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Sterling Shore #4
Loving War
Tria Noles and Kode Sterling are a match made in hell, and no one will deny that. They’ve hated each other for years. Kode Sterling is the jerk who doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Tria Noles hides under a cold façade to appear strong and confident. There’s no possible way they could be anything together besides a volatile disaster.
But when their chemistry overrides their logic, they have no choice but to face their twisted attraction to each other. When that attraction refuses to fade, what started off as physical turns into something neither of them expected — or wanted.
Tria has spent most of her life living in her sister’s shadow, and it’s no secret that Kode was once one of the many who adored Rain Noles. It’s hard for her not to keep her guard up, because she doesn’t want to feel overlooked once again.
Kode starts to realize he might have been chasing the wrong Noles girl all these years. And there’s a lot he did wrong in the past when chasing Rain that could jeopardize any future he has with Tria.
There’s a thin line between love and hate, just as there is a thin line between success and disaster.
But when their chemistry overrides their logic, they have no choice but to face their twisted attraction to each other. When that attraction refuses to fade, what started off as physical turns into something neither of them expected — or wanted.
Tria has spent most of her life living in her sister’s shadow, and it’s no secret that Kode was once one of the many who adored Rain Noles. It’s hard for her not to keep her guard up, because she doesn’t want to feel overlooked once again.
Kode starts to realize he might have been chasing the wrong Noles girl all these years. And there’s a lot he did wrong in the past when chasing Rain that could jeopardize any future he has with Tria.
There’s a thin line between love and hate, just as there is a thin line between success and disaster.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
541 people are currently reading
4678 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Owens
65 books8,929 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 529 reviews
August 11, 2021
F#*k it, 5 Stars
As I was reading book 5 in this series (which I started literally right after finishing this one), I realized that I shortchanged my enjoyment of this book with a mere 4 stars. Thus, an immediate upgrade was in order.
I mean, this book just had so many things I love in my romance books. I just LOVE CM Owens and I love her heroes. They are the perfect mix of sensitive and complete asshole. It's like a Val thirst trap.
Anyway.
I can't get enough and I already want to go back and re-read this one.
Review edited: I didn't realize while reading this book and before writing my original review that CM Owens died last month. I utilize social media sparingly and somehow missed this news. Thus, the tone-deafness of my original review was completely unintentional and I feel like an idiot. That said, as a huge fan of her books, my heart is just sad. What a true tragedy for her family and for the romance book world in general. I will truly cherish the books of hers that I have already read and re-read over and over again and will savor the last few books in this series. Again, what a tragedy.
As I was reading book 5 in this series (which I started literally right after finishing this one), I realized that I shortchanged my enjoyment of this book with a mere 4 stars. Thus, an immediate upgrade was in order.
I mean, this book just had so many things I love in my romance books. I just LOVE CM Owens and I love her heroes. They are the perfect mix of sensitive and complete asshole. It's like a Val thirst trap.
Anyway.
I can't get enough and I already want to go back and re-read this one.
Review edited: I didn't realize while reading this book and before writing my original review that CM Owens died last month. I utilize social media sparingly and somehow missed this news. Thus, the tone-deafness of my original review was completely unintentional and I feel like an idiot. That said, as a huge fan of her books, my heart is just sad. What a true tragedy for her family and for the romance book world in general. I will truly cherish the books of hers that I have already read and re-read over and over again and will savor the last few books in this series. Again, what a tragedy.
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December 21, 20213.75✨
March 10, 2023
4.5 Stars, rounding off to 5 because ✨Tria & Kode✨ deserve all the stars ❤️
Favorite couple in 2023 so far.
I fell cataclysmically and completely in love with Tria and Kode. I was unprepared. I picked this up by chance, thinking I'd probably end up DNFing. Normally I do not read a series out of order especially when a book is heavily connected to a previous one. There were many characters from the other books here, some with very similar names which made it confusing. Kode, Kade, Dale, Dane. I enjoyed the Sterling boys' camaraderie, though I'm still unsure how they're all related or connected. I was so utterly swept away by Tria and Kode that I honestly didn't care. Wild horses couldn't drag me away. These two were absolutely fantastic. I can't even begin to express how much I loved them. Their chemistry, their banter, their enemies to lovers dynamic, they had me grinning like a damn fool. Everything about them hooked me. The writing was--for a lack of a better word--wow 🤩
Side Note: I think if I had read the previous book first, I would not have wanted to read this one. If you read the book description for both books, you'll understand why. It's hard for me to get on board with a hero who was hung up on the heroine from a previous book. I was really hoping the current heroine would not end up second best to her sister, Rain (heroine from book 3). This is always the risk with these types of stories.
It was all going amazingly well until I got to the resolution part. It wrapped up too quickly for my liking and I needed more. It would have helped enormously if the HEA had been more solid. To me, this felt more like a HFN. Considering the angsty theme in the book, it deserved a stronger, more reassuring ending. Do I believe Tria was second best? No. Did I believe Kode when he said it took him being with Tria to learn what love really was? Yes. Yet, the conclusion didn't bring me the comfort I was hoping for. It left me with some mixed feelings. The timing in the epilogue was about a week later. I think in total they had been together for 2 months or so? Compare that to 11 years of him hung up on the sister. So yeah, I wish we were given a glimpse of them further into the future. Maybe we do in the next books?
Question: What was so special about Rain (the sister) anyway? I'm curious to know why all the Sterling boys adored her and bullied Tria in book 3. I'd read book 3 to find out but I'm afraid it might ruin this one. Besides, after reading Loving War, my loyalties lie with Tria so I'll probably highly dislike Rain in her own book.
add to reread pile
Favorite couple in 2023 so far.
I fell cataclysmically and completely in love with Tria and Kode. I was unprepared. I picked this up by chance, thinking I'd probably end up DNFing. Normally I do not read a series out of order especially when a book is heavily connected to a previous one. There were many characters from the other books here, some with very similar names which made it confusing. Kode, Kade, Dale, Dane. I enjoyed the Sterling boys' camaraderie, though I'm still unsure how they're all related or connected. I was so utterly swept away by Tria and Kode that I honestly didn't care. Wild horses couldn't drag me away. These two were absolutely fantastic. I can't even begin to express how much I loved them. Their chemistry, their banter, their enemies to lovers dynamic, they had me grinning like a damn fool. Everything about them hooked me. The writing was--for a lack of a better word--wow 🤩
Side Note: I think if I had read the previous book first, I would not have wanted to read this one. If you read the book description for both books, you'll understand why. It's hard for me to get on board with a hero who was hung up on the heroine from a previous book. I was really hoping the current heroine would not end up second best to her sister, Rain (heroine from book 3). This is always the risk with these types of stories.
It was all going amazingly well until I got to the resolution part. It wrapped up too quickly for my liking and I needed more. It would have helped enormously if the HEA had been more solid. To me, this felt more like a HFN. Considering the angsty theme in the book, it deserved a stronger, more reassuring ending. Do I believe Tria was second best? No. Did I believe Kode when he said it took him being with Tria to learn what love really was? Yes. Yet, the conclusion didn't bring me the comfort I was hoping for. It left me with some mixed feelings. The timing in the epilogue was about a week later. I think in total they had been together for 2 months or so? Compare that to 11 years of him hung up on the sister. So yeah, I wish we were given a glimpse of them further into the future. Maybe we do in the next books?
Question: What was so special about Rain (the sister) anyway? I'm curious to know why all the Sterling boys adored her and bullied Tria in book 3. I'd read book 3 to find out but I'm afraid it might ruin this one. Besides, after reading Loving War, my loyalties lie with Tria so I'll probably highly dislike Rain in her own book.
add to reread pile
February 7, 2017
10 stars! Favourite in the series :)
But... Rain and Dane... I liked them less here... firstly I didn't love them as much as Kode and Tria anyways, but my god here they were so up themselves, convinced everything revolves around them.
But... Rain and Dane... I liked them less here... firstly I didn't love them as much as Kode and Tria anyways, but my god here they were so up themselves, convinced everything revolves around them.
March 23, 2021
2.5 stars I know a lot of people enjoyed this but I just could not get over how she let someone who bullied her for 11 years and it wasn’t just him , it was all of them , because he was in love/lust whatever with her sister . I just don’t get the appeal of just falling so fast that you lose your sense of pride considering these guys treated you so poorly because they wanted your sisters attention . You were always 2nd and no matter what, if Dane didn’t marry and choose Rain, would you still be an option? Would he even see you ? It’s not romantic at all . You can’t make up romance after the fact, it’s too spoiled by circumstances. The true notion of that kind of honesty often comes when their were no circumstances that lead you down that road. So, I will not be able to find Kode’s love for Tria honest . He only wanted her now that he knew he wouldn’t get a chance with Rain, but if Rain was still single ? Yah .. doubt he would see past those Rose tinted glass. I was just rooting for Tria to find someone else . No matter what the writing tried to convey , it was just not sincere.
July 20, 2022
Sexy, fast paced enemies to lover story. The hero is a total stinker to the heroine, but he comes through when it counts.
What's annoying? Drain (Rain and Dane) the couple from The Sterling Boys derail this poor power couple's romance by once again making it all about them. Kode (these names!!) could never, ever love Tria when he's hung up on me!
And who could be snarky when poor C.M. Owens died last year. The The Mindf*ck Series which was incredibly flawed but kept me up to 3:00 am and I am not a serial killer fan was written under her pen name, S.T. Abby.
Only 37 when she died. RIP and thanks for the entertaining books.
What's annoying? Drain (Rain and Dane) the couple from The Sterling Boys derail this poor power couple's romance by once again making it all about them. Kode (these names!!) could never, ever love Tria when he's hung up on me!
And who could be snarky when poor C.M. Owens died last year. The The Mindf*ck Series which was incredibly flawed but kept me up to 3:00 am and I am not a serial killer fan was written under her pen name, S.T. Abby.
Only 37 when she died. RIP and thanks for the entertaining books.
December 17, 2023
I reread it and I loved it, whenever I read this book it always makes me feel the same, this is one of my favorites in this series.
-----------------------------
I liked this book so much.......Kode and Tria's chemistry was amazing, I always keep rereading this book again and again.
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I liked this book so much.......Kode and Tria's chemistry was amazing, I always keep rereading this book again and again.
August 8, 2016
Now this book was the reason I fell in love with this series! Author did a great job because at the end of book 3 I was left with doubts about how was she going to make me love Kode. But my God did she exceed my expectations. Kode is an honest guy, he has little patience and tends to hide himself behind a wall of badass-ness. Especially after Rain failed to return his feelings for over 11 years. Yeah Yeah he did a terrible thing but not everything was on him.
On the other hand we have Tria. (I loved this chick!) She is Rain’s sister who just like Kode is always in the shadow… except that Rain had the Sterling boys and she was just the victim of their pranks in order to protect Rain.
But as things would have it, even the worst enemies have the ability to fall in love… Oh My God! And what a Steamy way to fall in love! It was amazing, they were playing pranks and all but they were actually together and not just fighting. They got together and instead of denying their attraction they acted on it. Tria had insecurities but her attitude was amazing, she believed in Kode and trusted him! Kode was possessive (I loved how he was when drunk), and so sweet with her, he showed her a new side of him that not even Rain saw. I am a true fan of this book. I even think it’s safe to say it’s my favorite up until now!
ps. What the hell! what's happening with Kade!
On the other hand we have Tria. (I loved this chick!) She is Rain’s sister who just like Kode is always in the shadow… except that Rain had the Sterling boys and she was just the victim of their pranks in order to protect Rain.
But as things would have it, even the worst enemies have the ability to fall in love… Oh My God! And what a Steamy way to fall in love! It was amazing, they were playing pranks and all but they were actually together and not just fighting. They got together and instead of denying their attraction they acted on it. Tria had insecurities but her attitude was amazing, she believed in Kode and trusted him! Kode was possessive (I loved how he was when drunk), and so sweet with her, he showed her a new side of him that not even Rain saw. I am a true fan of this book. I even think it’s safe to say it’s my favorite up until now!
ps. What the hell! what's happening with Kade!
October 16, 2021
i definitely would've loved this if i had read it in 2014. also, not me thinking that nicolas russo invented pushing his love interest into a pool only to find out that this hero right here was the blueprint 🤡
May 22, 2021
The previous book AND this one shows the hero’s obsession with the ow. Ugh.
Her:
“I can’t compete with my sister, and you’ve been in love with her for eleven years.”
“The second-choice sister. That’s me. And I’m so sick of it.”
After 11 years of hatred and disgust, mostly on the hero’s part (with the same fervour as he loved the ow), he suddenly "sees" the h. I admit that I reluctantly enjoyed their banter and playfulness, sexual pull, and his conviction that they would work despite everyone else’s scepticism.
KNOWING the premise from the blurb, I still chose to read and finish the book. It’s not even that I enjoyed it because it’s an endless rollercoaster with no good end in sight. Maybe it’s time I admit to myself that I choose these distressing (to me) plot devices because it’s where I am in my reading life now? My younger reader self is cringing and hanging her head in shame.
I had a ghoulish interest in the hero who is emotionally attached to the ow while the h (whom everyone dislikes and is written as painfully pitiful) suffers from unrequited love and his disdain for yeeeeearrrs. One minute I’m speedreading, swiping left because of my need to know how this could possibly end well for the Hxh. Then I’d double back and torturously endure the misery of it all again. And it’s not even a literary masterpiece; not that it’s a clunker or anything that awful but the TROPE (which has been done to death) is just not for me. But Ms Owens does it so so well. Hat off to you, Ma’am.
Then, in keeping with the essence of the story, we have the epilogue in his POV:
“You two make a great couple,” Mom says from across the table, unaware of our private conversation.
“Will you be getting married next?”
I strangle on my drink while Tria smiles mockingly at me. Marriage? I hadn’t even thought of that shit. Then again, there’s no way in hell I’m letting Tria go, so it’s not like it would be the worst idea.
“That’s not on the agenda just yet,” I say uncomfortably.”
“Really? We discussed it the other night, dear,” Tria lies with her overly sweet tone that has me glaring at her.
“Oh?” Mom asks too brightly, clearly excited. Damn. “That’s perfect. Then you could start working on some more grandchildren for me.”
Tria is the one to strangle on her drink this time when the tables turn, and I grin over at her. Fortunately, Carrie asks to use the bathroom, and Mom stands to oblige and escort her.
“Not in a hurry to have kids?” I muse, teasing her.
She shakes her head, and I laugh. “Me neither. So quit provoking my mother.”
She rests her head on my shoulder, and I pull her as close as I can get her. Unfortunately, it’s not close enough, so I end up tugging until she’s in my lap. The second her sexy ass is pressed against me, and her entire body is resting on mine, I feel better”.
See? Up down, up down…mixed with cute
Her:
“I can’t compete with my sister, and you’ve been in love with her for eleven years.”
“The second-choice sister. That’s me. And I’m so sick of it.”
After 11 years of hatred and disgust, mostly on the hero’s part (with the same fervour as he loved the ow), he suddenly "sees" the h. I admit that I reluctantly enjoyed their banter and playfulness, sexual pull, and his conviction that they would work despite everyone else’s scepticism.
KNOWING the premise from the blurb, I still chose to read and finish the book. It’s not even that I enjoyed it because it’s an endless rollercoaster with no good end in sight. Maybe it’s time I admit to myself that I choose these distressing (to me) plot devices because it’s where I am in my reading life now? My younger reader self is cringing and hanging her head in shame.
I had a ghoulish interest in the hero who is emotionally attached to the ow while the h (whom everyone dislikes and is written as painfully pitiful) suffers from unrequited love and his disdain for yeeeeearrrs. One minute I’m speedreading, swiping left because of my need to know how this could possibly end well for the Hxh. Then I’d double back and torturously endure the misery of it all again. And it’s not even a literary masterpiece; not that it’s a clunker or anything that awful but the TROPE (which has been done to death) is just not for me. But Ms Owens does it so so well. Hat off to you, Ma’am.
Then, in keeping with the essence of the story, we have the epilogue in his POV:
“You two make a great couple,” Mom says from across the table, unaware of our private conversation.
“Will you be getting married next?”
I strangle on my drink while Tria smiles mockingly at me. Marriage? I hadn’t even thought of that shit. Then again, there’s no way in hell I’m letting Tria go, so it’s not like it would be the worst idea.
“That’s not on the agenda just yet,” I say uncomfortably.”
“Really? We discussed it the other night, dear,” Tria lies with her overly sweet tone that has me glaring at her.
“Oh?” Mom asks too brightly, clearly excited. Damn. “That’s perfect. Then you could start working on some more grandchildren for me.”
Tria is the one to strangle on her drink this time when the tables turn, and I grin over at her. Fortunately, Carrie asks to use the bathroom, and Mom stands to oblige and escort her.
“Not in a hurry to have kids?” I muse, teasing her.
She shakes her head, and I laugh. “Me neither. So quit provoking my mother.”
She rests her head on my shoulder, and I pull her as close as I can get her. Unfortunately, it’s not close enough, so I end up tugging until she’s in my lap. The second her sexy ass is pressed against me, and her entire body is resting on mine, I feel better”.
See? Up down, up down…mixed with cute
November 24, 2021
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSS!!
Epic!
Bloody epic!
Talk about the ultimate “hate to love”- story! 💪
Tria and Kode! Man, I still can’t get my ahead around of truly well- executed this book was!
Tria is Rains sister, and she has been secretly in love with Kode since they were young. Kode never noticed because of his “love” for Rain. When he finally realised he has been chasing the wrong Nolan girl for all these years, one of the best hate to love story I have ever read, smacks you in the face!
Absolute fantastic writing. Funny, lots of banter, the plot was brilliant and the chemistry between the two were off the charts.
It is very rare ( for me at least) that a series keeps getting better and better.
It could be the devotion to the characters? The feeling that they might actually be living breathing people. ( I know, I know, they are fictional and all that boring stuff, but the fact the Owens makes me feel this way? That takes truly talent.
Read: 16/11/2017
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Contemporary romance /enemies to lovers
Cover: 2 stars
Will I recommend: Eeeh YEEES! You will totally be missing out otherwise. The Sterlings are AMAZING!
Epic!
Bloody epic!
Talk about the ultimate “hate to love”- story! 💪
Tria and Kode! Man, I still can’t get my ahead around of truly well- executed this book was!
Tria is Rains sister, and she has been secretly in love with Kode since they were young. Kode never noticed because of his “love” for Rain. When he finally realised he has been chasing the wrong Nolan girl for all these years, one of the best hate to love story I have ever read, smacks you in the face!
Absolute fantastic writing. Funny, lots of banter, the plot was brilliant and the chemistry between the two were off the charts.
It is very rare ( for me at least) that a series keeps getting better and better.
It could be the devotion to the characters? The feeling that they might actually be living breathing people. ( I know, I know, they are fictional and all that boring stuff, but the fact the Owens makes me feel this way? That takes truly talent.
Read: 16/11/2017
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/sub-genres: Contemporary romance /enemies to lovers
Cover: 2 stars
Will I recommend: Eeeh YEEES! You will totally be missing out otherwise. The Sterlings are AMAZING!
February 10, 2020
Loved it way more than the first one❤❤
A worth def. 😀
A worth def. 😀
December 22, 2023
WOW...I loved Hooked on the Game and while I enjoyed reading about Ash/Tag and Rain/Dane, I still wasn't as excited about their stories as I was for the first one, but this book absolutely changed that. It was AMAZING!!!! In Tag/Ash's story there was a lot going on outside of the romance that didn't seem to add to the story (the stalker) and as far as Rain/Dane's story, I'm just not a huge fan of second chance romance (mainly because I feel like I miss out on the major events that come at the beginning of a relationship). So I was really excited when this was all romance...it was a beginning to end story and it was all about them.
I really liked Tria in The Sterling Boys so it didn't take much for me to fall in love with her. But what did surprise me was how much I came to love Kode. While I didn't hate him in the previous novel, I definitely wasn't a fan of him. But they had such great chemistry and were so carefree that it made it so much fun to read. And there weren't any false starts or hold and cold episodes...once they committed, they were committed and it was so damn sweet and wonderful to read. It also made the reappearance of the letter incident that much more heartbreaking, like crying into my pillow at 4 AM heartbreaking. But it was handled so well, everyone reacted in a way that actually made sense and with an appropriate level of intensity. Kode and Tria are easily my favorite couple in this series and I can't wait for him to change the name in his phone to My Wife :)
I really liked Tria in The Sterling Boys so it didn't take much for me to fall in love with her. But what did surprise me was how much I came to love Kode. While I didn't hate him in the previous novel, I definitely wasn't a fan of him. But they had such great chemistry and were so carefree that it made it so much fun to read. And there weren't any false starts or hold and cold episodes...once they committed, they were committed and it was so damn sweet and wonderful to read. It also made the reappearance of the letter incident that much more heartbreaking, like crying into my pillow at 4 AM heartbreaking. But it was handled so well, everyone reacted in a way that actually made sense and with an appropriate level of intensity. Kode and Tria are easily my favorite couple in this series and I can't wait for him to change the name in his phone to My Wife :)
May 15, 2022
1.5ish.
so this was a mess. The reason for my rating is simply that whenever I tried to forget that kode used to have feelings for rain (tria's sister) someone would mention it and ruin the whole thing. It was everywhere and i hated it. It's in the last paragraph of the book. The book ends by saying how it's great that rain was in love with someone else so kode could finally see the right sister. Like i don't give a fuck that you used to like rain, you like tria now so stop reminding me about the stupid crush you had on her sister!!! So annoying.
so this was a mess. The reason for my rating is simply that whenever I tried to forget that kode used to have feelings for rain (tria's sister) someone would mention it and ruin the whole thing. It was everywhere and i hated it. It's in the last paragraph of the book. The book ends by saying how it's great that rain was in love with someone else so kode could finally see the right sister. Like i don't give a fuck that you used to like rain, you like tria now so stop reminding me about the stupid crush you had on her sister!!! So annoying.
October 3, 2018
2.5 stars
May 6, 2021
4.5 stars
Loving War is book 4 in the Sterling Shore series. Since I haven't read any other books in this series I felt it was fine as a standalone but I loved all the characters and look forward to reading their books. Loving War is the story of Kode Sterling and Tria Noles who are enemies. Kode has been in love with Tria's sister Rain who is engaged to Kode's brother Dane for eleven years. While he has always been in the friends zone he has always wanted more so when he was 18 he did something really stupid. Anyway now he's older and Rain and Dane are about to get married but unfortunately he's still bitter until one night a woman catches his eye. That woman is Tria Noles his swore enemy and from here begins their love story. I loved every moment of this book even towards the end when I thought Tria was being too stubborn. I can't wait to read another book in this series.
Loving War is book 4 in the Sterling Shore series. Since I haven't read any other books in this series I felt it was fine as a standalone but I loved all the characters and look forward to reading their books. Loving War is the story of Kode Sterling and Tria Noles who are enemies. Kode has been in love with Tria's sister Rain who is engaged to Kode's brother Dane for eleven years. While he has always been in the friends zone he has always wanted more so when he was 18 he did something really stupid. Anyway now he's older and Rain and Dane are about to get married but unfortunately he's still bitter until one night a woman catches his eye. That woman is Tria Noles his swore enemy and from here begins their love story. I loved every moment of this book even towards the end when I thought Tria was being too stubborn. I can't wait to read another book in this series.
March 11, 2016
Okay, let me start off by saying.. Tria and Kode were perfect for each other. Why? Cos they're just so immature.. they were not likeable at all! This book is pretty much sex scenes, Tria and Kode whining about their siblings and feeling sorry for themselves. They swear they're so into each other but are constantly talking about Rain..like damn Tria could you get anymore insecure? Your man wanted HER not the other way around! Lol It's quite annoying how Tria wanted a relationship with her sister (Rain) but as soon as she starts getting the D she forgets that and acts all jealous *annooooying*. I guess 'sisters before misters' isn't something Tria believes in. Lol I'm hoping the next book is better or I'm quitting.
October 25, 2019
Reread 10/25/2019
Still awesome, still the stupidest names I’ve ever seen lmao.
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and I never want to because if Rain and Dane (god why do their names rhyme) are anything to go by... Kode and Tria are the unicorns of this universe.
Rain.... god wow. She is one of the most selfish annoying characters ever. I’m so glad Tria straight up told everyone they were treating her like a consolation prize, as if no one could ever want her outside of getting close to Rain. Fuckin right girl!
And the way these two protected each other and fucking SAW each other? Good shit.
Just finished this and already want to read again lmao
——-
I have no idea why i liked this book as much as i did. honestly while i was reading it i was thinking that end the in i wouldn’t like it but kode and tria (everyone in this book has the stupidest name) we’re just so fuckin charismatic as a couple i couldn’t put it down!!!
now that i’m done i think i’ll read again in the future because damn i loved it!
Still awesome, still the stupidest names I’ve ever seen lmao.
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series and I never want to because if Rain and Dane (god why do their names rhyme) are anything to go by... Kode and Tria are the unicorns of this universe.
Rain.... god wow. She is one of the most selfish annoying characters ever. I’m so glad Tria straight up told everyone they were treating her like a consolation prize, as if no one could ever want her outside of getting close to Rain. Fuckin right girl!
And the way these two protected each other and fucking SAW each other? Good shit.
Just finished this and already want to read again lmao
——-
I have no idea why i liked this book as much as i did. honestly while i was reading it i was thinking that end the in i wouldn’t like it but kode and tria (everyone in this book has the stupidest name) we’re just so fuckin charismatic as a couple i couldn’t put it down!!!
now that i’m done i think i’ll read again in the future because damn i loved it!
October 15, 2021
Wow I loved this book. I loved Tria and Kode togther. Tria is not evil for all those wondering, she's just misunderstood. Her sister Rain and the Sterling boys made a lot of incorrect assumptions about her when she was younger :-/
Great enemies to lovers romance with a twist. Now I get why they are always making out in the other Sterling Shores books - they have 11 years to make up for :-)
I really wanted more of an epilogue for Kade and Tria just b/c they had so much to make up for. Tria had it rough and she has such a sweet, kind soul. I kept on thinking as I read the other books like Britt's, Bella's that Kade's and Tria's story wasn't over and I thought that given the cliffhanger for book 12 we'd get a glimpse into that proposal/marriage/kids filled future for this couple.
I just read that the author died in July of 2021 in a domestic dispute and it's so sad.
RIP to this great author and respects to the family she left behind.
https://www.weisradio.com/update-name...
Great enemies to lovers romance with a twist. Now I get why they are always making out in the other Sterling Shores books - they have 11 years to make up for :-)
I really wanted more of an epilogue for Kade and Tria just b/c they had so much to make up for. Tria had it rough and she has such a sweet, kind soul. I kept on thinking as I read the other books like Britt's, Bella's that Kade's and Tria's story wasn't over and I thought that given the cliffhanger for book 12 we'd get a glimpse into that proposal/marriage/kids filled future for this couple.
I just read that the author died in July of 2021 in a domestic dispute and it's so sad.
RIP to this great author and respects to the family she left behind.
https://www.weisradio.com/update-name...
February 12, 2023
3.5 Love to Hate You Stars
I initially read this because of THIS and THIS so I went in blindly with an idea of how I thought it would shake out. I had predicted that the “other sister” (Rain) would be a more active love option, but those that have actually read the series will know better, because I see that her book was the last one. Again, guessing here, but I almost wonder if these two were sort of the villains in the last book, because it appears Kode (H) had a hand in keeping the couple separated, and Tria (h) had a difficult relationship with Rain. (I’m guessing she was bitchy to Rain cuz the Sterling boys hated her, and she says she wears her “ice mask”) So, I agree with the grovel list, because he does give good grovel, but if you’re expecting OW drama from another, then keep looking.
Kode has hated Tria since childhood because she was mean to Rain… whom he loved, and thought was the perfect girl. (too bad she was in love with his older brother- Dane) The book starts just before Rain and Dane’s wedding, so she’s out of the picture for a potential love interest. The two are best friends, but have never had any type of romantic relationship...no love triangles here. Kobe and Tria have a drunken ONS, and find they don’t hate each other as much as they thought. (she secretly loves him) and off they go down the bumpy trail to HEA-ville.
I’m not sure if I’d feel the same way had I read all the books, but I really liked both Kobe and Tria. (I actually found Rain annoying) He comes off a little gruff/abrasive, but I liked his “no BS” tell it like it is attitude. And, for me, Tria was the perfect balance of tough and vulnerable. I believe she’s been a bitch in the previous books, but there’s not even a whiff of bitchiness coming off her. After the ONS, they never act like they hate each other, and were actually quite supportive/protective of the other.
Bottom Line- It wasn’t really unique or amazing, but I will say it hooked me right away, and I couldn’t put it down. Other than the pool shenanigans, I felt like they handled the relationship maturely, and I never felt she was second best… so it wasn’t super angsty or drama-llama. Even at the end, when the groveling is needed, it’s not because of something bad he did. It’s basically as the blurb says… insecurity from him being hung up on Rain for years.
I initially read this because of THIS and THIS so I went in blindly with an idea of how I thought it would shake out. I had predicted that the “other sister” (Rain) would be a more active love option, but those that have actually read the series will know better, because I see that her book was the last one. Again, guessing here, but I almost wonder if these two were sort of the villains in the last book, because it appears Kode (H) had a hand in keeping the couple separated, and Tria (h) had a difficult relationship with Rain. (I’m guessing she was bitchy to Rain cuz the Sterling boys hated her, and she says she wears her “ice mask”) So, I agree with the grovel list, because he does give good grovel, but if you’re expecting OW drama from another, then keep looking.
Kode has hated Tria since childhood because she was mean to Rain… whom he loved, and thought was the perfect girl. (too bad she was in love with his older brother- Dane) The book starts just before Rain and Dane’s wedding, so she’s out of the picture for a potential love interest. The two are best friends, but have never had any type of romantic relationship...no love triangles here. Kobe and Tria have a drunken ONS, and find they don’t hate each other as much as they thought. (she secretly loves him) and off they go down the bumpy trail to HEA-ville.
I’m not sure if I’d feel the same way had I read all the books, but I really liked both Kobe and Tria. (I actually found Rain annoying) He comes off a little gruff/abrasive, but I liked his “no BS” tell it like it is attitude. And, for me, Tria was the perfect balance of tough and vulnerable. I believe she’s been a bitch in the previous books, but there’s not even a whiff of bitchiness coming off her. After the ONS, they never act like they hate each other, and were actually quite supportive/protective of the other.
Bottom Line- It wasn’t really unique or amazing, but I will say it hooked me right away, and I couldn’t put it down. Other than the pool shenanigans, I felt like they handled the relationship maturely, and I never felt she was second best… so it wasn’t super angsty or drama-llama. Even at the end, when the groveling is needed, it’s not because of something bad he did. It’s basically as the blurb says… insecurity from him being hung up on Rain for years.
February 16, 2017
Hmmmm.... I actually like this one better than Breaking Even. Tria is a strong heroine but I got a tad bit disappointed when she was thinking this "I know women would kill to be in my spot right now." (meaning with Kode) I mean, it's fiction but Really? Really?
I don't think I will continue reading this series. Read some reviews that they have the same formula.
I don't think I will continue reading this series. Read some reviews that they have the same formula.
October 20, 2021
Beyond 5 stars 🤩
› My favorite of all C.M. Owens books that I've read! And I loove her books! Fave author.
› One of my most re-read books of all time (re-read to cure book slump, re-read as antidote after reading a boring/unsatisfying book, re-read for some angst or grovel fix).
› Kode. Periodt.
We miss you dear author.
Gone too soon. 😞💔
〰️〰️
Safe 💯
Just some OM/OW drama.
〰️
› My favorite of all C.M. Owens books that I've read! And I loove her books! Fave author.
› One of my most re-read books of all time (re-read to cure book slump, re-read as antidote after reading a boring/unsatisfying book, re-read for some angst or grovel fix).
› Kode. Periodt.
We miss you dear author.
Gone too soon. 😞💔
〰️〰️
Safe 💯
Just some OM/OW drama.
〰️
March 15, 2016
Such a fun series!! Kode and Tria's book! These are great--pick them up! Read these now!
November 3, 2022
Dnf at 35% . Grown ups acting like two years olds.a lot of sex to compensate for
March 17, 2023
Reread 2023, it gets better everytime
_______________________________
My second book in the series (traditionally, I've started somewhere in the middle of it, with no. 5 - Breaking Even, which I did enjoy), and this one was even better! These two books share my most favorite trope - enemies to lovers.
Tria and Kode have this huge chemistry almost from page one. There were enemies, since Kode was in love with her sister Rain for years, and felt defensive towards her. Tria and Rain's relationship was complicated, and apparently Tria was always to blame in their group of friends. There are no flashbacks, just mentions of the past, but it still makes me feel bad about Tria, even though I haven't read the previous books, so can't judge how 'bad' she actually was.
The cause of all the drama in this book is Kode's crush on Rain. It gets a little tiring towards the end, since Tria's confidence is below 0, when it comes to her sister, but the endless grovelling on H side was something to enjoy if you're into it. 😋
I loved how their relationship developed. From enemies, to one night stand, to sex buddies, and finally to a real relationship. Except the end, for the sake of the drama probably, they had no problem communicating with each other.
One thing I didn't appreciate: What the heck is with those similar names?? There is Kade, Kode, Dale, Dane, Rain, Raya, Rye .... 😅I got lost in the beginning pretty often 😅
April 29, 2021
i am not a fan of a guy wanting another girls sister. Sloppy seconds including family members is gross to me (its a "its not you, its me" thing), but this one was tolerable since they didn't eff each other and she was in love with another guy without even looking at him.
the jealous moments were great and the reason for their breakup was a little unrealistic but it made sense since that was the one thing that would have broken them up.
all in all, a fun read. but i dont' know if i would read again, hence the 4 star rating.
the jealous moments were great and the reason for their breakup was a little unrealistic but it made sense since that was the one thing that would have broken them up.
all in all, a fun read. but i dont' know if i would read again, hence the 4 star rating.
April 19, 2024
Sigh, why can’t men in real life be like men in books. Loyal. Loving. Respectful. Successful. Crazy in love. Lol love the Sterling Shore series !
August 16, 2021
Irredeemable hero. Hero was a bully and in love with ow who was heroine’s sister. I felt the h was extremely weak for being with the H at all.
October 11, 2020
4.25 stars
July 9, 2024
Re-read 7/8/24- Oh, look, it's Tessa doing another re-read because she can't find anything to new to keep her interest 😂 Oh, and the rating stays the same.
Re-read 9/1/23 rating stays the same
Re-read 3/10/23 bumping it up to 5 because, let's be honest, if I own the ebook and the paperback, it deserves 5 stars😅
Solid 4 stars
I enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Tria and how she was constantly overlooked for Rainn. I may be in the minority but I really didn't like her ( Rainn). I was so happy that Koda finally pulled his head out to see what was right in front of him his whole life. I also enjoyed how protective he got over Tria and made her feel like she came first
Re-read 9/1/23 rating stays the same
Re-read 3/10/23 bumping it up to 5 because, let's be honest, if I own the ebook and the paperback, it deserves 5 stars😅
Solid 4 stars
I enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Tria and how she was constantly overlooked for Rainn. I may be in the minority but I really didn't like her ( Rainn). I was so happy that Koda finally pulled his head out to see what was right in front of him his whole life. I also enjoyed how protective he got over Tria and made her feel like she came first
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