What do you think?
Rate this book
Sterling Shore #3
The Sterling Boys
A love that never came to be, a letter that ruined it all, and secrets that shred and heal...
Rain Noles left Sterling Shore to break free from the painful life she had, but she left behind the man she loved, expecting him to come after her. When he didn't, resentments festered, and Rain lost faith in the love she felt couldn't have been stronger.
Dane Sterling watched his best friend walk away, but he assumed it was only temporary. He didn't realize she was walking out of his life. And now she's back in Sterling Shore and his life.
Life has a way of creating a path for fate to travel. Despite their buried resentments, Dane is there when Rain needs someone the most. But as much as life gives, it also takes away. It's only the strong who brave worst times.
Rain Noles left Sterling Shore to break free from the painful life she had, but she left behind the man she loved, expecting him to come after her. When he didn't, resentments festered, and Rain lost faith in the love she felt couldn't have been stronger.
Dane Sterling watched his best friend walk away, but he assumed it was only temporary. He didn't realize she was walking out of his life. And now she's back in Sterling Shore and his life.
Life has a way of creating a path for fate to travel. Despite their buried resentments, Dane is there when Rain needs someone the most. But as much as life gives, it also takes away. It's only the strong who brave worst times.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2014
377 people are currently reading
2184 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Owens
65 books8,937 followersC.M. Owens only writes romance, but she's a sub-genre whore.
She has two other pen names that she writes under.
Kristy Cunning for Reverse Harem and S.T. Abby for her darker/stabby books.
She has two other pen names that she writes under.
Kristy Cunning for Reverse Harem and S.T. Abby for her darker/stabby books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
March 1, 2024
3.5 Stars
I DID like this book, but I swear it could have also been titled "The Big Dumb Miscommunication that Drives the Reader Nucking Futs."
Seriously, we have ALL read books like this.
Books where one simple, tiny conversation could have legit solved every problem.
Books where lack of one said conversation results in YEARS of heartache and bullshit for the characters - in this case six...years, that is.
Books where you spend the ENTIRE thing saying, JUST. FUCKING. TALK. ABOUT. ALREADY.
Geeeeez.
In this book, we even got not one, but TWO non-conversations...the ORGINIGAL...and then the one which drove the story forward after the H discovers the truth behind the ORIGINAL miscommunication.
It was still an entertaining enough read, but fuuuuuuck.
I DID like this book, but I swear it could have also been titled "The Big Dumb Miscommunication that Drives the Reader Nucking Futs."
Seriously, we have ALL read books like this.
Books where one simple, tiny conversation could have legit solved every problem.
Books where lack of one said conversation results in YEARS of heartache and bullshit for the characters - in this case six...years, that is.
Books where you spend the ENTIRE thing saying, JUST. FUCKING. TALK. ABOUT. ALREADY.
Geeeeez.
In this book, we even got not one, but TWO non-conversations...the ORGINIGAL...and then the one which drove the story forward after the H discovers the truth behind the ORIGINAL miscommunication.
It was still an entertaining enough read, but fuuuuuuck.
Read
December 5, 2021Another DNF because of martyrdom and other NA stuff between Dane and Rain.
The best part of the book is their mashed up celeb name would be Drain..
The best part of the book is their mashed up celeb name would be Drain..
August 22, 2020
This is the book that nearly ruined it for me.
I'll start of with my likes. I loved that in this novel I got to see and understand Tria more. I loved her and my appreciation for her grew in this book. I started with Tria's book and I loved it but the only flaw was that I didn't understand the backstories and Owen's doesnt offer an explanation through out.
In saying that, now that I have read the books leading up it makes sense now and I understand why she is the way she is. But back to Rain and Dane.
Second I loved Maverick and Britt. I felt as though these 2 are characters I can get behind so I'm excited to read more on them through out the series.
Now my dislikes and the reason why I rated this low. Unpopular opinion probably, but I hate Rain. Hated her. Here's why. She was a whiny little bitch to be honest. I despised the fact that the Sterling boys coddled her like a little fragile doll. She seemed so weak and spineless and they had to come rescue her for any little inconvenience. I hated that she hid her hysterectomy and played out on it. I hate that she couldn't just be honest with Kade at any point in the book until it was forced. I hate that she was so mean to Tria for no apparent reason. Aside from some minor and petty shit that Tria did (which is normal for sisters) she was pretty spiteful to Tria. I hate that she allowed the boys to cuddle and kiss her then act so shocked when Kode told her he loved her.
Now I may be a minority but all my Male friends, no matter how close we are, we aren't that affectionate. I wouldn't kiss my own brother nor would I cuddle him like this so hell no, I would not treat my guy best friends like that either. Its gross. So it weirded me out that she let Maverick and Kode kiss on her on the lips. Especially knowing she loved Dane. Dont even get me started onthe fact that he seemed to not really mind. I know it seems judgemental of me but I have read a lot of books that have displayed awesome brotherly friendships with the h without all the sexual weirdness in it.
Dane, he was insignificant to me. There were a few moments where he made me feel a little lukewarm in the chest I.e. the way he was with Britt and sometimes Rain. But other than that he was a little boring.
Rain and Dane's relationship triggered me. They were so immature. So many years wasted because they refused to communicate, I've had young love at that age and maybe it's just me but I would have never let my first love just cut me off with no explanation. No sir, you will not just ignore me lol
Anyways my frustrations were from amass amount of things and I just started skimming around 59% of the book basically.
Although I was thoroughly disappointed from this book I havent given up on the series because lucky enough Tria's book has given me faith. Thank the heavens I read it first otherwise I would have just given up here. Anywho, I'm on to the next book so until then, toodles.
I'll start of with my likes. I loved that in this novel I got to see and understand Tria more. I loved her and my appreciation for her grew in this book. I started with Tria's book and I loved it but the only flaw was that I didn't understand the backstories and Owen's doesnt offer an explanation through out.
In saying that, now that I have read the books leading up it makes sense now and I understand why she is the way she is. But back to Rain and Dane.
Second I loved Maverick and Britt. I felt as though these 2 are characters I can get behind so I'm excited to read more on them through out the series.
Now my dislikes and the reason why I rated this low. Unpopular opinion probably, but I hate Rain. Hated her. Here's why. She was a whiny little bitch to be honest. I despised the fact that the Sterling boys coddled her like a little fragile doll. She seemed so weak and spineless and they had to come rescue her for any little inconvenience. I hated that she hid her hysterectomy and played out on it. I hate that she couldn't just be honest with Kade at any point in the book until it was forced. I hate that she was so mean to Tria for no apparent reason. Aside from some minor and petty shit that Tria did (which is normal for sisters) she was pretty spiteful to Tria. I hate that she allowed the boys to cuddle and kiss her then act so shocked when Kode told her he loved her.
Now I may be a minority but all my Male friends, no matter how close we are, we aren't that affectionate. I wouldn't kiss my own brother nor would I cuddle him like this so hell no, I would not treat my guy best friends like that either. Its gross. So it weirded me out that she let Maverick and Kode kiss on her on the lips. Especially knowing she loved Dane. Dont even get me started onthe fact that he seemed to not really mind. I know it seems judgemental of me but I have read a lot of books that have displayed awesome brotherly friendships with the h without all the sexual weirdness in it.
Dane, he was insignificant to me. There were a few moments where he made me feel a little lukewarm in the chest I.e. the way he was with Britt and sometimes Rain. But other than that he was a little boring.
Rain and Dane's relationship triggered me. They were so immature. So many years wasted because they refused to communicate, I've had young love at that age and maybe it's just me but I would have never let my first love just cut me off with no explanation. No sir, you will not just ignore me lol
Anyways my frustrations were from amass amount of things and I just started skimming around 59% of the book basically.
Although I was thoroughly disappointed from this book I havent given up on the series because lucky enough Tria's book has given me faith. Thank the heavens I read it first otherwise I would have just given up here. Anywho, I'm on to the next book so until then, toodles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2024
Of all the books I've read from this series, I hated this one the most because of the h.
She was pampered, taken care of and what not only because a girl pranked on her in high school and suddenly five gorgeous boys are friends with her and her personal bodyguards! She thinks everything is about her!
I gave up on the book at second chapter itself because how stupid and irritating the h sounded and how desperate she was for attention of all the five boys.
She was a cry baby most of the time, judging her sister for one mistake for her whole life and hating on her making all her five body guard friends to hate on her too just because she didn't like her.
She herself was daughter of some maid who got knocked up by her master and then he just threw her away, the wife of the master then took her in and that's also not enough for this girl. She wants all the attention, she is ignored for a minute, she starts complaining and bitching to her bodyguards.
Ohh... Her so called bodyguards, who she also calls friends keeps kissing her, forehead, cheek and even lips and she is okay with it but when she sees H with her sister who was trying to help her she assumes they are together and again start hating on them for no fvcking reason!
Those said bodyguards turns out to be leads of the next few books which leaves me wondering whether I should read them or not, all because of them babying this h with all the unwanted attention!
She was pampered, taken care of and what not only because a girl pranked on her in high school and suddenly five gorgeous boys are friends with her and her personal bodyguards! She thinks everything is about her!
I gave up on the book at second chapter itself because how stupid and irritating the h sounded and how desperate she was for attention of all the five boys.
She was a cry baby most of the time, judging her sister for one mistake for her whole life and hating on her making all her five body guard friends to hate on her too just because she didn't like her.
She herself was daughter of some maid who got knocked up by her master and then he just threw her away, the wife of the master then took her in and that's also not enough for this girl. She wants all the attention, she is ignored for a minute, she starts complaining and bitching to her bodyguards.
Ohh... Her so called bodyguards, who she also calls friends keeps kissing her, forehead, cheek and even lips and she is okay with it but when she sees H with her sister who was trying to help her she assumes they are together and again start hating on them for no fvcking reason!
Those said bodyguards turns out to be leads of the next few books which leaves me wondering whether I should read them or not, all because of them babying this h with all the unwanted attention!
August 20, 2021
"If you had talked to me instead of running away, you would have known that. I love you, so quit fighting me."
This book is filled with so many misunderstandings, and no communication whatsoever between the hero and heroine. They don't openly talk about anything. Unfortunately this is my least favorite couple in the series. Aside from this, the friendship between Rain and all the sterling boys was very sweet. They were very protective of her.
This book is filled with so many misunderstandings, and no communication whatsoever between the hero and heroine. They don't openly talk about anything. Unfortunately this is my least favorite couple in the series. Aside from this, the friendship between Rain and all the sterling boys was very sweet. They were very protective of her.
November 8, 2020
Why do I feel C.M Owens wrote a book about herself.
So this book was very annoying.The hero and heroine were very "Perfect".It was very boring.I just couldn't realate to Rain,and Dane was well...perfect and boring,and because of cancer it became emotional at times or else I would have given it zero stars.
So this book was very annoying.The hero and heroine were very "Perfect".It was very boring.I just couldn't realate to Rain,and Dane was well...perfect and boring,and because of cancer it became emotional at times or else I would have given it zero stars.
June 25, 2017
Rain is a brat IMHO. She really was surrounded by her princes in shining armor. It was weird how she went around kissing all her guy friends on the lips all the time. Also, the fact that a lost letter was the only thing that thwarted this one true love for 6 years is a weak ass plot conflict. Least favorite book in the series so far.
October 21, 2014
I enjoyed this authors paranormal books and a few of her contemporaries but I feel she's now over stretching herself. She's becoming too prolific. She rushes to release more and more books and has quite a few series going on at the same time. She's a good author so I'm sorry to give yet another book in this series a negative review but these are just too rushed. If she had taken time over the storylines they would have been really good.
Firstly there are too many similar names all starting with the same letters in this series that I'm getting confused. Nothing really happened in this book other than a 6 year misunderstanding that did seem a bit unrealistic that none of the 'brothers' ever stepped in to help Rain and Dane sort out their differences.
The author has the heroine undergo some rather evasive and life changing operations but they are glossed over and I'm unconvinced at the second operation and how quickly Rain was released from hospital and up and about so soon. Aside from that, it was how quickly that operation took place after she was told about it and I found it very unrealistic she didn't tell anyone. It was then predictable what would happen and then what would lead to the happy ever after.
Dane was far too 'nice'. I'm comparing him to heroes from this authors paranormal series who were real men! The men in this series are not really doing it for me. There is a teaser for the next book but they're all becoming a bit 'samey' so I don't think I'll continue with this series.
Firstly there are too many similar names all starting with the same letters in this series that I'm getting confused. Nothing really happened in this book other than a 6 year misunderstanding that did seem a bit unrealistic that none of the 'brothers' ever stepped in to help Rain and Dane sort out their differences.
The author has the heroine undergo some rather evasive and life changing operations but they are glossed over and I'm unconvinced at the second operation and how quickly Rain was released from hospital and up and about so soon. Aside from that, it was how quickly that operation took place after she was told about it and I found it very unrealistic she didn't tell anyone. It was then predictable what would happen and then what would lead to the happy ever after.
Dane was far too 'nice'. I'm comparing him to heroes from this authors paranormal series who were real men! The men in this series are not really doing it for me. There is a teaser for the next book but they're all becoming a bit 'samey' so I don't think I'll continue with this series.
July 4, 2015
So much happens in these stories that it's almost impossible to keep track, and honestly I don't always enjoy the multiple storylines but as always Sterling Shore delivers :) But man...if you think Tag and Ash had communication issues, just wait till you meet Dane and Rain. They win. Hands down. Anyways....I was not expecting Dane to be as insecure and tentative as he was and I have to say I really enjoyed that aspect of his character. And while I really liked Rain, I didn't love her as much as Raya or Ash, I wish she had been a little more independent outside of the boys. One problem I had that I want to mention...
Ironically two of my favorite scenes had nothing to do with Rain and Dane...
-
- Britt (pretty much any scene with her was awesome) but I especially loved the scene with the roses. It was short but I couldn't help but smile when she was clutching wilting flowers to her chest because she'd never gotten any...I don't know why because it's such a random scene but I absolutely loved it.
I feel like this review was kind of random and not all that helpful, but the only warning I have is that's pretty crazy and unrealistically dramatic but if you've read the rest of the series you'd already know this is a pattern with these novels so if you enjoyed the others than keep on keeping on :) But if not, I wouldn't continue expecting anything different.
Ironically two of my favorite scenes had nothing to do with Rain and Dane...
-
- Britt (pretty much any scene with her was awesome) but I especially loved the scene with the roses. It was short but I couldn't help but smile when she was clutching wilting flowers to her chest because she'd never gotten any...I don't know why because it's such a random scene but I absolutely loved it.
I feel like this review was kind of random and not all that helpful, but the only warning I have is that's pretty crazy and unrealistically dramatic but if you've read the rest of the series you'd already know this is a pattern with these novels so if you enjoyed the others than keep on keeping on :) But if not, I wouldn't continue expecting anything different.
August 5, 2022
i picked this up after reading tria's book, only because i wanted to see what happens to her in this book. Rain is so fucking unbearable that i couldn't even read the book , like we get it- all ur friends were boys in high school, why is that the focal point of ur life??? i just Cntrl+F'd to all the Tria scenes so I could get more Tria +Noles content.
June 12, 2017
What a waste of time...
maybe
December 29, 2021Self note: Rain is whiny, acts badly towards Tria and also Kode, whom she's leading on. May read only for the context
October 18, 2014
OMG
I can not get enough of The Sterling Boys....Just when I think I have found my favorite one, another ones comes along and changes my mind. I also love the women in these stories...strong, independent, and easy to like. Keep them coming C.M. Owens!!!!!!!!
I can not get enough of The Sterling Boys....Just when I think I have found my favorite one, another ones comes along and changes my mind. I also love the women in these stories...strong, independent, and easy to like. Keep them coming C.M. Owens!!!!!!!!
April 20, 2022
I’ve really been enjoying the Sterling Shore series so far, but Dane & Rain’s story didn’t quite hit mark.
Now I think my main issue was the weird friendship vibe between Rain and “her boys”.
There’s Dane, Kode, Maverick, Corbin & ?? God I can’t even remember his name!! Anyways, they all love Rain, protect her and put her on a pedestal, but Dane, he is the special one, the one she loves. That’s all fine and dandy. My problem lies with the boundaries in their weird friendship group, or rather a lack of. I know they all do the things they do to wind Dane up but it just felt a bit false s and disrespectful. And don’t get me started on Kode and his little stunts. Rain was just as much to blame, she uses each guy to her advantage. And it bugged the hell outta me!!
Anyways back to the plot. Dane & Rain (ha they also have rhyming names!) They both feel it. The pull to each other. Especially when she asks him to take her virginity. So everyone is happy in love until Rain decides to leave Dane a letter declaring she wants more than just friendship with Dane. Instead of giving him the letter, she leaves it on his car seat. Long story short. Dane never got the letter, he thought Rain blew him off after the virginity taking. Rain however thinks he got it and just didn’t want her like she did him. Fast forward 6 years later for lots of drama followed by reconciliation.
Owens does a really good job with the story, I actually really liked Tria, way more than I did Rain. And there lies my second issue with the book. Rain. She’s not a female character I liked at all. I thought she was selfish, immature and spoilt. Her constant need for attention was annoying as was her ignorance towards her sister. Dane deserved much better in my opinion.
So into Tria I go, who already has a more interesting story than Rain. There was a teaser in this book and let’s just say I think I’m gonna like where this next book goes!!
Now I think my main issue was the weird friendship vibe between Rain and “her boys”.
There’s Dane, Kode, Maverick, Corbin & ?? God I can’t even remember his name!! Anyways, they all love Rain, protect her and put her on a pedestal, but Dane, he is the special one, the one she loves. That’s all fine and dandy. My problem lies with the boundaries in their weird friendship group, or rather a lack of. I know they all do the things they do to wind Dane up but it just felt a bit false s and disrespectful. And don’t get me started on Kode and his little stunts. Rain was just as much to blame, she uses each guy to her advantage. And it bugged the hell outta me!!
Anyways back to the plot. Dane & Rain (ha they also have rhyming names!) They both feel it. The pull to each other. Especially when she asks him to take her virginity. So everyone is happy in love until Rain decides to leave Dane a letter declaring she wants more than just friendship with Dane. Instead of giving him the letter, she leaves it on his car seat. Long story short. Dane never got the letter, he thought Rain blew him off after the virginity taking. Rain however thinks he got it and just didn’t want her like she did him. Fast forward 6 years later for lots of drama followed by reconciliation.
Owens does a really good job with the story, I actually really liked Tria, way more than I did Rain. And there lies my second issue with the book. Rain. She’s not a female character I liked at all. I thought she was selfish, immature and spoilt. Her constant need for attention was annoying as was her ignorance towards her sister. Dane deserved much better in my opinion.
So into Tria I go, who already has a more interesting story than Rain. There was a teaser in this book and let’s just say I think I’m gonna like where this next book goes!!
July 11, 2022
I have never disliked a FMC as much as this one. She is selfish, spoiled, hot headed, spews angry words and then half ass apologizes and all is forgiven. I cannot understand why everyone loved her. Unfortunately her horrible behavior continues throughout the series. In a different book she blames someone for them for her not being able to have children. Yes you rotten person he is the reason you got cancer. She blames it on alcohol the next day and all is forgiven. As Bella says in another book in the series she must have the magical p***y
April 21, 2017
Found myself incredibly annoyed with this storyline. I loved the first two books in this series. I was so disappointed to find myself skimming and skipping whole chapters just to find something that would reel me back in. I just couldn't get there. Just one conversation between the h and H could have saved them so much heartache and lost time. Manup, grow some balls and communicate.
September 27, 2014
Love those Sterling Boys
I have yet to be disappointed with this series. I am loving the Sterling Boys and Dane and Rain did not disappoint. I can't wait for Tria and Kode's story. Keep them coming!!!
I have yet to be disappointed with this series. I am loving the Sterling Boys and Dane and Rain did not disappoint. I can't wait for Tria and Kode's story. Keep them coming!!!
November 22, 2017
Possibly my favourite so far. Dane is just amazing, and all the struggle Rain was facing was admirable.
I am gotta keep this short because I have to go order the next book😜
Read: 23/06/2017
Will I recommend?: Yes!
I am gotta keep this short because I have to go order the next book😜
Read: 23/06/2017
Will I recommend?: Yes!
July 12, 2017
Another great romance story from C.M. Owens. This book was equal parts frustrating and amazing. I loved the characters and it was great to see the brotherly relationship between Rain and the guys.
February 2, 2022
I don’t know why it took me so long to read this series. I’m really kicking myself now.
I wasn’t super excited about this book because I’m not a huge fan of second chance romances. But this was not really one of those like I thought. They both loved each other and wanted to be together when they were younger but never admitted it. They were both too young and too scared they would ruin what they had.
Well that’s not exactly true Rain did finally build up her courage enough to let him know. But it didn’t exactly work out.
So I hate second chance romances but in reality this was their finally chance romance. I love how once they crossed that line with each other, Dane didn’t hold back. He was like ‘this is it, I’m not wasting any more time, you’re mine, let’s get married.’ I mean that isn’t exactly what happened... but kind of. He was ready to just get to the fully committed part and skip over the normal dating stuff.
In the other books that Rain made appearances in, I thought she was kind of abrasive and a little tough. And she was tough in this, but I found her to be much more likable than I originally thought. I loved her relationship with Maverick, Corbin, Dale, Kode and Dane. They were the guys that had her back and she was the girl they all loved to protect and goof around with. It was a sweet relationship. I felt bad for her sister Tria and I’m really glad she was starting to get accepted into the fold.
I’m blown away by the continuous stories that are going on in this series. From the very first book there are details that are mentioned that have yet to be talked about again, that I know will come into play in book 9. Did the author have some crazy storyboard all written out with all these interweaving stories? It feels like real lives. Because while I’m reading about these couples all the other characters have storylines that are happening in the background. For example Wren. His storyline has been slowly moving along since the first book and I can’t wait to get to his book.
There are characters that have been mentioned once or twice, Bo and Ethan, who get their own stories. She has only mentioned them, but she is setting up for their stories with the few minor details that have been thrown in there. The foresight in this series just blows my mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Dale and I were going to give you two one of those celebrity mashed up names—like Brangelina or whatever—but no matter how you twisted your names, you were still just Rain and Dane. We thought about Drain, but it just didn't seem to fit."
~ Maverick
I wasn’t super excited about this book because I’m not a huge fan of second chance romances. But this was not really one of those like I thought. They both loved each other and wanted to be together when they were younger but never admitted it. They were both too young and too scared they would ruin what they had.
Well that’s not exactly true Rain did finally build up her courage enough to let him know. But it didn’t exactly work out.
So I hate second chance romances but in reality this was their finally chance romance. I love how once they crossed that line with each other, Dane didn’t hold back. He was like ‘this is it, I’m not wasting any more time, you’re mine, let’s get married.’ I mean that isn’t exactly what happened... but kind of. He was ready to just get to the fully committed part and skip over the normal dating stuff.
In the other books that Rain made appearances in, I thought she was kind of abrasive and a little tough. And she was tough in this, but I found her to be much more likable than I originally thought. I loved her relationship with Maverick, Corbin, Dale, Kode and Dane. They were the guys that had her back and she was the girl they all loved to protect and goof around with. It was a sweet relationship. I felt bad for her sister Tria and I’m really glad she was starting to get accepted into the fold.
I’m blown away by the continuous stories that are going on in this series. From the very first book there are details that are mentioned that have yet to be talked about again, that I know will come into play in book 9. Did the author have some crazy storyboard all written out with all these interweaving stories? It feels like real lives. Because while I’m reading about these couples all the other characters have storylines that are happening in the background. For example Wren. His storyline has been slowly moving along since the first book and I can’t wait to get to his book.
There are characters that have been mentioned once or twice, Bo and Ethan, who get their own stories. She has only mentioned them, but she is setting up for their stories with the few minor details that have been thrown in there. The foresight in this series just blows my mind.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
“Dale and I were going to give you two one of those celebrity mashed up names—like Brangelina or whatever—but no matter how you twisted your names, you were still just Rain and Dane. We thought about Drain, but it just didn't seem to fit."
~ Maverick
June 15, 2020
3.5 stars.
Been infatuated with one another since they were young teenagers.
Dane and Rain, were attached at the hip as teens. Until one takes the leap and the other is left behind. Both making assumptions about the others intentions and 6 years later...they finally come face to face with one another again.
Sooooo...let me get this straight...Dane, the girl you love and have loved since you were thirteen goes off to another city and acts cold towards you. You have spent majority of your teen life by her side...and for 6 years you dont ask her why? You dont confront her?
And Rain. You pour your heart out to the guy you love in a letter. He acts off on the phone and you assume that means he doesnt want you? You dont ASK "have you read the letter" or confront him to clarify that that is his answer to what you wrote? Anything!?! Anyone please!?!
6 YEARS!?! How do you go from being with each other practically every minute to cold Turkey for 6 YEARS!?!
Was it really love? Were you even serious? It really makes them look juvenile and their "love" a lot less believable.
Okay now that I've had my little rant. I did enjoy this. I've come to realise this author enjoys miscommunications, assumptions and victim playing to be her crutches of tension between the hero and heroine. Having read 4 books from this series back to back, it is a running theme. One I'm getting tired off but I have nothing else to read and it is still marginally entertaining. Tedious but still entertaining.
More than anything in this book the character who stood out was Tria. The step sister who was painted in a bad light...but in all honesty is the better sister who the Sterling boys should be worshipping not Rain.
I'm not sure I've warmed up to any of the Sterling boys yet. There wasnt much that set them apart from one another. They all loved three things: Rain, women and drinking.
Other than their names they're carbon copies.
Will keep reading on though.
Been infatuated with one another since they were young teenagers.
Dane and Rain, were attached at the hip as teens. Until one takes the leap and the other is left behind. Both making assumptions about the others intentions and 6 years later...they finally come face to face with one another again.
Sooooo...let me get this straight...Dane, the girl you love and have loved since you were thirteen goes off to another city and acts cold towards you. You have spent majority of your teen life by her side...and for 6 years you dont ask her why? You dont confront her?
And Rain. You pour your heart out to the guy you love in a letter. He acts off on the phone and you assume that means he doesnt want you? You dont ASK "have you read the letter" or confront him to clarify that that is his answer to what you wrote? Anything!?! Anyone please!?!
6 YEARS!?! How do you go from being with each other practically every minute to cold Turkey for 6 YEARS!?!
Was it really love? Were you even serious? It really makes them look juvenile and their "love" a lot less believable.
Okay now that I've had my little rant. I did enjoy this. I've come to realise this author enjoys miscommunications, assumptions and victim playing to be her crutches of tension between the hero and heroine. Having read 4 books from this series back to back, it is a running theme. One I'm getting tired off but I have nothing else to read and it is still marginally entertaining. Tedious but still entertaining.
More than anything in this book the character who stood out was Tria. The step sister who was painted in a bad light...but in all honesty is the better sister who the Sterling boys should be worshipping not Rain.
I'm not sure I've warmed up to any of the Sterling boys yet. There wasnt much that set them apart from one another. They all loved three things: Rain, women and drinking.
Other than their names they're carbon copies.
Will keep reading on though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2020
Check out my blog to know the answers to
What it is about?
POV?
HEA/HFN?
Funny parts?
Sad parts?
Love triangle?
Insta-love?
Cheating?
Super insecure character?
Trigger warning?
How realistic is it?
Who should read this
Who Shouldn’t read this
https://headoverbooks.home.blog/2020/...
My Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/headoverboo...
What it is about?
POV?
HEA/HFN?
Funny parts?
Sad parts?
Love triangle?
Insta-love?
Cheating?
Super insecure character?
Trigger warning?
How realistic is it?
Who should read this
Who Shouldn’t read this
https://headoverbooks.home.blog/2020/...
My Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/headoverboo...
August 27, 2015
Worst of the series. Major disappointment
March 12, 2016
Dane and Rain's story. Some of this boys names in this series is a little crazy..sometimes hard to keep up with - but still a great story!
April 19, 2021
I eyerolled too many times and I think the heroine is UNBEARABLE.
June 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading the first book of this series "Hooked on the Game", the main characters were still in college, but Kade already works for his future by using his parties to increase his network and not hooking up with potential future customers.
Now we have five Sterling boys all circling around Rain, protecting and supporting her for five years in highschool and staying in contact during college and beyond for the next six years. The plot was good, one misunderstanding let to estrangement with the love of her life but the execution fell flat for me. I like my romances fleshed out:
What did they study? What are they doing now? How did they become so successful within two years assuming they went to college? Do they work out together ( smoking hot bodies require work)?
What we get are 24-year old guys who don't work but get drunk and are only said to be successful and loaded.
Rain, too, is super successful, a renowned author with 24, has a writer's block, and moves back to her friends. They constantly meet, touch, and hug Rain and vice versa but the boys don't have her trust.
The heroine has to undergo a life changing operation but it is glossed over and I'm unconvinced how quickly Rain was released from hospital. Rain had had a good relationship with her adoptive mother. It felt unrealistic she didn't talk either with her or later with a counselor about such a live changing operation which also might cause some psychological problems once the consequenses sink in.
Apparently Rain and Dane never had a serious conversation about their shared future otherwise the misunderstanding wouldn't have occurred.
Looking at the publishing dates I assume the author works too fast and neglects to embellish the plot.
Now we have five Sterling boys all circling around Rain, protecting and supporting her for five years in highschool and staying in contact during college and beyond for the next six years. The plot was good, one misunderstanding let to estrangement with the love of her life but the execution fell flat for me. I like my romances fleshed out:
What did they study? What are they doing now? How did they become so successful within two years assuming they went to college? Do they work out together ( smoking hot bodies require work)?
What we get are 24-year old guys who don't work but get drunk and are only said to be successful and loaded.
Rain, too, is super successful, a renowned author with 24, has a writer's block, and moves back to her friends. They constantly meet, touch, and hug Rain and vice versa but the boys don't have her trust.
The heroine has to undergo a life changing operation but it is glossed over and I'm unconvinced how quickly Rain was released from hospital. Rain had had a good relationship with her adoptive mother. It felt unrealistic she didn't talk either with her or later with a counselor about such a live changing operation which also might cause some psychological problems once the consequenses sink in.
Apparently Rain and Dane never had a serious conversation about their shared future otherwise the misunderstanding wouldn't have occurred.
Looking at the publishing dates I assume the author works too fast and neglects to embellish the plot.
June 2, 2017
I think I should preface this review with the fact that I absolutely love C.M. Owens (if you don't believe me look at my other reviews).
But, this book fell short of what I expected. I obviously liked the idea of the Sterling Boys series (since I'm at book 3), but I honestly couldn't keep reading the series after this book.
Perhaps if I started with this series rather than the other CM Owens series, then I would have felt differently :)
But, this book fell short of what I expected. I obviously liked the idea of the Sterling Boys series (since I'm at book 3), but I honestly couldn't keep reading the series after this book.
Perhaps if I started with this series rather than the other CM Owens series, then I would have felt differently :)
July 12, 2025
not as good as the 4th book😴😴😴 maybe bc i know whats happening but its nice to see the background story for the fourth book here lol. dane wasnt as possessive and jealous as kobe which is a shame ha, but he cant be jealous when his cousins and brother is all over rain, this is like a tamed rh ngl.
July 26, 2017
I enjoyed it.
September 23, 2025
I liked this one. The ups, the downs, the Sterling boys: Dane, Kode, Maverick, Corbin and Dale. But this is the story of Dane and Rain.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews