This Is Growing Up

Wild Child Reckless #1

by Juliet McKinley

Delilah
Forbidden fruit. It’s alluring, tempting.
It makes your fingers itch to reach out and grab it.
That’s exactly what Alexander is. Forbidden.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with my brother’s best friend.
And then I got him. In all the best ways.
What’s a girl to do when she finally gets to sink her teeth into that forbidden
fruit?
Run.

Alexander
I’m not supposed to want her. My best friend’s little sister.
Delilah is everything right in the world. Yet completely wrong.
I woke up after the best night of my life to an empty bed. A bed she warmed
just hours prior.
She escaped me, but I’ve never been able to escape her.
She’s everywhere. All over the tabloids, radio stations, the television screens.
I see her everywhere.
The day I find out she’s engaged to another man is when I decide it’s time to
bring my girl home. To hell with the consequences.
The rest of the world thinks she’s their pop princess, but I saw her first.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2024

Reviews

[Audrianna Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a slow burn, easy read, about a strong FMC, Delilah, and a brother’s best friend Alexander. It was a huge page turner for me and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. The author did an excellent job building up the past story to help create the feelings and sentiments needed for that second chance romance in the present day.
I would recommend this book to those that like easy to read romances that are slow burn and less spicy on the spicy scale.

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

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this story. I was so invested in these characters and needed to know how their story was going to end.

I love Delilah and her attitude. I was rooting for her from the start. I was desperate for her and Alexander to get their HEA.

The background story was done so well and all the side characters were amazing too.

A fantastic debit and I can’t wait for more from Juliet and the Wild Child Reckless books.

[Lianna Banquer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished it... can't say I read the whole thing, but I did finish it. I got this from a stuff your kindle day.

[Nicole Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delilah and Alexander.

This was a good, entertaining story. This starts with when these two were young and how they met. There is a four year difference between them and I liked how even though they have known each other most of their life Alexander kept his feelings to himself. How Delilah and her friends formed A group that was becoming famous and by the time she graduated recording studios were looking to sign them up. Love how from the start everyone was afraid to get on Delilah's bad side, she is not one to hold her tongue and can hold a grudge. There was a couple parts of the story that aggravated me because she would believe someone she didn't know and not give X a chance to explain or tell him why she just up and left while he was dealing with a family crisis. Then years later same person stirring things up not only with these two but with another band member but I'm sure we will learn more about it in his story.

I received a copy and read it through BookFunnel.

[Mia Fury · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to believe this is a debut release, because this book is SO damn good. It has everything, rock stars, music, unrequited love, childhood crushes, heartbreak, and a beautiful small town feel, even though it spans several locales. I absolutely loved every page, and devoured every word, while simultaneously never wanting it to end.

Delilah is the kind of heroine you love from the start, and keep on rooting for, as you follow her from childhood through to present day, and watch her and X tiptoe around each other, as their relationship shifts over the years. Alexander, or X as she knows him, is exactly the kind of book hero that makes me swoon as I read.

Honestly this is a book I love, and will reread again and again while I wait for the next instalment!

[Miss Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this debut author but my god did she hit all the feels with this beautiful story of star crossed loves. She had me from the get-go with a small town romance but she expertly held me captivated throughout as we got a front row seat to Alexander and Delilah’s poignant and breathtaking journey to a HEA.

This really is a wonderful read. It has enough depth to knock you on your backside and so much emotion it takes your breath away.

Juliet McKinley may be a new author but she is definitely one with an outstanding talent and an obvious love for her writing. I’m fully on board the fan train and can’t wait for the next book!!!

Way more than 5 stars is needed to fully portray just how wonderful and inspiring this book truly is.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read that I absolutely could not put down. Alex and Delilah are the hottest mess of miscommunication and mutual pining and when they finally find their way back to each other the heart just melts. There were a number of places where my heartstrings were being tugged and a few tears fell which makes me want to explore more by McKinley. I feel like there was a plot hole that didn't get fully tied up as the Prologue indicated Texas would be coming after Portland, but as the book progressed Portland was the end of the tour, so it felt like the story never came full circle to the opening salvo.

[Christal Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this series!

What a great story to start this wonderful series off with. I couldn't put down any of the books to do anything else because I simply had to know what Delilah was going to do next. She is a wild one. I thought so many times I'm gonna just scream if no one says what happened so they can work through it. Of course, that wouldn't have been a story worth reading or realistic, I don't imagine.

Another well written one from Juliet, for sure. Don't sleep on this author, y'all. I never felt like I didn't know the characters well enough. Just great all around. Can't wait for more.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book! Rockstars, hometown found families, brother's best friend with sweet unrequited love angst! Delilah quickly become one of my favorite FMCs. I loved how the author wrote her. She's a flawed, immature, take no s$@# girl and I love that she had growth throughout the story. And I adored our MMC Alexander (X), he just kept getting it wrong in the most naive ways that you just couldn't help "Aw, Honey .." him. We get their story through multiple POVs, multiple locations, and ages of their lives, kinda grow up with them. Beautiful story.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Off to a Great Start

It is hard to believe that this book is the author’s first. It is a brother’s best friend and rock star book that made me fall in love with its two main characters. Delilah and Alexander/X were a couple that I could totally get behind and hope for the HEA. Their story was a rollercoaster ride of emotions as well as a big page turner.

I can’t wait to see what the author will bring next.

[Rebecca H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple slow burn that will keep you hooked from page one. The author's writing allows the reader to follow the development of the story, effortlessly. The structure of the characters are well thought out, which allows the books storylineto flow smoothly. I highly recommend that any new romance reader start their journey with this amazing book!.

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

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander and Delilah

This debut novel completely blew me away! It's got rock stars, music, unrequited love, and a beautiful small-town vibe, despite spanning from childhood into adulthood - I fell in love with Delilah from the start and was rooting for her throughout. Alexander, or X, is the perfect book hero - swoon-worthy and unforgettable. This is definitely a book I'll remember and now gotta read Jensen's story!

[Tricia Coker · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would never know this is a debut book, it's SO good. It mixes small town romance and rockstar romance so well and never loses the vibe of either. Delilah is such a great character to connect with! Watching her grow and develop through the book draws the reader on, and those interactions with X (Alexander) are gold! Highly, HIGHLY, recommend and can't wait for the next book!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story took me a bit to get into, with a lot of background from their much younger years laid out, but I persevered and so glad I did! Once we got to their teenage years, and things started falling into place, I was hooked, and couldn't wait to see how their story ended!
Incredible! Amazing! Soooo so Good!! And I can't wait for more!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love brother’s best friend romance so I am always excited to get my hands on a new book. This is Growing Up is my first book by Juliet McKinley and it blew my mind. Once I began reading Delilah and Alexander's story I simply couldn't put it down. I just never knew what was going to happen next. Definitely recommend. 5 stars. Can't wait for the next book!

[Renee Muston · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a great love story ❤️❤️❤️

I loved this one, super devastated at start and I’m glad that nothing else Happens to rest of characters. I did get a little frustrated at the miscommunication between main characters but loved there relationship from young to now. Can’t wait to read rest of series now ❤️

[Raeann Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all the title of this book is perfect for this story! I really enjoyed the rollercoaster of Delilah and Alexander’s relationship… If you love the brother’s best friend trope, this is a must read. But… the ending omg I never saw that coming and need the next book….

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

An exciting introduction into the Wild Child Reckless series! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I did find the timeline a bit difficult to follow at times, I feel like some dates at the start of the chapter would be helpful :)

[Stabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless

I love this book so much. X and Delilah never get it right until they do. They go through so much and so many misunderstandings. When they finally come together it is pure combustion

[Kathy Dryden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't get blindsided

Delilah and X grow up together through the good and bad that life throws at them. This was my first book by Juliet, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was full of life's struggles, love and family. Great characters and storyline.

[Coralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it . Amazing read

[Jennifer Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute! Wasn’t expecting most of the book to be a backstory lol. But I loved it. Characters were relatable and I loved the little set ups for book 2. Loved the ASL representation with Grayson! Can’t wait to read Jensen’s story!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway and I loved it, I will definitely be reading more from Juliet McKinley in the future

[Trinity · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

No stars deducted for the very quick wedding but it’s been coming for 15 years

[Sue Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Is Growing Up

Good read, great characters, really enjoyed this book. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Am sure you will all enjoy it also.

[Sally Speight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seriously can't believe that this is Juliette's first book. It's hands down one of the best books I've read so far this year. The book is read as duel POV, It's a slow burn type of book but had me captivated from the first page. The relationship between Delilah and Alexander was always meant to be. The way Alexander was protected her after her father's death was so beautiful. I wanted them to be end game from the moment they met. The story is a book I can reread and find something new each time. It's a definite must read. I can't wait for Jansen's book.


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