict how the entire book was going to go. But that's not always a bad thing either. It's nice to have a feel-good easy read sometimes.
This is a great series though. Definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of New Adult novels. I look forward to continuing on with the next book!
*This book was provided in exchange for an honest review*
February 10, 2017
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review*
I'm so in love with the characters in these books!
I love this book because it's different from the others I read. In this one, is the girl that makes a bad decision and has to win the boy back.
Kendra and Adam are in a relationship even if Kendra doesn't admit it.
Kendra is Flan's best friend and we had the privilege to read about her in the previous book.
I imagined her as the opposite of Flannery. She's tall and beautiful, like a model.
She's also funny and confident as hell.
Unfortunately she didn't have the best parents in the world and that made her a bit skeptical about relationships. That's why she doesn't admit that she is in love with Adam.
Adam is one very good looking guy who is in love with her girlfriend. Together, they're like Barbie and Ken.
I love the way the author writes about their feelings from Kendra's POV.
Adams seems a good guy that works hard. A keeper!
I've been told that there's another book coming out from these series.
Can't wait to read it!
I'm so in love with the characters in these books!
I love this book because it's different from the others I read. In this one, is the girl that makes a bad decision and has to win the boy back.
Kendra and Adam are in a relationship even if Kendra doesn't admit it.
Kendra is Flan's best friend and we had the privilege to read about her in the previous book.
I imagined her as the opposite of Flannery. She's tall and beautiful, like a model.
She's also funny and confident as hell.
Unfortunately she didn't have the best parents in the world and that made her a bit skeptical about relationships. That's why she doesn't admit that she is in love with Adam.
Adam is one very good looking guy who is in love with her girlfriend. Together, they're like Barbie and Ken.
I love the way the author writes about their feelings from Kendra's POV.
Adams seems a good guy that works hard. A keeper!
I've been told that there's another book coming out from these series.
Can't wait to read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews