Ali Parker is a full-time contemporary and new adult romance writer with more than a hundred and twenty books behind her. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. The man is hot. Hello. She’s a creative at heart and loves coming up with more ideas than any one person should be allowed to access. She lives in Tennessee with her hubs, teenage son, two grown daughters, and two love-of-her-life grandbabies! Telling a good story that revives hope, reminds us of love, and gives a vacation from life is all she’s up to.
This is the story of Rhylee & Simon. In Ali Parker’s series of ‘Girl’s Bestie Rom Com, this is Rylee’s turn to find romance. Most of her roommates/bestie’s have found their true loves and moved out of the “big house”. There is only Rhylee and her friend Karen that remain as housemates. Rhylee is a bartender in a bar with all the traits of a classic neighborhood hangout. She can solve all the problems of the world while mixing some very creative cocktails. She is in her element. In walks Simon, the billionaire oil executive, who has just become persona non grata at his family events. Simon tries to get to know Rhylee with some pithy repartee, but she won’t have any of it. The characters are well developed. You can feel the emotions lift off the page. This couple feed off of each other’s insecurities. It is a wonderful, enjoyable read that leaves you with a smile on your face.
Awe! That was just so stinking adorable. It’s been just long enough since I read the last book in the series, that I’d kind of forgotten how much I love these incredible, feisty women and the men who love them. It was pretty clear to me from the beginning, that Rylee’s animosity towards Simon was going to become something very different. However, I didn’t have a clue that Simon would turn out to be such a tortured, vulnerable hero, or that I would question whether or not I really loved Rylee multiple times while reading. In the end, I thought this pair was perfect together and I was so happy to see them get the Happy Ever After they deserved. Now, I can’t wait to see just what kind of circus the final housemate is about to be dropped into. I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
This is book four of this interconnected standalone series, told in dual First person POV and leaves you with a HEA. Even though this can be read as a standalone, IMO, it is more enjoyable when the books are read in order since the previous characters make several appearances.
I loved Rylee in the previous books and was hopeful she would get her own story. I wasn’t disappointed, I loved that she was a bartender and was so passionate about mixology. My heart went out to her for her mixed feelings on her friends moving out and starting their lives with their significant others. I was proud of her for taking the chance to make her dream of traveling come true.
Simon stole my heart. He was the black sheep of the family all because he wanted them to actually work instead of having everything handed to them. I loved how he interacted with his nephew and made sure he was able to act his age as a kid instead of the young adult he was expected to. I loved the chemistry between Simon and Rylee. I loved they could banter, have fun and take things serious when needed. I loved they both went out of their comfort zones for each other just to spend time together.
While this book was a little longer than I usually like, it was still an enjoyable read. If you haven’t read any of Ali Parker’s books before, I highly recommend it. They are a little on the longer side , but you are definitely going to get adventure, drama, aggravation, laughs and a HEA. I received an advanced readers copy. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
Incredible telling of Rylee and Simon's unique love story! You don't want to miss it! Rylee and Simon, from two different worlds but complementary to each other, who knew? This is a really interesting account of how much Simon is attracted to Rylee, a bartender unlike any woman he'd ever dated before! His family hates him, which is a huge red flag to Rylee's besties' when she talks to them about him. Them and their significant others are so down on him, only by what they've read from the media or heard through rumors. Rylee sees a different man, kind and generous. She takes a open end trip overseas she's saved for years to take, and then after the first few days, she's lost her passport. Will Simon save the day? What kind of man is he really? Thanks Ali, this is a marvelous example of opposites attract and how amazing it can be! As always good to see the other besties and friends, 5 stars from me, for sure with a breathtaking HEA. I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
It won’t take you long to fall in love with Simon and Rylee. They’re opposites in that he’s an oil billionaire, demanding, a workaholic, a jerk, and a loner. She’s a hard working bartender with ethics and lots of friends. Fate brings them together one night when he walks into this dive bar next to his hotel. He is instantly smitten and she is not. She becomes a challenge to him and her protective friends issue warnings to both. Heartbreaking at times and heartwarming moments. This story will draw you in emotionally and you’ll find yourself pulling for Rylee and Simon. They are just what the other needs and it is heartwarming how they are the missing piece that helps heal the other. What happens when his enemies start attacking her? No shortage of drama or steam. A page turner that will grab your interest right A sweet epilogue, a happy ending and no cliffhanger. I read a free advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
A tough road to love From the moment Simon lay eyes on Rylee, little did he know that it was game over for him. She altered his perception on life and he slowly became a better man for it. Rylee however comes across as sassy, bold and no nonsense with men but underneath she is lonely and uncertain on the direction her life is heading. I absolutely adored these two characters and the adventures they got up to. I was equally excited and sad for them as they navigated their feelings for each other, hoping that they could get through the mess they found themselves wrapped up in. A beautifully written, emotional at times story of great friendships, being brave enough to follow your dreams and making the scary choices in life. Looking forward to reading the next in series and Karen’s adventures.
Simon was an Oil billionaire and Rylee was a top notch bartender. The first time he laid eyes on Rylee was in a bar that she was working in and she caught his eye and made him feel things he hadn't felt in a long time. Rylee was a very independent woman who had a group of girlfriends that were falling in love, getting engaged or getting married except one. Simon's family was a bit dysfunctional and he was dealing with that but the fact his company had a major oil spill was the major stressor in his life. Their relationship was full of ups and downs and hot, spicy romance. Together he and Rylee would hopefully work through things and make the right decisions that could lead to a happily every after. We will see! I loved this story and so will you. I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed!
I really enjoyed this book about Simon & Rylee, complete opposites with undeniable chemistry. This is a book that is part of a collection about a group of girls that live together and find love, but each book is easily able to be read as a stand-alone! Ali gives enough details about the other girls that the reader isn't confused. I love the character definition that Ali gives to each of her leads. Simon is NOT a likeable guy, altho we have a hint that there may be more underneath that crusty and very rich exterior. Rylee is a hard working girl with dreams, but no means to make them come true. There story isn't smooth or easy, and they both grow individually throughout this story, as well as together as a couple. Of course, this is a typical HEA, but I loved the huge doses of reality that the author provides as they fall in love!
Simon is CEO of an oil company that his father owned. Rylee is a bartender. He walks in the rundown bar to get away from it all. He’s in town for two weeks. She gives him a hard time, which he’s not used to, and it’s attractive to him. He goes back to the bar the next day to kill some time, but also to see Rylee. There are conflicting feelings between them, but to Rylee the most. As a rule, she doesn’t like arrogant jerks who think they are entitled. Simon is very persistent until he takes pause. His life is a mess. No one like him, not even his family. Can Rylee change who he is and make him a better man. It’s an interesting journey they go on together and separate, with people in the public hating him and causing violence against him. It’s also steamy because they can’t resist each other. It’s a journey I enjoyed going on with them.
This book has a lot of funnies and lovey doves moments. But what I love best is that it deals with difficult family situations. When billionaire Simon Locke is around his family- he’s a brute of a man. Only because he’s on the defense. Because he has built up his father’s company and worked hard he’s not going to roll over for freeloaders, whether they are family or not. Enter Rylee. A sassy bartender who has a lot on the ball. She’s got a great stage presence-hence her success at making tips. When Simon enters The Hall she’s not impressed. He’s used to women fawning over him. But Rylee isn’t one of those women. She’s fierce, bold, and hot. Simon likes her immediately. Read about adventures in Europe, a water gun war at a birthday party for Simon’s nephew and a nerf gun attack in an after hours trip to a toy store. And love. Lots of love
Latest in “A girls bestie” series, this is Rylee’s story. You don’t have to have read the other books in the series, but the other characters do feature so it would make more sense if you read the series in order. Rylee is the bartender skilled in mixing cocktails and being a bit wild, and straight talking. Simon Locke is a billionaire running an oil company. He has to be thick skinned and somewhat aloof and remote from people. His own family feel he is heartless, he wanders into the bar where Rylee works one night, and finds her as someone not impressed with his wealth and charm and decided he wants to get to know her better. They have a connection, but can they have a relationship, especially when Simon comes with so much drama and everyone thinks he’s no good for Rylee, but what does she think of him! I received this as an ARC and enjoyed the journey between these two characters.
From the moment Simon lay eyes on Rylee, little did he know that it was game over for him. She altered his perception on life and he slowly became a better man for it. Rylee however comes across as sassy, bold and no nonsense with men but underneath she is lonely and uncertain on the direction her life is heading. I absolutely adored these two characters and the adventures they got up to. I was equally excited and sad for them as they navigated their feelings for each other, hoping that they could get through the mess they found themselves wrapped up in. A beautifully written, emotional at times story of great friendships, being brave enough to follow your dreams and making the scary choices in life.
Simon is a powerful man who is misunderstood both by his family and the public at large. When he meets Rylee, he is intrigued by her feisty personality and can’t walk away even with all the turmoil he is facing both personally and professionally.
Rylee is happy that her friends have found their one however as much as she wants it she is beginning to doubt it will happen for her. As she spends time with Simon, she gets to know the man and not who others think he is is but there are a lot of challenges to overcome.
Simon needs someone who is supportive, understanding and give him a dose of reality when needed and Rylee is exactly that person as they take us on a romantic journey filled with all the feels.
Rylee’s character was brilliant she just seemed to roll with the flow and could blend in with any group of people. Simon had a lot to learn from her and it started quickly with him building bridges with his sister. Being a millionaire and CEO of an oil company he was never going to be popular but once he’d fired a family member his popularity with his relatives hit rock bottom especially as he called them out on just expecting him to hand out cash. Throw in an oil spill and his reputation is in tatters. It’s an emotional journey but there’s a HEA on the horizon. A good story that shows both main characters grow together.
That Jerk book well it's about Simon who is that jerk but at the same time i really love his character such as he is handsome, workaholic, a billionaire and the sad part is that he is all on his own (no love). Rylee also is a hardworker who works as a bartender. But when these two meet you can see how they were meant to be with each other. When they say opposite attracts each other well "That Jerk" is the perfect book to read. You will have steamy scenes, action, emotions and many many more to read in this lovely book. Highly recommend!
I received this book as an ARC reviewer and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
DNF’d at 71%. I just couldn’t do it. I know I was close to the end. But I couldn’t handle the pacing anymore. This is almost 600 pages. And for what?
It takes the FMC that long to decide she’s in love with the MMC. And I really found it hard by that point to care.
I really don’t understand the super high ratings for this book. Maybe it just wasn’t for me? It was a cute enough story and the Europe section was good. Everything else around it seemed like it could’ve been trimmed down. Maybe if I liked the characters more or I found the plot a bit more intriguing I could’ve justified sticking this out until the end, but I didn’t and so I couldn’t.
Judging a book by its cover is never a good thing. Or in should say a magazine cover photo op. Simon just had had enough! He just happened to walk into the bar Rylee just happened to be working at that night! When your family makes you feel like dirt beneath their feet and a stranger manages to make you smile even though you think she hates you! Of course, judging a book by its cover proved to be wrong and the whole group realized it and Simon was not that man. Not after meeting Rylee and finally getting a date with her! Enjoy! Its real my a great rom com with a HEA and a little spice!
Ali Parker has written a fantastic love story. Even though the book is a little long it is well worth reading. The connected stories about the five housemates has lent itself to touching love stories. Simon and Rylee definitely had some roads to travel independently and together. I love how complex the characters personalities are. The friendships are outstanding especially their honesty, support, and love. This book had me reading into the early morning hours.
This Bookfunnel ARC is one of my favorites for the year.
Rylee wants what her friends have a loving man that will complete her so when Simon walks into her bar she is shaken up by him. The sparks ignite between them, but Simon has a lot of issues going on in his life. When they finally get together. He is an oil tycoon with family members that are causing him issues and when an oil spill comes into the mix, he becomes an unfavorable being to be with. Rylee sees beyond it all, but will it be enough for her and Simon to get their chance for a happily ever after. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
What a great story! As Rylee is feeling lonely with all her girlfriends finding their partners except for her and Karen, she is ready to go on a lifetime adventure to try and shake the doldrum. She meets Simon, billionaire playboy and all around jerk while working at the bar where he becomes fixated on her and trying to get her attention any way he can. She will show him how to be a better man because he realizes that there is more to life than business and money. It is an emotional story, fun, sexy and full of surprises. Another great story from Ali Parker!
I enjoyed Rhylee and Simon’s story. Simon Locke. Billionaire oil tycoon. Bad boy bachelor. He’s a walking neon red flag. And for some reason all he wants to do is get to know Rhylee. Half the country hates him, and right when she thinks she can see the good side of him. Which makes her a target for his enemies. Her friends are worried about her. They’re planning their weddings and she’s having tomatoes hurled at her by an angry mob. Is Simon worth all this? She won’t know unless she tries. It was an interesting read. And voluntarily leaving this review.
I enjoyed reading this and loved Simon and Rylee. Simon is a hard working billionaire who is ruthless in business. Rylee is a bartender with a passion for mixology. He comes into her bar after a bad confrontation with his family wanting to forget them. He realizes Rylee is not like all the other women who only want him for his money. He’s attracted to her but she wants no part of him. I loved how their relationship developed even though I felt this could have come together with less pages. It could have been 150 pages less. All and all it was a wonderful read.
Rylee finally had her turn for a happily ever after in That Jerk? Edgier than most of her friends who lived at the big house, she happily works in mixology in a dive bar. The kind of bar that Simon never should have walked into…
But in a true case of opposites attract, Rylee and Simon complimented each other, smoothed their rough edges, and stood together against sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds.
This book was long, but the story and characters were well developed. I really enjoyed Simon and Rylee’s story and the glimpses we got of other couples from earlier in this series.
If there was such a thing as 10 star ratings, this book would definitely qualify!!!! Ali Parker has outdone herself!!!! The feelings expressed by the characters were SO heartfelt that I felt like I was experiencing them myself! In a day and age where cliques are so prevalent and pre-judging people is the norm, this book was a breath of fresh air, exploring getting to know a person before making snap judgements! The romanctic scenes could make history! Simply AWESOME!!!!
Simon Locke, billionaire owner of an oil refinery in Houston, walks into a bar in Dallas and is gobsmacked when he sees bartender/mixologist Rylee. She plays hard to get and he is extremely persistent. when they finally get together, sparks fly. They both help each other grow into the people they are meant to be. It's a great love story with a few plot twists and a special HEA. I received a free ARC and am leaving my honest review.
Simon a billionaire oil tycoon walks into a bar and saw Rylee. He knew he wants her. She doesn't like him at all. She is a challenge to him. Rylee is a very independent woman. Simon has a lot to deal with and Rylee helps him see things different. This is such an amazing story with ups and downs, drama and steam. It will keep you glued to the pages until the end. Totally 10 stars. A fantastic must read story.
Rylee and Simon's story in this series of rom.coms. I think this story is the best one yet. Rylee is a bartender/mixologist at a dive bar and Simon Locke, billionaire/oil tycoon walks in one night. Rylee takes an instant dislike to Simon and he finds her sarcasm funny and interesting, so much so that he shows up again the next night and the next. I'm not going to tell you how the story goes but obviously they talk at some time as it ends as a HEA. Buy this book you won't be disappointed.
Love this series - the group of friends and of course, how the guys are accepted and are so protective of the other ladies. It won’t take you long to fall in love with Simon and Rylee. As polar opposites in life, t is hard t imagine. He’s an oil billionaire, demanding, a workaholic, a jerk, and a loner. She’s a hard working bartender with ethics and lots of friends. These two embarked on a tough, bumpy road to love both falling hard and fast for each other, but not without its challenges.
It starts with Simon at a family party that goes bad, who then later goes to a bar.....then enters our beloved Rylee, who just happens to be the bartender. Simon appears to be smitten with her on first glance, but it isn't that way for Rylee. Afterwards, they then have several encounters with each other, which appears to then change things up.....sometimes for the worst and sometimes the better. I don't like to give away too much, You will have to read to find out more
That Jerk: A bestie rom-com romance story of Simon and Rylee..He is a Billionaire oil tycoonand Bad boy bachelor..She is a sassy,headstrong bartender but lonely..the 2 met when he went to her bar for a drink an she knows he is trouble with a capital T..she doesn't like a entitled and arrogant man but there is always excemption and that's him..An interesting,intriguing,steamy,with some drama,steam and romance.