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Sterling Shore #5
Breaking Even
What happens when one neighbor pisses off the other? They end up in a brutal prank war, of course. But neither of them expects what happens when they can’t break even. Rye Clanton I told myself a long time ago that I wouldn’t—couldn’t—fall in love. I’ve seen what happens, the things they don’t tell you in fairytales. But I never saw Brin Waters coming until she had thoroughly invaded my life. Until her, I never laughed, joked, or even knew how to have a good time. Until her, I just existed. If my secrets weren’t so dark… But they are. Brin Waters How the hell do you go from hating someone to loving them? I don’t know, but Rye Clanton is good at it. However, he’s a walking contradiction that I can’t figure out, an enigma that has stumped me more times than I can count. But he’s the first person that’s ever made me feel alive—free. How do you give something like that up? Is loving him worth the risk of being destroyed?
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2015
507 people are currently reading
3177 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Owens
65 books8,912 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 445 reviews
August 12, 2021
4.5 Stars
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Rye and Brin and their tension and banter. All the things.
Mostly, I am happy to know that I still have so many books in this series left to me. Knowing CM Owens and her romance brilliance is gone is heartbreaking.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Rye and Brin and their tension and banter. All the things.
Mostly, I am happy to know that I still have so many books in this series left to me. Knowing CM Owens and her romance brilliance is gone is heartbreaking.
February 15, 2022
3ish✨
friends + prank-nemesis phase : 4 stars
the sec they hook up, it plummeted : 3.5
the ridiculous break up, skimmed : 2.5 - 3 stars
this was kinda cliche. not the problem tho, never have never will, but i’m so not in the mood for the commitment-allergic caused by mommy/daddy-issues heroes. them loving their love interest but couldn’t be together coz they didn’t think they deserved it, It gets old. so that’s irritated #1
irritated #2. I usually dont have any problem w/ the matchmaking friends in books, im one of them irl. here tho. HERE THO. i get it, y’all are happy and lucky to have great love story, but not all people do (in this case, they did, but u get it), so why dont u butt out, mind ur own business and just let them be. them matchmaking are pushing these two characters together more quickly, but as an avid slow burn lover, i prefer them figuring out those feelings on their own as time goes so, you know, it added more angst longer
#3. ngl i skipped the first coital scene. they were fighting i figured smth juicy was about to happen, so i was hella excited but no, he just had to kiss her, and oh no no, she reciprocated. so the fight was forgotten. and vees fucking bummed. again, it wasn’t insta love / even insta together, but i’d much much prefer it if they just waited longer yk (say, till the end of the book?). srsly, unless they had some agreement, like fuck buddies -only contract, its not tolerable. i dont really like it when the couple slept together sooner than (at the very least) 60%. overall good read tho
’It’s probably because she made me have fun with very little beer, too much food, and a movie.
In fact, it was one of the best times I’ve had in so damn long, and that makes me sound pathetic. But my mind never wandered off to things I want to forget, just like it never does when I’m with her.
I’ve gone to resorts for weekend getaways with girls that most men would cut off their left nut just to touch—girls who wear the sexiest, most expensive lingerie and look better than the models who strut on the runway. And yet I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than get her back in her pink boxers and smurf shirt while we lounge on her uncomfortable couch.
Brainy smurf. It wasn’t even Smurfette.’
friends + prank-nemesis phase : 4 stars
the sec they hook up, it plummeted : 3.5
the ridiculous break up, skimmed : 2.5 - 3 stars
”What’s going on with you and Brin?”
Shit.
“I don’t know what you mean. We’re friendly neighbors who torment each other. Nothing else.”
“Dude, you’re either talking about her, talking to her, seeing her, or plotting a way to drive her crazy. You’ve got it bad, or you’re just plain crazy. I’m going with option one.”
this was kinda cliche. not the problem tho, never have never will, but i’m so not in the mood for the commitment-allergic caused by mommy/daddy-issues heroes. them loving their love interest but couldn’t be together coz they didn’t think they deserved it, It gets old. so that’s irritated #1
irritated #2. I usually dont have any problem w/ the matchmaking friends in books, im one of them irl. here tho. HERE THO. i get it, y’all are happy and lucky to have great love story, but not all people do (in this case, they did, but u get it), so why dont u butt out, mind ur own business and just let them be. them matchmaking are pushing these two characters together more quickly, but as an avid slow burn lover, i prefer them figuring out those feelings on their own as time goes so, you know, it added more angst longer
#3. ngl i skipped the first coital scene. they were fighting i figured smth juicy was about to happen, so i was hella excited but no, he just had to kiss her, and oh no no, she reciprocated. so the fight was forgotten. and vees fucking bummed. again, it wasn’t insta love / even insta together, but i’d much much prefer it if they just waited longer yk (say, till the end of the book?). srsly, unless they had some agreement, like fuck buddies -only contract, its not tolerable. i dont really like it when the couple slept together sooner than (at the very least) 60%. overall good read tho
July 7, 2020
This never happens. I’ve read this book three times this year. THREE! It doesn’t get old and I seem to fall in love with it more and more every time I do read it. The only problem? I’m unable to finish the series because I love Rye and Brin so damn much. Don’t worry though, I will finish it one day :)
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I didn’t know how anyone could beat Kode and Tria but I think I just found my new favorite couple. This is by far the best of the series...so far ;)
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I didn’t know how anyone could beat Kode and Tria but I think I just found my new favorite couple. This is by far the best of the series...so far ;)
February 9, 2015
4 Pranked Stars!
4 Pranked Stars!
Loved this one! They both had me laughing so hard with their pranks. Then had me melting when Rye and Brin finally hooked up. Rye and all his tats and piercings was yummy:))
Rye was your typical guy who didn't believe in love or relationships. He had a tragic past that made him angry all the time. He never smiled or laughed.
Brin was just a plain ordinary woman that always just settled with whatever she got. Never thinking she was worth anything more. Her ex husband left her with a lot of debt and her family offered no help because she didn't go down the correct path they wanted her to go.
Brin and Rye are neighbors and they all have to park on the street. Rye always parks so close to Brin's car she couldn't get out. She doesn't understand why he doesn't park in front of his own house. One day she gets fed up and bangs on his door. She asks him to move his Porsche. He refuses. She's even more mad because he came to the door looking all sexy in his boxers and she can't help but to drool. Haha!! She climbs into her clunker and smashes into his car over and over until she gets out. Haha!! Rye is fuming! He's out the door and shocked that she did that and just drove off. So the war between them starts.
Exploding ketchup bottles, pink glitter in car vents, food coloring in drinks, pet spider in bed the list goes on and on. I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard!
Brin makes Rye smile and laugh a lot. After some meddling friends these two decide to have some fun together under the sheets or on the counter or in the shower or you get my point. lol But...they still keep the pranks going.
I enjoyed reading about these two. Not sure if I want to read Wrens story next or not. I'm thinking I might skip it. But I will be watching and waiting for others to appear in this series:))
4 Pranked Stars!
Loved this one! They both had me laughing so hard with their pranks. Then had me melting when Rye and Brin finally hooked up. Rye and all his tats and piercings was yummy:))
Rye was your typical guy who didn't believe in love or relationships. He had a tragic past that made him angry all the time. He never smiled or laughed.
Brin was just a plain ordinary woman that always just settled with whatever she got. Never thinking she was worth anything more. Her ex husband left her with a lot of debt and her family offered no help because she didn't go down the correct path they wanted her to go.
Brin and Rye are neighbors and they all have to park on the street. Rye always parks so close to Brin's car she couldn't get out. She doesn't understand why he doesn't park in front of his own house. One day she gets fed up and bangs on his door. She asks him to move his Porsche. He refuses. She's even more mad because he came to the door looking all sexy in his boxers and she can't help but to drool. Haha!! She climbs into her clunker and smashes into his car over and over until she gets out. Haha!! Rye is fuming! He's out the door and shocked that she did that and just drove off. So the war between them starts.
Exploding ketchup bottles, pink glitter in car vents, food coloring in drinks, pet spider in bed the list goes on and on. I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard!
Brin makes Rye smile and laugh a lot. After some meddling friends these two decide to have some fun together under the sheets or on the counter or in the shower or you get my point. lol But...they still keep the pranks going.
I enjoyed reading about these two. Not sure if I want to read Wrens story next or not. I'm thinking I might skip it. But I will be watching and waiting for others to appear in this series:))
February 15, 2017
A 3 star rating is not bad, is it? Based on my own rating o'meter, 3 stars means I liked it. I just didn't love it and enjoy it much. Seems like I am in the minority on this one and whenever that happens, I feel bad. This is one of those "it's me, not the book thingy".
It started out really well. An all out war with the Mr. Sexy neighbor. Pranks were thrown out and some are really inventive. I laughed and giggled. At first, it was cute but then it got really old and turned to being ridiculous instead. I blame my hormones for this change of tune.
Rye the H is a hot tattoed neighbor who lives across the street from Brin our h. I feel bad for Brin for thinking this "Guys like Rye don't go for girls like me". Can we have a book where the H would be the one thinking this instead? Most of the books I've read it's basically the h who thinks this. Why? Just ignore this review or whatever.
It started out really well. An all out war with the Mr. Sexy neighbor. Pranks were thrown out and some are really inventive. I laughed and giggled. At first, it was cute but then it got really old and turned to being ridiculous instead. I blame my hormones for this change of tune.
Rye the H is a hot tattoed neighbor who lives across the street from Brin our h. I feel bad for Brin for thinking this "Guys like Rye don't go for girls like me". Can we have a book where the H would be the one thinking this instead? Most of the books I've read it's basically the h who thinks this. Why? Just ignore this review or whatever.
January 21, 2015
3.5 STARS
Genre: Love/hate, Neighbours & opposites attract Romance
Cover: 7/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero: 7/10
Humour: 4/10
Hotness: 5/10
Romance: 6/10
Extra book Details: Heroine & Hero POV; 1st person. Approx 310 kindle pages.
Breaking Even is about Brin & Rye. Neighbours to enemies when they declare the ultimate prank war.
I only read book 1 of this series, which made reading this a little difficult. There were a lot of side characters who were H&h's in the other 4 books. Their drama was tedious for me because I wasn't familiar with them.
Another thing, that really put me off was the self-deprecation. Not so much, 'oh I'm so ugly', but it was more 'I'm so plain, sure people think I'm sweet, but I'm not hot like all the other girls in Sterling Shore.... Oh she's so beautiful, exactly Rye's type. Well dressed & stacked.' This kind of thinking featured pretty often. The biggest problem, was that for 60% of the book, the hero tended to agree. He clothes & her plain-ness made her un-fuckable.
The best parts were the little bits of humour, the silly pranks, and the hero being really sweet & alpha. I very much enjoyed the enemies to friends to lovers relationship.
June 7, 2018
02/07/17 (finished reveiw)
This is litterally Rye throughout the entire book:
"Love is a relentless bind that drowns you and holds you down. Love is the last thing a guy like me can endure, because then it all becomes real and the fun is gone. Love is a bitter, cold-hearted bitch, and I don’t want it. Not to mention, I can’t have it."
Haven't finished the book yet but it is really annoying how he treats Brin. He doesn't want her. Even tells her he doesn't want her. Thinks he doesn't want her. And at this rate I am pretty sure he'll end up being a real dick to her, break up thier "not" relationship and beg for her to come back. I swear this is getting old. The book was really funny though, the beginning killed me but now it's just drama, drama, drama.
Great another one 😑:
"Love is a coldblooded murderer. Love is a blanket of lies and spared truths. It’s a calculated monster that drains you of everything you have until you’re a husk of the person you once were."
I was right. Throughout the entire book Rye tried to fight his relationship with Brin breaking of their friendship after she fell for him. Then he figured out he loves her and can't be without her and begs for her to come back. Same old same old and it is getting kinda boring.
What I really hated about this book was the fact that Rye wouldn't at first even contemplate being whith Brin in a relationship that is more than a friendship because she wasn't his type. She was a skinny, tall 'bimbo'. Brin was never described as fat, overweight, short or in any way not beautiful but the main (hero) character in this book saw her as such especially during the beginning of the book. I mean it's one thing not to like a girl because she is not your type but to treat and think of her in such a bad way because she isn't as perfect as all the girls his ever been with is just well mean. He punched a guy in the face, a guy Brin was on a date with (set up) for saying she wasn't what he expected because she isn't perfect was just wrong for me and weird because that is exactly what Rye did. He didn't date her officially because she wasn't perfect.
This is litterally Rye throughout the entire book:
"Love is a relentless bind that drowns you and holds you down. Love is the last thing a guy like me can endure, because then it all becomes real and the fun is gone. Love is a bitter, cold-hearted bitch, and I don’t want it. Not to mention, I can’t have it."
Haven't finished the book yet but it is really annoying how he treats Brin. He doesn't want her. Even tells her he doesn't want her. Thinks he doesn't want her. And at this rate I am pretty sure he'll end up being a real dick to her, break up thier "not" relationship and beg for her to come back. I swear this is getting old. The book was really funny though, the beginning killed me but now it's just drama, drama, drama.
Great another one 😑:
"Love is a coldblooded murderer. Love is a blanket of lies and spared truths. It’s a calculated monster that drains you of everything you have until you’re a husk of the person you once were."
I was right. Throughout the entire book Rye tried to fight his relationship with Brin breaking of their friendship after she fell for him. Then he figured out he loves her and can't be without her and begs for her to come back. Same old same old and it is getting kinda boring.
What I really hated about this book was the fact that Rye wouldn't at first even contemplate being whith Brin in a relationship that is more than a friendship because she wasn't his type. She was a skinny, tall 'bimbo'. Brin was never described as fat, overweight, short or in any way not beautiful but the main (hero) character in this book saw her as such especially during the beginning of the book. I mean it's one thing not to like a girl because she is not your type but to treat and think of her in such a bad way because she isn't as perfect as all the girls his ever been with is just well mean. He punched a guy in the face, a guy Brin was on a date with (set up) for saying she wasn't what he expected because she isn't perfect was just wrong for me and weird because that is exactly what Rye did. He didn't date her officially because she wasn't perfect.
January 5, 2015
This book is amazing. The entire series is a must read. I think you could read this one without reading the others, but you will be lost of who belongs to who and what they had to endure to be a couple. And, there is no reason not to read the entire series. Each of the five books that I have read have been five star reads. Brin and Rye are neighbors who start off on the wrong foot. Their pranks will have you laughing and thanking the Good Lord that you don't have neighbors who would play such horrid (or fun to read about) pranks. I also have to admit to crying at different times in the book. I am a crier anyway, but Brin brought me to tears often. This story will grab you, and you won't want to put the book down. I really like Brin. She is not the flashy hussy type that you see in Sterling Shores. She is a REAL girl. Not many men find her attractive at first glance. She gets under Rye's skin. She is not his type, but I think she is exactly what he needs. We are reunited with some couples we have read about and some new characters who are introduced in this story. Even though there is plenty of angst, I am glad that C.M. Owens didn't have Rye to flock to some cheap hussy girl when things got tough. I had a love hate relationship with the book. I loved every minute of it. I hated that it took me so long to get to the end. Then, I hated that it was over. I read this in one afternoon. Dual point of view. No cliffhanger. We get a teaser of whose story is next. Awesome series that will pull you in, make you love the characters, cause you to invest in these characters because the author gives us great character development, take you on a roller coaster, and cause you to fan a time or two. Again....AWESOME!!!
October 12, 2020
3.5 stars
May 18, 2016
Brin Waters has had it with her neighbor, Rye Clanton. Brin knows she has a reputation of just being passive and allowing others to walk over her, however today she has reached her limit. Deciding to pummel Rye's Porsche instead. It could have been a moment of crazy that landed her in jail but Rye decides to get even with his own prank. And so begins a back and forth prank between neighbors, as well as an unexpected friendship neither saw coming. However, feelings have a way of growing and while Brin agrees to a "fun" affair with Rye, she is having problems keeping the lines uncrossed. Rye though doesn't believe in love, can the bad boy realize he is about to lose the most important person in his life he if he doesn't come to grips with his past?
Loved this one, had some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Rye is complicated and I loved how his story unfolded. Brin is a hoot, very creative and once she gains confidence she is fantastic. She would be the type of girl I would love to have as a friend. The gang from the previous Sterling Shore series are in full force in this story. Wonderful read.
Loved this one, had some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Rye is complicated and I loved how his story unfolded. Brin is a hoot, very creative and once she gains confidence she is fantastic. She would be the type of girl I would love to have as a friend. The gang from the previous Sterling Shore series are in full force in this story. Wonderful read.
February 6, 2015
I haven't laughed or cried this much in a long time--too awesome!
March 16, 2016
Didn't think I'd like Rye's book but finished it basically in a day!
January 31, 2024
Can’t. I should stay away from stupid premises like this. I’m sure the guy isn’t an asshole, I’m sure he falls madly for the nerdy girl, but… I just can’t stand guys like him.
April 4, 2021
Not my favourite of the series. I found it pretty childish and a bit too angsty. Both characters were okay in a way I just had a hard time caring. I also don't understand why they keep popping up in other books all the time always playing pranks on each other. It gets annoying when having to read the same thing over and over again? Doesn't it ever get old? I can't imagine a real relationship being based on a childish prank war. In addition, I didn't feel much chemistry between these two tbh and hated how Brin was always being whiny and complaining about her looks. I understand that she feels insecure about her looks in comparison to Rye but it was too much. She was not even in the least bit ugly, yet the other characters around her said so. The author placed too much of a big deal on her looks when it wasn't even a big deal in the first place. There are many couples out there where one partner is more attractive than the other and it is never an issue like it was in this book. Rye was sometimes very annoying with his 'love is complicated stuff over and over again. Get over it man!
January 24, 2015
I had one hell of a time while Reading this book. The pranks Rye and Brin played on each other were so funny! One of the best “Neighbor from hell” plot line. The ideas they came up with were hilarious, the friendship they developed was outstanding. Rye had a hard time while growing up, and that definitely made him behave in a certain way. Thank God he came out of the loop and took a huge leap to be with Brin. Brin was totally a girl next door kind-a-girl, she was sweet and a graet friend but her insecurities made her vulnerable. I was cheering Rye when he went ahead and pummeled her ex!
So here I am, left waiting for next book and next book in this series (Wren) up until I get the book about Maverick ( I really love the name and the peaks we get of him… totally spoiled prince material) !
So here I am, left waiting for next book and next book in this series (Wren) up until I get the book about Maverick ( I really love the name and the peaks we get of him… totally spoiled prince material) !
February 5, 2015
C.M. Owens Sterling Shore Series
Recommend reading in order for best clarity.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1317...
Hooked on the Game (Sterling Shore #1)
Kade's Game (The Sterling Shore Series 1.5)
Tagged & Ashed (The Sterling Shore Series #2)
The Sterling Boys (Sterling Shore #3)
Loving War (Sterling Shore #4)
Breaking Even (Sterling Shore #5)
These stories were not only well written but had everything I look for when finding a good book:
• One or more HOT alpha bad guys
• Likeable heroine/hero
• Hot chemistry between heroine/hero
• Great story line
• Romance
• Drama
• Good backup characters
• Complete story - no cliffhanger
Recommend reading in order for best clarity.
https://www.goodreads.com/series/1317...
Hooked on the Game (Sterling Shore #1)
Kade's Game (The Sterling Shore Series 1.5)
Tagged & Ashed (The Sterling Shore Series #2)
The Sterling Boys (Sterling Shore #3)
Loving War (Sterling Shore #4)
Breaking Even (Sterling Shore #5)
These stories were not only well written but had everything I look for when finding a good book:
• One or more HOT alpha bad guys
• Likeable heroine/hero
• Hot chemistry between heroine/hero
• Great story line
• Romance
• Drama
• Good backup characters
• Complete story - no cliffhanger
August 19, 2020
5 “Camry and Porsche key chain”- stars!
Pranks!
All over the place! This book was hilarious.
Brin is probably one of my favorite female characters in the Sterling series so far. You could really relate to her. And she got jokes.
Rye was not how I expected him to be. I expected the whole bad boy persona, not one into pranking wars. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it. I guess he just surprised me. There was also a lot more depth in this book. The whole deal with his parents was captivating.
The writing (as always) was brilliant.
Read: 18/11/2017
Will I recommend: Yes! C.M. Owens is 100% worth your time.
Pranks!
All over the place! This book was hilarious.
Brin is probably one of my favorite female characters in the Sterling series so far. You could really relate to her. And she got jokes.
Rye was not how I expected him to be. I expected the whole bad boy persona, not one into pranking wars. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it. I guess he just surprised me. There was also a lot more depth in this book. The whole deal with his parents was captivating.
The writing (as always) was brilliant.
Read: 18/11/2017
Will I recommend: Yes! C.M. Owens is 100% worth your time.
May 9, 2015
Another hit!!! I have fallen in love with this series and am yet to find one book I don't like. It's hard to choose because each story suits these guy characters to a T. Rye's and Brin story however mad me cry...the angst and emotions were so real...I love it. am so grateful to have stumbled upon this series through a random conversation. I haven't been so happy for one clicking as I am right now to have found these jewels. now am looking forward to Wren's story and all the others in this series.
August 13, 2016
5 "apparently I always fall for the bad guy with tatoos too stars"
My favourite of the entire series.
I giggled the whole time and the plot and the story per se were different from the usual "you make me feel things but I'm not sure if I deserve you" shit.
The love story between Rye and Brin starts with a pranks war that made me laugh so much my cheeks hurt and the develpment is soooo beautiful I couldn't put it down.
Aaaand there is a damn plot twist I wasn't expecting that made me love the H even more.
High five, Mrs Owens, you did very very well.
My favourite of the entire series.
I giggled the whole time and the plot and the story per se were different from the usual "you make me feel things but I'm not sure if I deserve you" shit.
The love story between Rye and Brin starts with a pranks war that made me laugh so much my cheeks hurt and the develpment is soooo beautiful I couldn't put it down.
Aaaand there is a damn plot twist I wasn't expecting that made me love the H even more.
High five, Mrs Owens, you did very very well.
January 22, 2015
Omg!!!!
I with everyone else on this. I didn't read any other book in the series before this one but I have to say is wow!!! Rye and Brin are to die for I laughed so freaking hard for most of this book I had tears. I wish there were more books written like this one. A little drama but no cheating I hate cheating. The book was just so well written the author just is awesome at what she does. Must read!!!!! I honestly want more of rye and bring like now right freaking now.
I with everyone else on this. I didn't read any other book in the series before this one but I have to say is wow!!! Rye and Brin are to die for I laughed so freaking hard for most of this book I had tears. I wish there were more books written like this one. A little drama but no cheating I hate cheating. The book was just so well written the author just is awesome at what she does. Must read!!!!! I honestly want more of rye and bring like now right freaking now.
September 15, 2020
loved this one!!! just perfect million stars <3
December 13, 2020
Feuding neighbors to lovers.
Lots of push and pull.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Small other woman and man drama.
Others show interest.
HEA.
Lots of push and pull.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Small other woman and man drama.
Others show interest.
HEA.
June 17, 2020
4.5 star!
This was such a fun read!
I loved it! Enemy neighbours, prank wars and romance. Yes please! I did not expect this. I was grinning and laughing throughout this book, it was just so damn entertaining.
Rye and Brin are my new Sterling favorites! They were so good together. Their pranks on each other were HILARIOUS! Their meeting had me rolling. They captured me from the start.
I have to admit though Tag and Ash the meddling idiots, were so annoying!! Can they just concentrate on their own lives? They caused such unnecessary drama with their date set ups for Brin and Rye. With how close Tag was with Rye...it is a bit weird he was never mentioned in Tag's book. Just a thought I had when he and Ash were being completely annoying and up in his business.
I feel Rye's dark past wasnt really capitalized too much on. Trauma from something he experienced should have been shown throughout the book in more ways than avoiding love. I just thought the author could've have done more on that end because as much as a heart breaking story it was...it didnt have much grounding for me to feel the trauma it left Rye with. It was a barely there background plot that was there to cause tension.
Other than those small things, I will definitely be rereading this one when I need a pick me up. Love love loved it!
This was such a fun read!
I loved it! Enemy neighbours, prank wars and romance. Yes please! I did not expect this. I was grinning and laughing throughout this book, it was just so damn entertaining.
Rye and Brin are my new Sterling favorites! They were so good together. Their pranks on each other were HILARIOUS! Their meeting had me rolling. They captured me from the start.
I have to admit though Tag and Ash the meddling idiots, were so annoying!! Can they just concentrate on their own lives? They caused such unnecessary drama with their date set ups for Brin and Rye. With how close Tag was with Rye...it is a bit weird he was never mentioned in Tag's book. Just a thought I had when he and Ash were being completely annoying and up in his business.
I feel Rye's dark past wasnt really capitalized too much on. Trauma from something he experienced should have been shown throughout the book in more ways than avoiding love. I just thought the author could've have done more on that end because as much as a heart breaking story it was...it didnt have much grounding for me to feel the trauma it left Rye with. It was a barely there background plot that was there to cause tension.
Other than those small things, I will definitely be rereading this one when I need a pick me up. Love love loved it!
June 28, 2020
warning : * has sexual content*
4-4.5☆☆☆☆
Just two words Hilarious and Hot !
Yes we have a typical hero one who is hot as sin and has a dark past . Cliché (I know but I don't care)
Rye Clanton : bad boy with piercings, tattoos and a motorcycle and did I mention he's HOT?
meets Brin Waters : plain old good girl but together they are explosive.
What starts as a fight over parking (yes! a parking)soon become a full-fledged PRANK WAR!
Upside
>>It has both Rye's and Brin's POV so it's not actually a struggle to understand the plot.
>>IT WILL CRACK YOU UP ; it is really funny with LOL moments.
>>The plot and characters develop gradually ; it does not stretch a point too much and the connection between past and present gives the much needed insight.
>>It's steamy not Fifty Shades of Grey steamy but it's good.
Flipside
>>Some parts were too cliché ; I knew exactly what was going to happen.
>>It's a part of a series so there are too many characters just roaming around.
If you like something humorours and also steamy then this is the book for you.
4-4.5☆☆☆☆
Just two words Hilarious and Hot !
Yes we have a typical hero one who is hot as sin and has a dark past . Cliché (I know but I don't care)
Rye Clanton : bad boy with piercings, tattoos and a motorcycle and did I mention he's HOT?
meets Brin Waters : plain old good girl but together they are explosive.
What starts as a fight over parking (yes! a parking)soon become a full-fledged PRANK WAR!
Upside
>>It has both Rye's and Brin's POV so it's not actually a struggle to understand the plot.
>>IT WILL CRACK YOU UP ; it is really funny with LOL moments.
>>The plot and characters develop gradually ; it does not stretch a point too much and the connection between past and present gives the much needed insight.
>>It's steamy not Fifty Shades of Grey steamy but it's good.
Flipside
>>Some parts were too cliché ; I knew exactly what was going to happen.
>>It's a part of a series so there are too many characters just roaming around.
If you like something humorours and also steamy then this is the book for you.
July 12, 2017
She DID IT AGAIN! I just freaking love this woman. Again she released the book earlier and and it was AMAZING! Like, duh… of course it’s amazing!
I did a happy dance, when she announced early release and I was asleep when the book went live! How dare you Amazon!! And because I have a fever it took me longer to read
But! let’s concentrate on the book…
The book is seriously funny and hot. From the previous books I didn’t have great opinion of Rye, but after that I adore him. Before I thought of him as one hell of a prick, who just like to use women (wait, aren’t they all like that at some point?!). But! He is fun and loves jokes :] especially pranks, on Brin, who is not better and really likes to get even. Especially with him.
The book is told from 2 POV (as almost all books in the series -except Raya’s and Kade’s story, where there are separate books for each of them – did I mention that I love them?). First we meet Brin, who is getting ready to go to work like always, when she sees that her annoying neighbour has parked on their parking side AGAIN. But this morning something just breaks in her. All her life, her past and this little issue makes her snap and so the war between her and Rye begins. As their friendship, which after few weeks (and many jokes, pranks…) turns into something more.
When we meet Rye, I was like: “Nuh-uh, I don’t like him”. But after each sentences, I grew on him and I started to adore him. I started to see that there is something there. He was struggling with something, and not many people knew what it was. After I got to know the real Rye, I was broken. And sick. I really hate when someone past is dark and going back to their childhood. I cried with him, when he told his story to Brin.
I think this story is the darkest one in the whole series. They all have their own past and problems, but Rye’s just leaves you broken. Like shattered. And it doesn’t help that Brin didn’t have best life either.
But what I loved the most? The fun they had. And how Rye wanted to win her over? With pranks again? That cracked me up!
The book is so worth reading! Kade and Raya are still winning, with Kode and Tria behind them. But I have to say: I love what Tag did! hahahah poor Ash! But then, all the people who she is trying to matchmake are I think in worse position, as lovely as she is, she is a horrible matchmaker! Hahahah
And another thing that made me say several times: WTF?! Was Wren in the story and now I just CAN’T wait for A Redo!! Especially after reading the first chapter
The book is not really a standalone and besides all the books are worth reading!
Merged review:
She DID IT AGAIN! I just freaking love this woman. Again she released the book earlier and and it was AMAZING! Like, duh… of course it’s amazing!
I did a happy dance, when she announced early release and I was asleep when the book went live when I was sleep! How dare you Amazon!! And because I have a fever it took me longer to read
But! let’s concentrate on the book…
The book is seriously funny and hot. From the previous books I didn’t have great opinion of Rye, but after that I adore him. Before I had as one hell of a prick, who just like to use women (wait, aren’t they all like that at some point?!). But! He is fun and loves jokes :] especially pranks, on Brin, who is not better and really likes to get even. Especially with him.
The book is told from 2 POV (as almost all books in the series -except Raya’s and Kade’s story, where there are separate books for each of them – did I mention that I love them?). First we meet Brin, who is getting ready to go to work like always, when she sees that her annoying neighbour has parked on their parking side AGAIN. But this morning something just breaks in her. All her life, her past and this little issue makes her snap and so the war between her and Rye begins. As their friendship, which after few weeks (and many jokes, pranks…) turns into something more.
When we meet Rye, I was like: “Nuh-uh, I don’t like him”. But after each sentences, I grew on him and I started to adore him. I started to see that there is something there. He was struggling with something, and not many people new what it was. After I got to know the real Rye, I was broken. And sick. I really hate when someone past is dark and going back to their childhood. I cried with him, when he told his story to Brin.
I think this story is the darkest one in the whole series. They all have their own past and problems, but Rye’s just leaves you broker. Like shattered. And it doesn’t help that Brin didn’t have best life either.
But what I loved the most? The fun they had. And how Rye wanted to win her over? With pranks again? That cracked me up!
The book is so worth reading! Kade and Raya are still winning, with Kode and Tria behind them. But I have to say: I love what Tag did! hahahah poor Ash! But then, all the people who she is trying to matchmake are I think in worse position, as lovely as she is, she is a horrible matchmaker! Hahahah
And another thing that made say several times: WTF?! Was Wren in the story and now I just CAN’T wait for A Redo!! Especially after reading the first chapter
The book is not really a standalone and besides all the books are worth reading!
I did a happy dance, when she announced early release and I was asleep when the book went live! How dare you Amazon!! And because I have a fever it took me longer to read
But! let’s concentrate on the book…
The book is seriously funny and hot. From the previous books I didn’t have great opinion of Rye, but after that I adore him. Before I thought of him as one hell of a prick, who just like to use women (wait, aren’t they all like that at some point?!). But! He is fun and loves jokes :] especially pranks, on Brin, who is not better and really likes to get even. Especially with him.
The book is told from 2 POV (as almost all books in the series -except Raya’s and Kade’s story, where there are separate books for each of them – did I mention that I love them?). First we meet Brin, who is getting ready to go to work like always, when she sees that her annoying neighbour has parked on their parking side AGAIN. But this morning something just breaks in her. All her life, her past and this little issue makes her snap and so the war between her and Rye begins. As their friendship, which after few weeks (and many jokes, pranks…) turns into something more.
When we meet Rye, I was like: “Nuh-uh, I don’t like him”. But after each sentences, I grew on him and I started to adore him. I started to see that there is something there. He was struggling with something, and not many people knew what it was. After I got to know the real Rye, I was broken. And sick. I really hate when someone past is dark and going back to their childhood. I cried with him, when he told his story to Brin.
I think this story is the darkest one in the whole series. They all have their own past and problems, but Rye’s just leaves you broken. Like shattered. And it doesn’t help that Brin didn’t have best life either.
But what I loved the most? The fun they had. And how Rye wanted to win her over? With pranks again? That cracked me up!
The book is so worth reading! Kade and Raya are still winning, with Kode and Tria behind them. But I have to say: I love what Tag did! hahahah poor Ash! But then, all the people who she is trying to matchmake are I think in worse position, as lovely as she is, she is a horrible matchmaker! Hahahah
And another thing that made me say several times: WTF?! Was Wren in the story and now I just CAN’T wait for A Redo!! Especially after reading the first chapter
The book is not really a standalone and besides all the books are worth reading!
Merged review:
She DID IT AGAIN! I just freaking love this woman. Again she released the book earlier and and it was AMAZING! Like, duh… of course it’s amazing!
I did a happy dance, when she announced early release and I was asleep when the book went live when I was sleep! How dare you Amazon!! And because I have a fever it took me longer to read
But! let’s concentrate on the book…
The book is seriously funny and hot. From the previous books I didn’t have great opinion of Rye, but after that I adore him. Before I had as one hell of a prick, who just like to use women (wait, aren’t they all like that at some point?!). But! He is fun and loves jokes :] especially pranks, on Brin, who is not better and really likes to get even. Especially with him.
The book is told from 2 POV (as almost all books in the series -except Raya’s and Kade’s story, where there are separate books for each of them – did I mention that I love them?). First we meet Brin, who is getting ready to go to work like always, when she sees that her annoying neighbour has parked on their parking side AGAIN. But this morning something just breaks in her. All her life, her past and this little issue makes her snap and so the war between her and Rye begins. As their friendship, which after few weeks (and many jokes, pranks…) turns into something more.
When we meet Rye, I was like: “Nuh-uh, I don’t like him”. But after each sentences, I grew on him and I started to adore him. I started to see that there is something there. He was struggling with something, and not many people new what it was. After I got to know the real Rye, I was broken. And sick. I really hate when someone past is dark and going back to their childhood. I cried with him, when he told his story to Brin.
I think this story is the darkest one in the whole series. They all have their own past and problems, but Rye’s just leaves you broker. Like shattered. And it doesn’t help that Brin didn’t have best life either.
But what I loved the most? The fun they had. And how Rye wanted to win her over? With pranks again? That cracked me up!
The book is so worth reading! Kade and Raya are still winning, with Kode and Tria behind them. But I have to say: I love what Tag did! hahahah poor Ash! But then, all the people who she is trying to matchmake are I think in worse position, as lovely as she is, she is a horrible matchmaker! Hahahah
And another thing that made say several times: WTF?! Was Wren in the story and now I just CAN’T wait for A Redo!! Especially after reading the first chapter
The book is not really a standalone and besides all the books are worth reading!
September 17, 2020
it was a cute fun enemies to friends to lovers book. but it was pretty basic romance story.
December 9, 2022
Ugly cover. Lovely book.
3.5 stars!!
3.5 stars!!
November 21, 2015
She has done it again – another great book. This one definitely counts as another off my 2015 Reading Challenge for a ‘Funny book’. I laughed out loud so much throughout this book.
Brin has had enough of her neighbour parking on her side of the street and blocking her in when he has a space on his side, she decides to goes over and demand he move his car. Having him answer the door in only his boxers is only a slight distraction (tattoos, piercings, muscles to die for, oh and an early morning soldier will do that to a girl!) for her before demanding he move his car. After getting a snide cocky no from him she kind of snaps (it was a bad day before she even saw his car and this just made it a lot worse) and ends up ramming her car in reverse to crush his out of the way. After the adrenaline high has worn off she starts to worry about what he might do – sue her, get her arrested – what she doesn’t count on is a battle of wits and schemes that begins a prank war.
After seeing his crazy neighbour crush the front of his car Rye is some what pissed but instead of getting her in trouble he decides to get her back in another way. But after a prank in return to counter the car he thinks they are even but this is just the start of what’s to come. What follows is a mass of pranks back and forth with them trying to up one another still without knowing the others name. Glitter in car vents, blue dye exploding from fridges, ketchup bombs, spiders and snakes left in the house – the list is endless and just keeps getting funnier and funnier the more you read. You can tell that they are both loving scheming up pranks and that it ends up being the most fun part of their day.
When they get set up on a blind date together the fun just continues. What starts out as a fun friendship turns in to more but Rye tries to fight it, which just confuses Brin no end. After making her feel bad about who she is Rye can’t help but follow his instincts as he doesn’t want to lose her so ends up pouncing on her instead. Not that she minds as they end up having a very fun day at his house christening at lot of places within. He tells her right from the start that he is not looking for a relationship and that they would only be able to have fun. Brin wants to finally have a bit of fun for once so agrees with his terms even though she knows she will get hurt in the long run – she lies so she can just have him for a little while.
The closer they get the more chemistry that explodes between them. It’s only Rye holding back that makes it hard for a real relationship to evolve. He is so contradictory with his actions towards Brin. He says he wants to just be casual but can’t seem to stay away from her unless he makes himself. Until he opens up completely about his past and forgives himself they can’t be together for real. When he finally does at the end it is heart breaking what he went through, so moving. You can see why he has been the way he is but also how he can come out the other side of it. They are stronger together and feel most like themselves when they are.
Well worth a read but best that you read the series in order as characters from other books are mentioned throughout which I love. You get a very funny round up of a few of the couples having problems. Very funny drunken night at Brins where every answer Rye gives from the male perspective gets him shot down as quick as he mentions it, much to Brins amusement (glad they get everything sorted though and very funny how they do).
On to Wren and Allie’s story next and can’t wait for Corbin’s – now that one should be interesting :)
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
Brin has had enough of her neighbour parking on her side of the street and blocking her in when he has a space on his side, she decides to goes over and demand he move his car. Having him answer the door in only his boxers is only a slight distraction (tattoos, piercings, muscles to die for, oh and an early morning soldier will do that to a girl!) for her before demanding he move his car. After getting a snide cocky no from him she kind of snaps (it was a bad day before she even saw his car and this just made it a lot worse) and ends up ramming her car in reverse to crush his out of the way. After the adrenaline high has worn off she starts to worry about what he might do – sue her, get her arrested – what she doesn’t count on is a battle of wits and schemes that begins a prank war.
After seeing his crazy neighbour crush the front of his car Rye is some what pissed but instead of getting her in trouble he decides to get her back in another way. But after a prank in return to counter the car he thinks they are even but this is just the start of what’s to come. What follows is a mass of pranks back and forth with them trying to up one another still without knowing the others name. Glitter in car vents, blue dye exploding from fridges, ketchup bombs, spiders and snakes left in the house – the list is endless and just keeps getting funnier and funnier the more you read. You can tell that they are both loving scheming up pranks and that it ends up being the most fun part of their day.
When they get set up on a blind date together the fun just continues. What starts out as a fun friendship turns in to more but Rye tries to fight it, which just confuses Brin no end. After making her feel bad about who she is Rye can’t help but follow his instincts as he doesn’t want to lose her so ends up pouncing on her instead. Not that she minds as they end up having a very fun day at his house christening at lot of places within. He tells her right from the start that he is not looking for a relationship and that they would only be able to have fun. Brin wants to finally have a bit of fun for once so agrees with his terms even though she knows she will get hurt in the long run – she lies so she can just have him for a little while.
The closer they get the more chemistry that explodes between them. It’s only Rye holding back that makes it hard for a real relationship to evolve. He is so contradictory with his actions towards Brin. He says he wants to just be casual but can’t seem to stay away from her unless he makes himself. Until he opens up completely about his past and forgives himself they can’t be together for real. When he finally does at the end it is heart breaking what he went through, so moving. You can see why he has been the way he is but also how he can come out the other side of it. They are stronger together and feel most like themselves when they are.
Well worth a read but best that you read the series in order as characters from other books are mentioned throughout which I love. You get a very funny round up of a few of the couples having problems. Very funny drunken night at Brins where every answer Rye gives from the male perspective gets him shot down as quick as he mentions it, much to Brins amusement (glad they get everything sorted though and very funny how they do).
On to Wren and Allie’s story next and can’t wait for Corbin’s – now that one should be interesting :)
https://readingnook84.wordpress.com/2...
June 26, 2015
This is absolutely the most... pff I can't say fun book because some parts of it were downright heartbreaking but it was so much fun at times. I was reading it in the middle of the night and I was trying to stop myself from laughing out loud because everyone was sleeping and if I had let myself go I would have been LOUD! That's how much I wanted to just burst out laughing at moments. It was HILARIOUS! The pranks were my most favorite part. I loved when things got real and serious but I enjoyed how much the characters grew to like each other through all the dirty pranks they pulled.
I think it's safe to say that Rye and Brin are my favorite couple so far. I read A Redo first so I already kind of knew them from there and I loved them but meeting them here, it was amazing. I love how easy their relationship was in the beginning. I love how much fun they had with each other and how close that friendship made them. It was refreshing to see a couple starting out as friends but actually seeing it happen.
Brin, well her past is still kind of a mystery to me because I felt like there wasn't enough on her as she was younger. Her troubles started after she got married and around the time she got divorced.
Whereas Rye's problems were centered on and around the time he was a kid. I loved that about the story.. they were both scarred by life in two very different ways but in different times of their lives and it was interesting to see how it changed them.
Brin was a hot geek from what I was able to gather as information from how others described her. She was really set on being comfortable which I LOVED because it sets an unreal standard for characters to always look perfect and feel great. I loved how real it made her when she wasn't dressing to impress someone but she was more focused on making herself feel good. And she has a beautiful mind when it comes to pranks.. really it was a thing of beauty!
And Rye does not disappoint in the hotness department. He looks the part of a bad boy and he somewhat acted like it. Something I noticed in the beginning it how everyone commented on how much more he smiled and laughed. Everyone in the book was surprised by it and it was obvious. But when his friendship with Brin started we met a smiling, laughing, tattooed, gorgeous creature with a dirty mind and a charming personality (when he wanted to be). I loved him when he was laid back and fun and I loved him when he was acting like an ass because he doesn't know better (or didn't quite wanted to be better). And I loved him when he was fighting his demons so he could finally be someone who deserves a girl like Brin.
There were a lot of things to love in this story. A lot of it wasn't pretty because a lot of the stuff that happened at one point or another were dark but it was also beautiful to watch these two people that have had so much happen to them, interact in such a free and fun way. It was refreshing to read something so entertaining and I loved every second of it!
I think it's safe to say that Rye and Brin are my favorite couple so far. I read A Redo first so I already kind of knew them from there and I loved them but meeting them here, it was amazing. I love how easy their relationship was in the beginning. I love how much fun they had with each other and how close that friendship made them. It was refreshing to see a couple starting out as friends but actually seeing it happen.
Brin, well her past is still kind of a mystery to me because I felt like there wasn't enough on her as she was younger. Her troubles started after she got married and around the time she got divorced.
Whereas Rye's problems were centered on and around the time he was a kid. I loved that about the story.. they were both scarred by life in two very different ways but in different times of their lives and it was interesting to see how it changed them.
Brin was a hot geek from what I was able to gather as information from how others described her. She was really set on being comfortable which I LOVED because it sets an unreal standard for characters to always look perfect and feel great. I loved how real it made her when she wasn't dressing to impress someone but she was more focused on making herself feel good. And she has a beautiful mind when it comes to pranks.. really it was a thing of beauty!
And Rye does not disappoint in the hotness department. He looks the part of a bad boy and he somewhat acted like it. Something I noticed in the beginning it how everyone commented on how much more he smiled and laughed. Everyone in the book was surprised by it and it was obvious. But when his friendship with Brin started we met a smiling, laughing, tattooed, gorgeous creature with a dirty mind and a charming personality (when he wanted to be). I loved him when he was laid back and fun and I loved him when he was acting like an ass because he doesn't know better (or didn't quite wanted to be better). And I loved him when he was fighting his demons so he could finally be someone who deserves a girl like Brin.
There were a lot of things to love in this story. A lot of it wasn't pretty because a lot of the stuff that happened at one point or another were dark but it was also beautiful to watch these two people that have had so much happen to them, interact in such a free and fun way. It was refreshing to read something so entertaining and I loved every second of it!
January 28, 2015
I liked that ...
- when the heroine says (to herself, to others) that she is not heartbreakingly beautiful, she's really not. Like, there are actually some people who think that too. She's not one of those annoying heroines who are unaware that she's a goddess - EVEN THOUGH EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER IN THE BOOK TELLS HER SHE IS. She's also fine with that, most of the time. Sure, sometimes, she gets all vulnerable and stuff and resents her gorgeous friends a little bit. She also indulges in self-pity for a while, and even tries to make herself over. But she's never annoying about it, just real. So I actually understand what the hero sees in her. Amazingly.
- the hero has a good reason for acting like a butthead about commitment for most of the book. Even his reason for the inconsiderate behavior that drove the heroine crazy and started the prank war is sweet.
I did not like that ...
- their friends are way too involved in their business. The heroine's roommate even cries with her after all hell breaks loose with the hero. But that's mostly my problem - I haven't seen my friends in a month and I'm feeling envious and ignored. :)
This book reminds me a lot of Perfection by RL Mathewson (also Checkmate, I think, because of the pranks) - in a great way. It's just angstier, longer, and the pranks are more elaborate. The guys also have a healthier relationship with food. But they both used the hot guy/ordinary girl trope exceedingly well - AND I LOVE THAT TROPE. Sorry not sorry.
- when the heroine says (to herself, to others) that she is not heartbreakingly beautiful, she's really not. Like, there are actually some people who think that too. She's not one of those annoying heroines who are unaware that she's a goddess - EVEN THOUGH EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER IN THE BOOK TELLS HER SHE IS. She's also fine with that, most of the time. Sure, sometimes, she gets all vulnerable and stuff and resents her gorgeous friends a little bit. She also indulges in self-pity for a while, and even tries to make herself over. But she's never annoying about it, just real. So I actually understand what the hero sees in her. Amazingly.
- the hero has a good reason for acting like a butthead about commitment for most of the book. Even his reason for the inconsiderate behavior that drove the heroine crazy and started the prank war is sweet.
I did not like that ...
- their friends are way too involved in their business. The heroine's roommate even cries with her after all hell breaks loose with the hero. But that's mostly my problem - I haven't seen my friends in a month and I'm feeling envious and ignored. :)
This book reminds me a lot of Perfection by RL Mathewson (also Checkmate, I think, because of the pranks) - in a great way. It's just angstier, longer, and the pranks are more elaborate. The guys also have a healthier relationship with food. But they both used the hot guy/ordinary girl trope exceedingly well - AND I LOVE THAT TROPE. Sorry not sorry.
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