It Had to Be You

by Ali Parker

I would break the curse.

I’d have my fun wedding hookup and I would not be marrying her after.

If I had it my way, I’d never have to see her again, either.

Joke’s on me.

I run into her in the most unlikely of places.

My oil rig in the middle of the ocean.

Poseidon must have gotten a laugh at that one.

She’s everywhere I turn, making an already dangerous environment even more treacherous.

Raging waves below.

Raging desires above.

She’s a siren singing to me.

I’m ready to dive in.

But she’s not.

I’m her brother’s best friend.

But I could win her over.

And that’s just what I’m going to do.

Come hell or high water, this girl is mine, and our future?

Well.

Maybe I won’t break that curse after all.

496 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2024

About the author

Hi! I’m Ali Parker, a USA Today bestselling author who has been writing contemporary and new adult romance for over a decade, creating heartfelt, swoony stories that give readers a place to escape and feel a little lighter. Every book I write starts with a simple “what if” and is crafted the old-school way; with imagination, long nights, too much coffee, and a deep love for storytelling (no AI here, just heart and a dedicated human team I treasure like family).

I left my career as a CPA to follow that calling, inspired by the power one great story can have to bring hope and joy. These days, I live in Tennessee with my husband (my real-life book boyfriend), our family, and my sweet grandbabies who make life even sweeter. When I’m not writing, I’m dreaming up new stories, crafting A LOT, and soaking up every moment with the people I love most. Oh, and drinking way too much coffee. Don’t judge.

Welcome to my stories, your escape, your adventure, and maybe even your next favorite love story.


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Reviews

[Lottie Hildenbrand]

I loved this book. All the books in this series are really good. This book is a standalone, but the couples from the previous books in the series all make an appearance. Logan and Mira’s story is a bit of a rollercoaster ride. They work hard to get to their happy ending. I thought the character development was really good and there was a nice amount of spice. There were some laugh out loud moments and lots of emotion. At times it was really hard to tear myself away from the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mimi Dyer]

Logan Jones is determined that he will not fall for his friends’ curse that the best man hooking up with a woman at their weddings would result in their own marriage. Nope. Not even close. Mira Spiers is a woman in a man’s world and doesn’t beat around the bush. When Logan tries to chat her up, she takes the drink he offers and fades away only to come back later and tap him for a night of wild sex, which is off the charts steamy.

When Logan flies out to visit the oil rig he purchased, he is gobsmacked to see none other than Mira, who, as it turns out, owns, along with her brother, Slate, a consulting firm that specializes in the oil and gas industry. And guess who her older brother went to engineering school with? Logan Jones, which necessitates keeping their relationship a secret from him.

But like all secrets, theirs becomes known to Slate, and he goes ballistic, trying desperately to keep them apart. Then one catastrophe after another befalls Logan and Mira as the story barrels through to its conclusion. What a tour de force!

Like a family reunion, I loved being reconnected with characters from the previous Not You Again series as Ali Parker weaves them seamlessly into the fabric of the current plot line. It’s especially endearing when those characters give Logan advice about how to handle Mira. Parker also brilliantly uses the backdrop of oil rigs to present the dichotomy of the necessary production and environmental considerations, and the challenges women face in an industry that is predominantly male.

This is a must read, so grab a copy and get ready for a wild ride!

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

[Nuhaa]

Ali Parker did it again!!! I was hooked from the very beginning of the story. It is so funny to see how Logan was desperate to break the curse of whoever sleeps with their bridesmaid will not be getting married this time. The first time he hooked up with Mira was in his friend's wedding and it was just for fun but after months later when they met again on the oil rig, Mira find out that Logan is the best friend of his brother and the owner of the rig. Her brother had made it clear enough for her and Logan to stay away from each other. But the question here is will they be able to stay away from each other despite being warned by her brother?

I love both Mira and Logan's characters, their chemistry is something else in this story. Despite the warning from her brother she could not stay away from him. It took one incident on the oil rig for Logan and Mira to realise they have indeed feeling for each other.

I wish this book would never end but unfortunately every good things have to come to an end and I so want a Logan in my life. Worth reading this book you will not be able to put it down until you are done with it. Highly recommended!!!

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

[Vicki Wayne]

This is a standalone book in a series about a group of friends who seem to find their soulmate as they participate in one of the friends' weddings. In this book, we see Logan, who is determined to have a one-night stand with one of the bridesmaids, thinking that he'd NEVER end up like his friends. He sets his sights on Mira, but finds that she's a tough nut to crack. Mira decides a night of debauchery is exactly what she needs, so she gives in to Logan's advances, and they have a wonderful night. Fast forward to the oil rig that Logan impulsively purchased from his friends. As Logan is taking his 'new owner' tour...he finds out that Mira works on the rig, and is his best friend's little sister. Things are about to get interesting.

This is a great romance...these two are literally oil and water together, but their chemistry is amazing. When you add the whole 'forbidden' romance aspect - it becomes even more tortured and interesting. Ali has done an amazing job, yet again, of keeping us entranced in a love story. You won't be disappointed! Thanks to the author for another wonderful book!

[Jen]

Mira was warned about playboy Logan from the outset, but that didn’t stop her from getting involved.
It was a bumpy journey, including throwing an insight into working on an oil rig, and more so for the way a woman had to work twice as hard to be accepted in that area.
Mira’s brother Slate, who was also Logan’s best friend, had his doubts about their romance which impacted on Mira but he was definitely a man with integrity which came across well in the book.
Although a long story there was a lot happening which made the book a page turner. They had their ups and downs along the way but there were also some steamy make-up sessions. There was a lump in my throat at their wedding vows Logan showed how much he had matured during their time together.
There were some fun parts to the story, I loved Anya, Mira’s best friend, especially her outlook on work ethic, who could challenge her logic?
Another great story in this series that kept me on my toes with their HEA rounding off the story.

[BP34]

This is part of the Not You Again Series, but can be read as a standalone. The stupid curse had overtaken the groom, his brother and two friends. Logan was determined to break the curse, the one where the best man would end up marrying the woman he hooked up with at a wedding. He just wanted a one-time hookup, and he had his sites on Mira. Their chemistry was explosive and their banter, hilarious. Nine months later, they're both shocked to find out that he is the owner of the oil rig that she and her brother have been hired to oversee as consultants. The chemistry and attraction is still there, but she tries to ignore it. This was a great book that was hard to put down once I started. So prepare to lose a little sleep. Does Logan get the one woman who is able to resist his charm? No spoiler here, but you'll love Mira and Logan's story and want more. Great characters, great storyline and a page turning romance by a talented author. I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author, and I voluntarily chose to review it.

[Anna]

Some of Logan’s good friend have been in wedding and it seems that they hooked up with one of the bridesmaids and then fell in love and got married. Well, Logan is now a best man and a friend’s wedding and he swears that he will not fall under the wedding curse. Logan is just looking to hook up with one of the bridesmaids and he has his site set on Mira. Of course, Mira has been for warned about Logan and at first, she blows him off but later decides a one-night stand with the hot guy won’t hurt a thing. Little did either of them know that Logan just so happens to be Mira’s brother’s best friend. They find this out when Logan flies out to the oil rig he purchased to inspect it and meets up with Slate only to find Mira right beside him and is shocked to find out she is his sister.
Ali brings us a well written brother’s best friend romance that pack a lot of banter and steam. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it. I was honored to receive an arc copy of this book and I am freely leaving my review.

[Ally Doby (Schleicher)]

*4.75 stars*

This is book five of this interconnected standalone series. It’s told in dual first person POV and leaves you with a HEA.

I loved Logan, he was an arrogant jerk on the outside but a sweet romantic on the inside that only Mira seems to bring out in him. I loved that he was respectful of her brother’s feelings but also determined to prove he has changed because of her.

I had a love/hate relationship with Mira. I loved her for being the strong, determined and independent woman she was for the career she was in. But I wasn’t fond of the fact that she believed every single bad thing that was mentioned about Logan. I didn’t like that she avoided him every time she heard a bad thing instead of just talking to him. I also didn’t like that she jumped to conclusions and didn’t ask him to elaborate after she asked him the question that had been nagging her. She did redeem herself in the end though.

I have enjoyed this series and revisiting the previous characters. I can’t wait to read the next book to see how the next couple try to fight the wedding curse. I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Virginia VanSaders]

I just love Logan and Mira!

The tradition is hook up with one of the bridesmaids, fall in love and get married. There are two of Logan’s friends and two childhood friends that’s happened to so far. Logan is the best man at Jude & Mickey’s wedding. Mira is a bridesmaid. Logan is self-assured, but a fun guy. Mira is self-assured, but more reserved. They both like to be in control. He’s determined to have a one-night stand with her, one and done. Logan owns a oil rig. Mira and her brother took over Spiers Consulting, which was their father’s company, which deals with offshore oil rigs. They travel to them doing their work. This story will make you happy, sad, and frustrated with anticipation, realization, steam that’s off the charts and emotions all through it. It’s a great, great story that’s told of two strong people who battle with doubts and insecurities.

[Sally]

This is such a brilliant read.
Logan didn't believe in the curse of dancing with a bridesmaid when he was the best man so looking for a hook-up was all he was after.
Mira knew she should stay away from cocky Logan but all she wanted was a good night.
It wasn't long before they were burning up the sheets and a hot steamy night.
Months later and they haven't forgotten that night and Logan can't believe that Mira is on the oil rig that he owns and that she is one of his best friends little sister.
The chemistry is still hot between them but Mira's brother keeps telling her to stay away from Logan.
Can they stay away from each other? What happens when feelings start to change will her brother come around or lose one of his best friends.
Absolutely loved the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Baljeet Randhawa]

There are two of Logan’s friends and two childhood friends that’s happened to so far. Logan is the best man at Jude & Mickey’s wedding. Mira is a bridesmaid. Logan is self-assured, but a fun guy. Mira is self-assured, but more reserved. They both like to be in control. He’s determined to have a one-night stand with her, one and done. Logan owns a oil rig. Mira and her brother took over Spiers Consulting, which was their father’s company, which deals with offshore oil rigs. They travel to them doing their work. This story will make you happy, sad, and frustrated with anticipation, realization, steam that’s off the charts and emotions all through it. It’s a great, great story that’s told of two strong people who battle with doubts and insecurities.

[Jessica Tejeda]

This is the next book in the had to be you series and it's now Logan turn. Logan hooks up with Mira at Jude's wedding. Both are very strong willed characters and I love to see how this plays out in the story. Logan didn’t know that Mira is the baby sister of one of his best friends, Slate. Their interactions after they come back together definitely kept me interested in see how their outlooks in life were going to play out. Logan is more playful that Mira, but I understood why Mira is the way she is. Growing up working with her dad and brother, Mira knew she had to be a certain way so that she wouldn't get ran over when she was on the job. Their whole story and how they handled each other were my favorite parts.

[Kristen Lewendon]

Logan is an arrogant, impulsive jerk. But he’s also a giant mushy teddy bear with a heart made of gold-plated marshmallow. Mira… left me yo-yo-ing back and forth between love and frustration. I loved these two when everything between them was going well. However, Mira was so determined to believe every bad thing about Logan that I was left gritting my teeth whenever their situation went sideways. In the end, these two were perfectly matched and I already can’t wait to see what havoc the author is plotting for the next pair.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.

[Cyndie Tomkins]

If you know Ali Parker as an author, you know you are guaranteed a few things...a great book, usually strong characters, some great sexy scenes and a happily ever after...but how the characters reach that hea....
This book is a part of the Not You Sgain series, but you can read as a standalone.
Logan is going to break the curse that has "taken" to many people he knew, and Mira was the perfect person to break it with he would never see her again.....imagine his surprise when he shows up to the oil rig he owns and who is there???
Enjoy the rollercoaster ride with this book!!
I received an ARC copy from the author and freely give my review.

[Kathy]

Love this series. It's funny, good, bad, ugly and brilliant!

One of my favorite series for 100% entertainment! Still not sure if the Best Man hook up with a bridesmaid legend is a curse or blessing! Logan and Mira are turned inside out by her brother, his best friend more than once! These two fight tooth and nail for their roller coaster ride to get an HEA! Both giving up from time to time making you scream NO! Supporting characters are phenomenal and most couples have their own books! Satisfaction guarantee! Thank You Ali once again for knocking it out of the park!

[PW]

This book is an excellent read. I got so drawn into the story that at times Mira got on my nerves. At others I felt her vulnerability of existing in a male dominated career while still maintaining her feminity. Logan, Logan, Logan he is so much more then he originally believes himself to be. This book definitely took me on a journey through this time in their lives. The charactes, storyline and plot are complex, commanding and engaging. This is a must read connected series.

This Bookfunnel ARC is a fantastic read.

[Peggy]

A compelling read. This story revolves around Mira and Logan. I didn’t think much of him at first but I love to see an arrogant jerk fall hard. Underneath his not so nice features is a lovely teddy bear though. At first I thought Mira was the one for him but I do admit the back and forth, push and pull was getting a bit tiresome and Mira thought the worse of Logan all by herself. Their banter was fun at times but this is a long read and parts did read slow. It all worked out in the end even though Logan did not want to believe that wedding curse. A pretty good read.

[Judy25]

Logan and Mira met at a wedding where he was the best man and she was a bridesmaid.  They had their one night of fun and never expected to see each other again.  Both were surprised when Logan showed up on the oil rig that he owned and his best friend, Slate, who managed the rig for him, introduced him to his sister - Mira.  It is a great story with several misunderstandings and miscommunications, but they got their HEA in the end.  I appreciated how safety was stressed on the oil rig.

[Pat]

I loved the characters storyline and flow of this second chance romance. Best man and bridesmaid hooking up at a wedding not unheard of, got to love fate! When his best friend hires him to work on his oil rig, his one night hook up Ned’s up being his sister. Several misunderstandings that had me groaning aloud. An enjoyable read with a hea ending. *I was given a copy and am voluntarily giving my honest review.

[Sharon Faurot]

I received this book as an arc member . Give my thoughts if own free will . Logan a groomsmen also a billionaire wants a one night stand with a bridesmaid meets Mira . He can’t get her out of his mind months later . Logan buys an oil rig and walks in and can’t get over who is there with her brother Logan best friend . Such a page turner . Think best one yet in this wedding series . So much more than just a wedding hookup . Way better than 5 stars .

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel]

Logan and Mira connect at a wedding and then he sees her again on his oil rig when she is introduced as his best friend's sister. Mira was warned about Logan and took it to heart. He is determined to win her over but it isn't that easy. Has fate given him the one woman that he can't use his charm on to get what he wants. This heartfelt story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Brenda Moser]

Another great book in the Not You Again series! This one brings Logan and Mira's story. The author takes you into their lives with determination, intrigue, chemistry and a growing love. She kept me glued to the pages with her descriptive scenes and delivers a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.

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

[Nicole Cambers]

Logan is looking for a one night stand at a friends wedding. Mira was warned about Logan but is also drawn to him. Leaving without a goodbye Mira and Logan are both shocked when they are reintroduced to each other on an oil rig Mira works for that Logan now owns. Along with finding out that Mira’s brother, Slate, is a close friend to Logan. The story has a few twist and turns along the way. Ending with an HEA. This was a fun story to get swept along in. I’m hoping Slates story is next.

[Marilyn Smith]

This was a story of a rich playboy that slept with his best friend’s sister a few years again. Now he is working with her brother and she’s there helping her brother. This is the first time seeing each other since before. They still have that pull toward each other but she’s scared f his playboy reputation and her brother definitely doesn’t want them together. What will they do to get a chance? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Staci]

Logan and Mira’s story has them getting together but he is t wanting the curse that goes with it. The hook-up at a wedding turning into the woman you marry. So when it’s over they go their separate ways but almost a year later he meets her again after almost a year on his oil rig. Her and her bro were a consultant. But the chemistry is still there and she tries to deny it. He wears her down and they get their hea

[Terra Oenning]

I absolutely love this series and this book is no different with the wedding curse but Logan doesn't believe it and being best for his friends wedding he is going to prove everyone that there's no curse until he hits on a bridesmaid Mira but when he finds who she is it will cause alot trouble and heartbreak? This book was such a great story and will definitely have you hooked from the beginning until the end and absolutely falling in love with the series.

[Tiffany Townsend]

Logan is a known player. He doesn’t even hide his intent - which is good because that is all Mira wants from Logan,. A hookup
But what she gets is so much more.
Character development is awesome (as usual)
They claim to be polar opposites but when Logan’s job intersects with Mira’s, it becomes clear that the two share more than either will admit.
Read this heat and banter/funny filled enemy to lovers read today!

[Rachel]

Logan and Mira are great!
This is a standalone book but part of a series that mentions other couples from the series.
Logan doesn't want to be like his friends and get married, especially after another wedding.
Mira wants to be the boss babe in a man's world. They have a chance meeting, which causes a rollercoaster relationship between them, but it's got great story, heart, steam, and of course an amazing ending.
Can't wait to read more from this client.

[LeMiliere]

When acting as Best Man at his friend's wedding Logan ends up sleeping with Mia, a bridesmaid who just happens to be his best friend's younger sister she also works on an oil rig he's purchased so he's also her boss. He's determined not to be a victim of the curse his friends believe in and end up marrying her though.

Logan and Mira are great characters and their story is one I enjoyed immensely. I loved the book and recommend it

[Jocelyne]

This is the fourth book in the Not You Again Series. This is a full length standalone novel in an interconnected series. Logan and Mira’s story is beautifully written. They are both interesting characters. I liked this passionate brother's best friend slow burn romance. The friendship in the series is amazing, and I loved to see the characters from the first book in the series. This is an excellent series.