Never Date Your Ex

Never Date #3

by Jules Barnard

She's the one woman I'd give anything to forget--and now I'm stuck living with her.

I'm making a fresh start in Lake Tahoe, until my stubborn sister decides to move Mira into our cabin. I'll be damned if I move out on Mira's account.

Nothing has changed in the years since I last saw Mira. Her tempting body and smart mouth taunt me daily. The only hope I have at keeping my sanity is the knowledge that Mira is hiding something.

Sooner or later I'll discover her secret, and knowing her, it'll be damning.

But first, I have to ignore the urge to kiss and touch and make Mira mine again.

Genres: Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Second Chance, Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published November 17, 2014

About the author

**Click HERE to sign up for Jules's New Release Newsletter. You'll be the first to learn of new releases and gain access to subscriber freebies, including FREE extra scenes.**

Jules Barnard is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic comedy and romantic fantasy. Her rom-com series include the All’s Fair, Never Date, and Cade Brothers series. She also writes romantic fantasy under J. Barnard in the Halven Rising series Library Journal calls ''...an exciting new fantasy adventure.'' Whether she’s writing about sexy men in Lake Tahoe or a Fae world embedded in a college campus, Jules spins addictive stories filled with heart and humor.

When Jules isn’t in her sweatpants writing and rewarding herself with chocolate, she spends her time with her husband and two children in their small hometown in the Pacific Northwest. She credits herself with the ability to read while running on the treadmill or burning dinner.

Reviews

[Brianda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 50%

I usually dont rate books I DNF, but I want a reminder that this one was truly bad. Not even my fav narrator saved it.

I HATE stories where the core of the plot is miscommunication and EVERYTHING can be fixed with a single CONVERSATION.

I find authors who do this just lazy. So, pass!

#SorryNotSorry

[Jules Barnard]

GRAB NEVER DATE YOUR EX NOW!

[Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great installment to the Never Date series. I'm such a fan with hate to love / enemies to lovers and second chances and my goodness, I love the romance between Mira and Tyler and the fact that the love between them lasted years and years. I love that they finally came together and that they found each other through the worst of times.

I love that even though Tyler seriously hated Mira for the way they originally ended, he still cared about her so deeply. Ugh it was so cute.

I'm seriously loving this series.

Find me on:
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[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best of the series so far. I think the dual perspectives was a good call, especially for a story like this. Probably more of a 3.5 stars, but I liked Mira and Tyler and they managed to avoid annoying me for the most part

[LA Spiez · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I'm not perfect. I've not always done the right thing, but I love you Mira. You've always had a chunk of my heart nestled in your feisty little hand. Maybe all we needed was that last shove - this forced living situation - for what we have to come together, because over these last few weeks, you've stolen the rest of my heart. It's why you make me crazy. Can you tone down the feist?" ~ Tyler Morgan

True Blue is the third book in Jules Barnard's Blue Series, and yes it has produced yet another book boyfriend for us to swoon over.

Tyler Morgan, Cali's brother seemed to have a lot of secrets when he came back to Lake Tahoe and moved in with his younger sister. You never quite understood what was going on in his head. In True Blue any questions you may have about Tyler are answered.

As a book boyfriend Tyler is completely swoon worthy. Apparently he was one of the hottest boys at his high school. He has darkish hair that is always mussed up, which I obviously love and pale blue eyes. He's tall and broad with a chest and abs you clearly just want to run your hands over and over. He's sweet and caring and he's been in love with one girl for his whole life.

Mira Frasier...you remember her...the bitchy, beautiful girl who came between Lewis and Gen in book one (Oh you don't know? Read book one sillies.) Mira has had a really rough life. Her drug addict mother left her alone when she was a toddler and the Sallee family found her and took her in. She has very little contact with her mother. As a matter of fact, the only time she hears from her mother is when she needs something. Trying to bail her mother out of trouble, Mira seems to have put her self in danger.

After the night Mira is attacked by some thugs and left in the woods, Tyler's sister Cali proposes the idea of Mira moving into her house to keep her safe. It gives Cali a chance to move in with Jaeger her boyfriend. Here's the problem, Tyler and Mira have a past no one knows about. Tyler freaks out because he doesn't want to live with Mira. She hurt him when they were in high school and he's carried that hurt into his adult life. Mira has issues with abandonment so living with Tyler is no picnic for her either.

Trying to keep Mira safe is no easy task. And somewhere along the way Tyler and Mira get under each other's skin. The problem is they're not ready to admit to their feelings, and they don't really get how the other one feels. You know they want each other, they just can't get past their issues.

Mira and Tyler have amazing sexual chemistry. You feel the electricity whenever they're near each other. Even their make out scenes are uber hot. I am all about kissing and Tyler definitely has mad skills in that department. And in the bedroom...Sweet Jesus that man knows what he's doing.

Keeping Mira safe becomes Tyler's main priority. He tries to keep his distance but he can't and it freaks him out. Tyler's got another secret that's holding him back from giving himself completely to Mira.

Will Mira be swept up in a life she never wanted to be in? Will her mother ever give her the love she deserves? Will Tyler and Mira realize their love for each other? Want to find out? One click True Blue. Jules Barnard just keeps making these books better and better.

A four lip smack review for True Blue. Tyler may be my favorite book boyfriend in this series so far...although Jaeger comes in a pretty close second!!

****ARC read in exchange for honest review****

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up Mira Frasier was the girl everybody picked on , she had no-one caring for her until she was found by the Salles family who took her in and fostered her. When she was in Junior high, a boy stepped in and stopped the bullies - his name was Tyler. The story then jumps a few years and it is Mira's last year of high school and she has one goal in mind - to lose her virginity to Tyler , the one boy she has always loved. This happens , but the next day it seems she has gone back to invisible and Tyler is left standing there and believing the rumours that he was another notch on her belt. Mira, knowing no-one will want her if they knew the truth continues on with life. More years pass and Mira and Tyler will be thrown together once again as he finds her hurt in the woods . What secrets is Mira hiding from the world and what would have happened if Tyler hadn't found her ? Needing a job as a way of earning more money for her secret, she gets a job at the Blue Casino working as a jack of all trades assistant . What will happen when Mira discovers that the two guys her hurt her in the woods are part of the Casino's staff ? Will she ever be safe from harm ?

True Blue was a long read, and follows alot of the same style of other NA novels. What I did like about this book was that the ending had Mira realising that she was finally free and that she didn't have to hide who she was. True Blue also touches on the theme of unconditional love and the fact that no matter what , family doesn't always have to be blood relatives

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira’s mother was more interested in chemical substances than her daughter has left her with low self worth which affects her decisions both past and present. Her desire to help her mother has placed her in danger and she now finds herself living with Tyler, the man she has loved since she was a teenager.

Tyler has recently returned to town after being away for years and he is not forthcoming with what he has been doing or why he has returned. The last thing he wants is to be saddled with the girl who broke his heart especially when it brings up all the feelings he has kept buried. Will he be able to not only protect her from her past but deal with the misconceptions between them so that they can have their second chance?

[Thereadingbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Date Your Ex by Jules Barnard

This is book #3 in the Never Date series. Mira and Tyler dated but had issues and broke up. Mira is not a likable character at first she interfered in book one so her reputation going into this one is not good. The nice thing about it though is you get more of Mira backstory why things went the way the did. You find out that Mira is not as bad as you felt about her at first. Tyler still has it bad for Mira he knows where she hangs out because he happen to see her when he was out in the woods on an motor bike. Anyways he still has it bad for her. Mira doesn't return home and everyone is in a panic Tyler thinks he might know where she is at and sets out looking for her. He finds her banged up after an attack by some men who threaten her because she owes them money and they came to collect.

There was a lot of drama in this one but the drama made the story more intriguing. You got to see more in Mira's life which explored her in depth to give a better understanding of her missteps and behavior. Tyler is not a bad guy he still has it bad for Mira can they work through everything to rekindle there previous relationship?

I recommend this series all the main characters are all interesting and the plot line with the casino adds to the story.

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never Date Your Ex by Jules Barnard is the third book in the Never Date Series.

Mira and Tyler’s story falls in line with the end of Never Date A Player, once some back history is provided from when they were teenagers. Which this surprised me, as there was no indication that these two knew each other in the previous books (other than a tiny bit at the end of Never Date A Player)

Mira’s in trouble and it’s seemed to linger over her for years, and it’s time for her to work through this, but she needs Tyler.

Neither have really moved on from the other, and a forced roommate situation is the perfect opportunity for these two to become closer.

This is the first dual POV in this series, and it was definitely the right book to make the switch.

There’s also some scenes which might be triggering to some readers.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and Jules Barnard continues to prove herself over and over again. She is forever on my favorites shelf! And I have to say that Mira and Tyler’s story is my favorite of the series so far. I am a sucker for a good second chance romance and this book is exactly what I love! It is full of passion, mis-communication, and true healing.
Tyler and Mira are two lost souls looking for something; unbeknownst to them it is each other. They knew each other back in junior high and high school. Mira was head over heels in crush with Tyler and vice versa. When Mira finally decides to make a move, it is a moment neither can possibly forget but rumors and silence creates a rift that is seemingly impossible to overcome. Fast forward 6 years later and their paths have crossed again, only this time, they have both changed so much from the people they used to be. Mira is in trouble. She has chosen her mother over her own self preservation and landed herself in debt, living in fear and looking over her shoulder. Her issues catch up with her and she is physically beaten by some thugs. When the search ensues, Tyler becomes her reluctant rescuer. After much debate, it is decided that Mira will move into the “Chalet” with Tyler and Cali will be living with Jaeger. From a safety stand point it is better than Mira returning home alone, but it is the last thing Tyler and Mira want. No one knows what happened to them 6 years ago.
As they live together, they are constantly on high alert and hyper aware of each other. When Mira finally breaks down and tells Tyler everything about her present day situation, Tyler decides that he will help her with everything so that he can get her out and on with his life. Little does he know that he will be intertwining his life with hers so deeply that there is no possible escape without irrevocable damage to anything they could possibly have or ever be.
In the first two books of the series, Mira is a girl you do not want to cross. She comes across as a grade A beyotch, a young woman who is above it all and just plain mean. Yet with every misconception, there is a major truth lurking beneath the surface. When we begin to dive into True Blue, you see that Mira is not who we thought she was at all. Granted she has jealousy issues when it comes to Lewis, but they are not grounded in anything but sibling affection and fear of abandonment. The world abandoned her at such a young age and she clings to those who show her affection of the truest kind. Yet she lives in constant fear of abandonment, thinking that at any time people will see something in her that is un-loveable and leave her forever. It is this well founded insecurity that creates a woman who desires to stand on her own two feet and solve her own problems, never relying on anyone and allowing them a chance to disappoint her. Mira is a character to be admired. She has a strength that many could never understand. She is a fighter; a woman who will carve a path in her life to do what she feels is right. She has lived with rumors and lies swirling around her and she uses it as a cover, only ever being her true person with those who have proved their loyalty.
Tyler is a man who is lost and confused. He left a tragic story behind in Colorado and he wants to forget his life and move on. When Mira is forced back into his life, his anger, hurt, and resentment cannot be camouflaged. Mira was the first one he ever loved yet miscommunication on both sides took any chance they had away, instead leaving a burning resentment. He continues to judge her and attempt to rile her up. When she finally shares the truth about what is happening with her mother and the loan shark, Tyler decides to help. Yet as he begins to delve into her life, he begins to see the old Mira he fell in love with and his attraction cannot be denied. He remembers the girl she was and the boy he had been. His confusion leaves him wondering if it is purely her body he wants or more. Tyler has been in the past two books, living with his sister and Gen, yet you never knew what was happening with him. He seemed to be lazy and running for his responsibilities but you never knew what from. When his life comes to light, your entire view of him is forced to change.
Mira and Tyler have some incredible chemistry. Having this book in both characters’ POVs allows the reader to have a deeper understanding of their inevitable connection and mounting attraction. The vivid display of emotions and anger allows for a deeper story. Their misunderstandings and past hurt creates a drama that feels natural and not overdone. They must deal with their issues while attempting to find a way out of the mess Mira created. When they come together, Tyler is confused and his confusion wedges a deep canyon between them that I was not sure they could overcome. Mira is an emotionally delicate young woman and his confusion feeds the lies she believes about who she is.
This story is a passionate tale of second chances. Mira and Tyler were always meant to be together and they just needed to find their way back together, to find their soul mate and complete self. This story deals with deep issues of abandonment and self-identity. I loved seeing how Mira discovered who she was outside of those she found her identity in and became a strong heroine, the savior of her own story! This moving story will leave you emotional but you will be better for it! This book left me breathless and content. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next few books of this series and see glimpses of Tyler and Mira to come!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute amazing read. The chemistry the characters had both when they were in school and now when they are in the future is absolutely amazing. Loved reading this book would definitely recommend this book to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shawn-Joy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I ended up loving it.

***free with audible subscription

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I love this story. I love how we get flashbacks to fully understand how this started.I love how love conquers all.

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mira is secretly giving her drug addicted mom money, even went so far to take out a loan from a loan shark to help her mother. When thugs come to make her pay, Mira is left for dead. Tyler has experienced some recent personal tragedy that caused him to cut ties and hideout in his old home town. Tyler and Mira have an angry history, yet they are forced together while they try to figure out how to fix themselves.
Oh my god this was heart wrenching! This is book 2 in the contemporary romance Blue Series, but each story is about a different couple and can be read alone. This story focused on Mira and Tyler. The two of them had a chance at happiness back in high school, but they let others get in the way and overreact instead of just having a conversation. This was a perfect example of miscommunication, people! I was so mad I just wanted to shake the two of them to make them see reason, and that was not even a present day situation.
I will admit to pretty much hating Mira in the second book in the series. She was a terrible character who I could not find anything redeeming about her. But wow, this book took a complete 180 for me on my feelings for Mira. She has had such a rough life, full of rejection, mistrust, abuse and heartache. Nothing has ever been easy for her, and she has so much emotional damage due to it. I loved that she regrets her attitude towards Gem and appreciates her now and tries to be her friend. I also love that Gem is so freaking forgiving that she welcomes Mira with open arms. Mira really is a different person from the last book, she has had so much emotional growth from her therapist and her close people. She was so willing to forgive Tyler for all the things he did to her, seeing the good man she knew was inside. There were plenty of times I wanted to give her a much needed hug. She tried to make rational decisions instead of leaping into situations like she continuously did in the past. I also liked that she made the best of her terrible situations and thrived on the challenge that her work kept throwing at her.
Tyler was at times difficult for me to like at the start of the book. In the past flashback, he was sweet and shy, but honest and kind. Adult Tyler was moody and angry. He was a complete tool to Mira, and yes I understand he had certain ideas about her he acted on, but still. He basically called her slut in high school, when he was the first and only person she had ever been with, but she never defended herself. He did something pretty terrible to Mira in the story that shattered her, but then he also does a 180 and turns into such a sweet caring man that admits his feelings with no holding back. I love that he defends her to his friend and calls her his girlfriend, even when he claims to not want her. I also loved the fact that he put his life on hold to protect her at work, even when he claimed it was to get rid of her. He was more than the slacker everyone saw, and the fact he has already planned on Mira in his life long term fills me with joy.
The two of them together were so achingly sweet, it made my chest hurt, but in a good way. Each book in the series is a standalone contemporary romance, but the characters pop up in each book so it helps to read the stories in order. I have been swept away by each story, and I will keep on reading the series until the author decides she is finished. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
I received the book form the author and Goodreads in return for my honest review.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when life throws you into to like of the one person who you know can utterly destroy you? “This reunion with Tyler isn’t what I thought would happen when I dreamt of us together in my high-school fantasies. He is not madly in love with me. He might actually be in hate with me”(Mira) For Mira and Tyler, they are about to find out.
After taking some risks and being determined to have a relationship with her mother, Mira finds herself in a life and death dangerous situation. Leaving her only one option. Live with the man who broke her heart once upon a time.
Tyler is running from his past. Living a life that he thinks he deserves because of a few bad choices. When his feelings for Mira finally come to a head, he learns that you can’t run from the past you have to face it and accept it and move on.

I have to be honest; I did not like Mira in Deep Blue or Blue Crush. She came off as needy, clingy, just a bitch to everyone. So, I was a little skeptical when going into her book. I have to say this book totally made me a Mira lover. Stubborn and headstrong with just enough heart that she will give everything she has to feel loved. It’s funny, as women we always hear about “daddy issues” but what a lot of women suffer from is “mommy Issues”. Mira totally won me over. Although, I didn’t like how she acted when the past was being told, I got it. She was a teenager acting how she needed to survive what she was sure to be a broken heart. Teenagers aren’t fully matured yet so that is the mindset I had to keep when reading that. I did love how she admitted to her horrible behavior in the other two books. I am TEAM MIRA all the way! “Holy shit. Orgasms are my new favorite thing”


Tyler. Tyler. Tyler. I get it. I do, you were a teenage boy so you were really dumb. But, as an adult who is nearly thirty did you really have to be such an ass. Tyler in my eyes kept screwing up; I wanted Mira to punch him in his balls! But, he totally made up for it. Once you learn why he came back, it really makes you realize why he is pushing back so hard and being a complete jerk. I will tell you that you have to keep an open and understanding mind with him. “I’m tired of games. I want something real” “I do too” “You’ll need to prove it”.
He will make up for it and turn both him and Mira around for the better!

These two are such a sweet couple. “Tyler kissed me and I felt it everywhere” They are immature when it comes to love but they are each other’s first loves. It takes time to grow. “We argue, she’s feisty, but Mira and I are connected in a way I’ve never been with anyone else. I see her, and I’m amazed by the person she is” I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I recommend reading the other two first because it’s fun to get to whole group dynamic.


*This has the be the best example of character development over a series*

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler that boy knows he's good looking, "movement down below has me fighting an adjustment. Eff. Maybe walking around without a shirt first thing in the morning isn't such a great idea. Mira is still a beautiful woman, and that little eye linger sent the wrong signals to my body - which is primed for release this morning..." Mira I don't think she realizes the effect she has on Tyler, "Mira bends over in a slim off-white skirt. "Can you see my underwear through this?" She has the perfect a**. Like, literally, the most well-formed a** I've ever seen. Round but firm, curvy but proportional. I'd like to grab that backside she'd pointed in my face and nip it with my teeth." Tyler doesn't know after sex etiquette, "Tyler ties off the condom and puts on his clothes. All his clothes. As if he's not returning to bed. A fist clenches in my chest, but I don't say anything. I am frozen in fear." He also knows how to destroy property, "Mira grabs her torn undies, tucked partway beneath the couch from last night, and holds them up. "These were my favorite." Tyler he's such a man at times, "hmm," Tyler says. "I wouldn't mind seeing you with my baby in your belly." I look up, my eyes wide. His lips graze my ear. "When we're read.y But we'll be married by then." I liked this book I'm glad Tyler finally got his head out of his a**.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Both Mira and Tyler have very difficult pasts. What Mira doesn't know is that years ago when she took Tyler's virginity, he fell in love with her. When Mira needs Tyler's help, he gives it happily, but he also wants to find a way to keep her in his life. I loved the build up of emotions that lead to Tyler and Mira's romance. They struggle but have amazing times too. It's a beautiful love story. It's not a fluff story either. They have hardships and things to overcome. But sometimes you have to work through those times when you are in love.

Apparently, Lake Tahoe is where I need to be! The way Ms. Barnard describes this place makes it sound like Disney World! Plus, the men that live there? DREAMBOATS. I completely lost myself in this book. Once again, I'm completely satisfied with a Blue Series book! As soon as I get a Jules Barnard book in my hands, I know to sit back and relax because I'm in for a dramatic, steamy ride! She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. True Blue is a MUST read!

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay read. I personally never cred much for either MC.Mira and Tyler both had feelings for each other in high school. They have sex and she starts treating him badly. He didn't handle this well and years later was still upset about it. When they see each other he is not kind to her. The only good news is that in the end everything works out for them and this time they get their happy ending.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a person will put themselves through for family, even if that family can get them killed. Mira has never felt the love of good parents. Her father overdosed not long after she was born and her mother only wants her when she can give her what she wants. Money for drugs. Girls don't like her and constantly pick on her and boys lust after her. Lewis doesn't understand why Mira can't cut her mother loose. She has lived with Lewis and his family since they found her alone in her mother's house at the age of three malnourished and dehydrated. But to Mira her mother is the only family she has left and even if it means putting herself in danger she will try to help her. Even a beating at the hands of one of her mother's many boyfriends doesn't stop her. But Mira is now in way in over her head. She owes money to scary people and is behind on her payments. She has lied to Lewis and his family about how much she owes and why she owes it, letting them think she has a gambling problem. After being beaten by her loan sharks strong men Tyler finds her and it's decided that she should move into Cali's cabin for a while and Tyler will look out for her. It's like putting a tiger and a lion in the same cage. Tyler was Mira's first everything and he hurt her badly when he believed what people said about her and Tyler has never forgotten the hurt he felt at feeling used by the one girl who took his heart. Tyler's guilt over what happened to bring him back to the lake doesn't help and he's determined not to let Mira get to him. But when Mira gets a job at the casino where his sister lost her job thanks to an asshole and Gen was hurt and groped by the same guy Tyler is determined it won't be happening to Mira so he gets a job there in security. Things heat up between the two of them.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite of the series so far!

Tyler and Mira are minor characters in the first two books, but in this book we're clued in about their history and why they appeared to hate each other. As is common in second-chance romances, miscommunication is to blame for their original break-up, but unique to this book is the entire story that shows it was so much more than a simple communication breakdown. Their story is complex and messy, with both characters making mistakes along with way, but ultimately their love is the only thing they can count on and the sweetest of HEAs is delivered when they finally stop fighting the inevitable.

This story also gives us a lot more about what's going on at Blue, the casino where some of the characters work. Although each of the books in this series are standalone romances, the issues at the casino continue to unfold from one to the next.

I wasn't sure how I'd like Mira after meeting her in the earlier books, but to this author's credit, Mira's backstory really does explain her behavior and allows us to see her as a sympathetic character. Unlike the first two books which were entirely in the female protagonist's POV, this one alternates between Mira's and Tyler's first-person narratives. This works beautifully as so much of this story is based on how they both interpreted their high-school interactions and how that relationship affected their future decisions.

Deeply romantic at its core, this book was a beautiful escape that I thoroughly enjoyed from the first page to the last. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story that is part of series. Which I cannot tell you but its about friends who work and live in Vegas. The author has several series about Vegas and I read Hayden and Adams book and so I thought this was a new story more in their series but it was not. In fact it does have Hayden but sort of right when she gets hired, before Adam even enters the scene and it stars Mira, the female lead who ends up as her admin assistant. Mira's story is very sad, a drugged out mother, adopted vy a rich family but she never gave up on her mother and so she works hard and is broke because she is always giving her mother money.

The story also features her old crush, Tyler who is the brother of the woman that Lewis is dating, Lewis is Mira's best friend and sorta adopted brother who she grew up with. He is asked to take care of her and her safety so she leaves Lewis alone. So as you can see it is very complicated and interconnected with some other books in the series.

I was not lost but I also felt like I was dropped in the middle of all this and Tyler does not want to help Mira so he pretends to bring women home and it kinda grossed me out. He is deliberetely trying to hurt Mira so she goes away, yet her life is really in danger. All this made me kinda hate him and turned my stomache.

Add into this the drugs, etc and it was not what I expected of this story. The author is a great storyteller but this was much more than I expected and not the type of story I enjoy reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Second Chance with What Might Have Been

Miscommunication is the number one killer of relationships. And this book is no different. Rebound Roommate takes the reader on the journey that Mira and Tyler have been on since middle school. As kids they both had a crush on the other and it even seemed like it was going to happen. But with all good books, there needs to be suspense. That is where the miscommunication comes in. Following a six year break you begin to learn what makes both of the characters tick as well as see what caused their rift in the first place. Mira has spent to much time, energy, and blood in to putting her drug addict mother before herself. After a loan shark sends his thugs to make Mira pay, the beat her nearly to death. This is the moment with Tyler and Mira get reintroduced to each other in the story. They are now forced to be roommates while Mira tries to decide what to do next and heal. Obviously aware of the growing tension and attraction between the two, the reader can't help by hold their breath and wait for the impending release.

This is the third book in the "Men of Lake Tahoe" series by Jules Barnard. And although it is part of a series, it is its own stand-alone story. That's not to say that the reader shouldn't read them in order, as I feel that I am missing a little back story that other reviewers have had since they read the previous books. I can't wait to go back and read books 1 & 2 and then reread this one before picking up books 4 & 5.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[May Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from the author, and while I would like to commend her writing style, this book is like a hit or miss for me.

The opening premise/ flashback is kinda cool, I must say. The first intimate scene was hot and intimate, which I like, but as soon as the story hit the present setting, it went downhill for me, like what the hero did before reuniting with our heroine. Their antagonism towards each other was borderline annoying. When their real feelings for each other collided with their insecurities and doubts, it makes you dislike them even more; I was really close to just dropping it off. But the side story of our heroine becoming a sidekick to revamp the casino with the new HR manager somehow brought my interest back. Still, sadly, as soon as I finished listening, the harassment and the drugs in the hotel was not tackled enough, I think. Or maybe (hopefully) they are mentioned in the succeeding installment in the series, which may urge me to read the rest of the books. Apart from the plot itself, I notice that the author has the tendency to let her characters babble more on their thoughts which, for me, was a bit dragging. I wished for more dialogue than narration on this one. Nonetheless, I may still consider reading the books from the series as they got me curious about the love story of the other secondary characters while reading this one. Especially between Hayden and Adam! I just might not do it soon, though.

[madtrekkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In junior and senior years at school Tyler tutored Mira. After 3 years, and at Holly Walker's party they hook up. After that night though Mira has nothing to do with him Tyler leaves town, goes to college, graduates, becomes engaged and the years pass. When he returns he sees Mira twice and he is angry, distant, broken because of how things ended. But when she goes missing he is the one to find her, injured in the woods. When found her foster brother Lewis, Gen, Jaeger and Cali suggest that Tyler stay with Mira. OMGGGGG what storytelling! I was thoroughly engrossed reading this exceptional story. Mira is such a complex, emotionally and mentally strong character, after all the abuse she had suffered that there was a fragment of love and hope left in her that her foster family and Tyler could see. Tyler has loved Mira since school but when she pushed him aside he had no idea of why she did so. The story is well written and paced. The reader is able to emphasise with both characters - they really are 'brought to life'. It's is an extraordinary, unique story. The story is compelling and as reader felt quite invested in the characters happiness!! I loved how Tyler was able to slowly break down the barriers and for them to finally find their HEA! Highly recommended!!

[Steph Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I've 'read' from this author. I hadn't realised it was the 3rd book in the Never Date series so I'm hoping the first two didn't link in characters.

Regardless, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the opening where it gave you insight to the two main characters past relationship. There were times I found the character development slightly lacking and times Tyler's character frustrated me. But it was short lived. This book is the perfect story if you're looking for a little romance with a bit of spice. As I work in a demanding role, this book helped me switch off after a long day and leave work at work.

I really enjoyed the storyline with Mira's mum and how that situation was impacting her work. However, I did find the conclusion to this storyline quite frustrating and like an easy out for the writer.

From looking at the reviews from others, I can understand why this may be a hit or miss for some people. Some of the story line felt like it dragged a bit, whilst others felt a bit rushed. And I could definitely understand why some may find Mira's and Tyler's relationship frustrating. I think if you're able to look past these shortcomings, the book is a good read. Would definitely recommend!

[greenapplemojito · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note: I read this book as a standalone and have not read the other books in this series and so my views on this book come from that perspective.

On a completely different side note, I had this book in my tbr for a while because I couldn't find it and then I found the edition of this book titled "True Blue" (Tbh, I love cartoony covers so when I saw the other edition, it kind of wanted me to not continue proceeding with the book and I just don't know why I am not that into covers with real people on them).

Please read TWs before reading the book. I must say, this book wasn't that exciting or a good of a read and was a bit of a bummer for me and I felt like I waited so long to read this and it didn't live up to it. The whole plot of the fallout was based on miscommunication, and I barely felt any spark between them, be it in the past or present, I would really not go with the term "Ex" at all in this scenario, and I really felt that the heroine was annoying and did a lot of shitty things or took a lot of shitty decisions and was just not personally likable.

I was really excited for this book but unfortunately it is not one of my best reads yet.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was complicated. This is my first time reading this author and I really had a difficult time figuring out who was together and what part they played in the storyline. Lots of characters. I do feel you really should read the other preceding books in the series to know what is going on and who is a couple and what part they play in the story. The first third of the book involves secondary characters and it’s difficult to get into the story if you don’t know who they are and their connection to Tyler and Mira. Tyler and Mira knew each other in high school. They had crushes on each other but neither knew. Tyler is back in town to reassess his life and try to move on. Mira has never left and is trying to get her life together after some bad choices. They took dIfferent paths in life which now are bringing them back together. Can they finally deal with their lives? Can they come together and heal the past and go forward into the future? Enjoy the journey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helping Each Other Is The Key:
By Korkoi -
This story is really interesting, with all the twists, turns, drama and misunderstandings, that will have your mind spinning. The author’s portrayal of Tyler and Mira’s storyline is very realistic and it felt like I was watching it unfold in real life, with each page turn. The lessons I took from this story, is not to make assumptions without having all the facts and that trust and communication, are the most important part of all types of relationships. This is a thought provoking romance that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with all the plots in the book. You will definitely be recommending this book to your family and friends once you finish reading it.

I received an ARC of this book from Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this "Men of Lake Tahoe" story. It's a emotional roller coaster of a story with suspense, danger and great twists. The plot is interesting and intriguing. I absolutely love the characters!!! Mira and Tyler are so meant for each other in every way it just takes them a while to get there. Mira has a sad but very happy upbringing. She struggles with her past as well as abandonment issues. Tyler saves her when she is younger and a bond forms between them that only develops over time. She is determined to be with him before he graduates. So she does just that but was not prepared for the after math. Tyler leaves for school and now is back home after graduating and suffering his own tragedy. This is a really nicely developed story with a slow burn, angst, fear, family and so much more. I highly recommend the book and all of the other "Men of Lake Tahoe" stories.