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The Upside of Being Let Down #1
The Upside of Being Let Down
The Upside of Being Let Down is a series where the reader follows how different people deal with the revations of truth. This is the first of two books.
- AJ –
Kicked out of college, kicked out of my apartment ... and now, because I tried to get help from my sister, kicked out of the club.
It's the middle of the night and I'm literally in the gutter.
I have no one in the world ... except him. The smoking hot guy who just offered me a place to stay ... no strings.
- Bryan –
I've got a plan. A career. The last thing I need is to complicate my life by inviting a girl I just met to crash on my couch.
But every time I look into her eyes, I get lost ... and as I lie awake, knowing she's in the next room, I can't stop thinking about her ...
*
Scarred by her past, AJ has refused help from everyone she's ever met. But Bryan's going to save her ... whether she likes it or not.
As they become more than friends, things get complicated ... and some shocking revelations about their past makes it even harder.
Can AJ let down her defenses long enough to let Bryan in for good?
Or will she turn away from the only man who can save her from herself?
_____
"The Upside of Being Let Down" is a collaboration between the two bestselling romance authors – Karolyn James (writing as London Casey) & Ana W. Fawkes.
Karolyn is the author of the bestselling rockstar romance series BROTHERS OF ROCK. Under the pen name London Casey, she's written the chart topping motorcycle romance series BACK DOWN DEVIL MC.
Ana is the author of the bestselling motorcycle romance serial series, DEVIL CALL MC. Other projects have included BY HIS COMMAND, FULL MOON MERCY, & RAW RIVER WILD.
- AJ –
Kicked out of college, kicked out of my apartment ... and now, because I tried to get help from my sister, kicked out of the club.
It's the middle of the night and I'm literally in the gutter.
I have no one in the world ... except him. The smoking hot guy who just offered me a place to stay ... no strings.
- Bryan –
I've got a plan. A career. The last thing I need is to complicate my life by inviting a girl I just met to crash on my couch.
But every time I look into her eyes, I get lost ... and as I lie awake, knowing she's in the next room, I can't stop thinking about her ...
*
Scarred by her past, AJ has refused help from everyone she's ever met. But Bryan's going to save her ... whether she likes it or not.
As they become more than friends, things get complicated ... and some shocking revelations about their past makes it even harder.
Can AJ let down her defenses long enough to let Bryan in for good?
Or will she turn away from the only man who can save her from herself?
_____
"The Upside of Being Let Down" is a collaboration between the two bestselling romance authors – Karolyn James (writing as London Casey) & Ana W. Fawkes.
Karolyn is the author of the bestselling rockstar romance series BROTHERS OF ROCK. Under the pen name London Casey, she's written the chart topping motorcycle romance series BACK DOWN DEVIL MC.
Ana is the author of the bestselling motorcycle romance serial series, DEVIL CALL MC. Other projects have included BY HIS COMMAND, FULL MOON MERCY, & RAW RIVER WILD.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2014
15 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 24, 2014
OH. MY. GOD.
What kind of book is this?! I can't believe that I added this on my to read file. Who wrote this? A sixteen year old high school who's suffering from peer pressure and was either way too scared or too strong to be a bully?!
The blurb was so interesting I almost fell in love with Bryan and AJ. But holy shit did it fooled me! I gave up reading at 42%. This is gonna make my head hurt I'm gonna have to murder someone.
AJ was homeless, kicked out from college and wasn't able to talk to her sister. And in less than 12 hours she's sleeping in a guy's bed she had just met in the club where her sister is working. And in less than 12 hours she's demanding good 'ol Bryan who offered her his apartment, to kiss her, do her, and then kicked her out of his own bed and told him to sleep on the couch?!
What's more surprising was that, she told him that ' she usually have a six (6) month waiting period , you know, before she would have sex with her boyfie. And she always tells him to 'don't ruin it', 'you're gonna ruin it'. She's an idiot and an asshole, no, not just a bitch, but an asshole and a jerk too. And a hell of a bully. And what?
I thought I'd give this book a go since I saw that there were very few people who read and review it, but man I should have read the signs.
What kind of book is this?! I can't believe that I added this on my to read file. Who wrote this? A sixteen year old high school who's suffering from peer pressure and was either way too scared or too strong to be a bully?!
The blurb was so interesting I almost fell in love with Bryan and AJ. But holy shit did it fooled me! I gave up reading at 42%. This is gonna make my head hurt I'm gonna have to murder someone.
AJ was homeless, kicked out from college and wasn't able to talk to her sister. And in less than 12 hours she's sleeping in a guy's bed she had just met in the club where her sister is working. And in less than 12 hours she's demanding good 'ol Bryan who offered her his apartment, to kiss her, do her, and then kicked her out of his own bed and told him to sleep on the couch?!
What's more surprising was that, she told him that ' she usually have a six (6) month waiting period , you know, before she would have sex with her boyfie. And she always tells him to 'don't ruin it', 'you're gonna ruin it'. She's an idiot and an asshole, no, not just a bitch, but an asshole and a jerk too. And a hell of a bully. And what?
I thought I'd give this book a go since I saw that there were very few people who read and review it, but man I should have read the signs.
August 16, 2015
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. 3 1/2 stars.
AJ got kicked out of college and heads to the strip club to talk to her stripper sister. While there she catches the eye of Bryan who recently broke up with his cheating girlfriend. After an altercation at the club she discovers she is also kicked out of her apartment. Good guy Bryan steps in to help again.
I can't decide how I feel about AJ. She is a little crazy and she doesn't treat Bryan very well. Her character is all over the place. Bryan is a sweetheart but he's letting her treat him like a doormat. The story was good except that it made me really want to smack some sense into AJ. The ending of the first book was rather interesting and I really want to see what happens in the next one.
AJ got kicked out of college and heads to the strip club to talk to her stripper sister. While there she catches the eye of Bryan who recently broke up with his cheating girlfriend. After an altercation at the club she discovers she is also kicked out of her apartment. Good guy Bryan steps in to help again.
I can't decide how I feel about AJ. She is a little crazy and she doesn't treat Bryan very well. Her character is all over the place. Bryan is a sweetheart but he's letting her treat him like a doormat. The story was good except that it made me really want to smack some sense into AJ. The ending of the first book was rather interesting and I really want to see what happens in the next one.
September 28, 2015
I received an ARC from the authors in exchange for an honest review and I'm really not sure how I feel about the story. This book was originally published in January 2014, but has been revised & extended by Karolyn James with Ana Fawkes. The main characters, AJ & Bryan meet after AJ has been kicked out of college & her flat & he offers her a place to stay. She a rather odd character, completely hung up on the fact that her older sister is a stripper & she feels that everyone only uses her to get to the sister! Bryan, on the other hand, seems like a decent guy who is trapped by AJ's quirky demeanor. The book was slow & didn't seem to have any purpose until 3/4 way through & we discover that AJ & Wendy had a harsh up-bringing & all is not as it appeared...but how it appeared just didn't make sense either. I've read books by both these authors before & really enjoyed their work but I am truly perplexed by this tale.
August 30, 2015
I am so glad that I got mad at the main characters and decided to skip to the end - only to find out that the book is continued in more books! Glad I didn't waste my time. Really mad that I read a third of it - wasted my time on poor writing and unlovable characters.
August 21, 2015
AJ was kicked from college and from her apartment because she was never presented to classes and had no money to pay her half to her roomie. She needed her sister Wicked, the stripper, for advice and while waiting at the club for her sister she met Bryan. She was involved in an incident with a bold man and his drunk woman and Bryan helped her to get out of the mess while he stayed there to deal with the situation. She lost her phone during the fight and Bryan found it. He was interested in the feisty AJ and realizing he didn’t know neither her full name nor her address he tracked her by her phone. He found her outside her former apartment and seeing she had no place to stay he offered his place to crash. AJ was hesitating. All her life she had felt used by her family and her friends. She didn’t trust but decided to go for it because she had no choice. Bryan had his own issues. He had been treated badly by his former girlfriend, Chloe, who had cheated and used him to her convenience. He was done with her but she didn’t want to accept that it’s over. He was feeling weak to deal with her so, this new interest he had with AJ was worrying him. He didn’t want more drama in his life. Now, he and AJ were sharing an apartment, a bed and their personal situations and that had led them to something more. They were having steamy sex but seemed that AJ only wanted a casual sex relation for the short time they were together. That was not enough for Bryan. But, both of them were complicated with dysfunctional families and struggling with baggage (out there is a lot of people like them). When AJ made a move to fix things with Bryan something strange happened at her sister’s apartment. It was time for the truth and we have the cliffhanger. Now I’m so intrigued by what will be next. AJ, Wicked and Bryan will be together through the new events? In this first book AJ and Bryan were struggling all the time with their emotions, feeling not belonging and inadequate to deal with relations in a healthy way. I felt symphaty for Bryan. Too much pressure over him and AJ boldness and the “Don’t ruin it” every time didn’t help him. That was her defense mechanism. Liked how the author developed the plot to a point where the new twist caught me totally by surprise. I’m trying to guess but my brain cells are dry. Have no idea what could happen next to this two and that is good because the story had all my attention. Love the books that besides being interesting make me think harder. I recommend this book.
September 1, 2015
Was given ARC by author for an honest review
First you should know that this is book one of a 3 book series and ends with a cliffhanger.
The story begins with us meeting AJ also know as Aubrey. She was having a really bad day. She had just been kicked out of college for not attending classes, kicked out of her apartment that she shared with a fellow college student because she no longer attended college, couldn't go home because her home life sucked thus the reason for moving out and going to college in the first place. She went to go talk to her one and only sister Wendy, also know as Wicked who just so happens to be a stripper to see if maybe she could crash with her for a few days. But wicked didn't have time to chat with her. While waiting at the bar for her sister, she meets Bryan.
I liked Bryan right away, nice guy who has had a hard life just like AJ. Bryan's mother left Bryan and his father when Bryan was younger. Bryan's dad was in and out of Bryan's life and now he is living in a half-way house, never seeming able to stay out of trouble for long. As much as Bryan hates it - he still goes to visit with his dad.
While waiting for her sister at the club - AJ's sharp tongue and rude behavior gets her in to some trouble with a guy and his girlfriend. Bryan sees it and comes to her rescue to help her get out. During the scuffle AJ dropped her cell phone & Bryan finds it. After some snooping through it, he finds AJ's address and goes to return her phone to her. That is where he finds her standing outside of her apartment with her boxes of belongings that her now ex-roommate set outside before locking AJ out. Bryan being a nice guy (and having a thing for AJ) offers her his place to stay for as long as she needs till she can find something else. AJ says no - but after trying to sleep in her car and having old demons come to her to remind her of bad times - she ends up at Bryan's.
As the relationship between AJ and Bryan developed - I got really irritated with AJ. She is always RUDE and tells Bryan what to do ... and he does it! She is constantly contradicting herself. She will tell Bryan not to do something (like kiss her or come after her) and when he listens and doesn't do it, she gets mad at him. I can sense that Bryan has a backbone and can stand up to AJ - just not sure why he doesn't - maybe we will see that in the next book. All in all this was an entertaining read and I am hooked on finding out what is going to happen next.
First you should know that this is book one of a 3 book series and ends with a cliffhanger.
The story begins with us meeting AJ also know as Aubrey. She was having a really bad day. She had just been kicked out of college for not attending classes, kicked out of her apartment that she shared with a fellow college student because she no longer attended college, couldn't go home because her home life sucked thus the reason for moving out and going to college in the first place. She went to go talk to her one and only sister Wendy, also know as Wicked who just so happens to be a stripper to see if maybe she could crash with her for a few days. But wicked didn't have time to chat with her. While waiting at the bar for her sister, she meets Bryan.
I liked Bryan right away, nice guy who has had a hard life just like AJ. Bryan's mother left Bryan and his father when Bryan was younger. Bryan's dad was in and out of Bryan's life and now he is living in a half-way house, never seeming able to stay out of trouble for long. As much as Bryan hates it - he still goes to visit with his dad.
While waiting for her sister at the club - AJ's sharp tongue and rude behavior gets her in to some trouble with a guy and his girlfriend. Bryan sees it and comes to her rescue to help her get out. During the scuffle AJ dropped her cell phone & Bryan finds it. After some snooping through it, he finds AJ's address and goes to return her phone to her. That is where he finds her standing outside of her apartment with her boxes of belongings that her now ex-roommate set outside before locking AJ out. Bryan being a nice guy (and having a thing for AJ) offers her his place to stay for as long as she needs till she can find something else. AJ says no - but after trying to sleep in her car and having old demons come to her to remind her of bad times - she ends up at Bryan's.
As the relationship between AJ and Bryan developed - I got really irritated with AJ. She is always RUDE and tells Bryan what to do ... and he does it! She is constantly contradicting herself. She will tell Bryan not to do something (like kiss her or come after her) and when he listens and doesn't do it, she gets mad at him. I can sense that Bryan has a backbone and can stand up to AJ - just not sure why he doesn't - maybe we will see that in the next book. All in all this was an entertaining read and I am hooked on finding out what is going to happen next.
August 22, 2015
AJ was having a bad week- first kicked out of college--She had gone to see her sister, Wendy who is a stripper but her sister was unable to see her and told her to sit at the bar until she got done with her set. While there , she ran into this handsome man, name Bryan. There was this instant chemistry but he was with friends and went off and while waiting on her sister she got into small tussle with a girl and her boyfriend. Her night went from bad to worse when she got tossed out of the bar and she got back to her apartment and her roommate had kicked her out of the apartment with no advanced warning—what’s a girl to do??
Bryan, the guy from the bar happened to be her one saving grace. He found her phone which had gotten lost during the fight at the bar and ended up finding her back at her apartment and ended up giving her a place to stay after her horrible day, evening, week….. She had nowhere to go, especially since her sister couldn’t put her up and she couldn’t go back home or to her former apartment. Bryan was her one place she could go. AJ had some trust issues but he came across at a good guy and that is what she needs right now- Bryan likes this fiercely independent, beautiful, sweet girl that life put in his life. Bryan has his own triggers and issues in his life and though he is there for AJ, he is working thru his own. Living together is a new experience- for her, because she has never lived with a guy and she likes him as a friend but she also finds she is coming to care for him so she is at times short with him ; for Bryan, he is trying to get over an ex-girlfriend and he is trying to use AJ to get over her but as they continue to live with each other , he finds he is coming to truly care for her and those feelings grow. There are twists and turns that come to their relationship and when this story does end, it doesn’t even end on a HFN note- it ends on a cliffhanger of a doozy involving AJ and her sister. OMG, boy does it. I cannot wait for book 2 to find how AJ, Wendy and Bryon are all connected and how this will impact their relationship. I really enjoyed their growing relationship and the passion between them. The rough spots AJ & Bryon had , led up to a new love that was starting until the bombshell that is waiting to explode-this is a trilogy and book 2 is lining up to have secrets waiting to unload. I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
My rating: 4.4 stars *****
Bryan, the guy from the bar happened to be her one saving grace. He found her phone which had gotten lost during the fight at the bar and ended up finding her back at her apartment and ended up giving her a place to stay after her horrible day, evening, week….. She had nowhere to go, especially since her sister couldn’t put her up and she couldn’t go back home or to her former apartment. Bryan was her one place she could go. AJ had some trust issues but he came across at a good guy and that is what she needs right now- Bryan likes this fiercely independent, beautiful, sweet girl that life put in his life. Bryan has his own triggers and issues in his life and though he is there for AJ, he is working thru his own. Living together is a new experience- for her, because she has never lived with a guy and she likes him as a friend but she also finds she is coming to care for him so she is at times short with him ; for Bryan, he is trying to get over an ex-girlfriend and he is trying to use AJ to get over her but as they continue to live with each other , he finds he is coming to truly care for her and those feelings grow. There are twists and turns that come to their relationship and when this story does end, it doesn’t even end on a HFN note- it ends on a cliffhanger of a doozy involving AJ and her sister. OMG, boy does it. I cannot wait for book 2 to find how AJ, Wendy and Bryon are all connected and how this will impact their relationship. I really enjoyed their growing relationship and the passion between them. The rough spots AJ & Bryon had , led up to a new love that was starting until the bombshell that is waiting to explode-this is a trilogy and book 2 is lining up to have secrets waiting to unload. I cannot wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
My rating: 4.4 stars *****
August 24, 2015
Difficult life struggle
Be forewarned, this is not a stand-alone and ends in a cliffhanger. It is the first installment of a trilogy.
The Upside of Being Down by London Casey is a collaborative writing of Karolyn James and Ana Fawkes. I’m finding it difficult to write a review, it evoked a lot of emotions from me, centering around the main characters. The other part is that I found several errors which threw me out of focus.
AJ is an unhappy, and pitiful woman in her twenties. She manages to get kicked out of college, kicked out of her apartment, and has left her job. Mainly she has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She looks up to her older sister, Wendy, aka Wicked who works as a stripper. Okay, Wicked is mentioned way too often in this story, and mostly because of Wicked’s career choice AJ blames her mistrust of men because men use her to get to AJ’s gorgeous sister.
Bryan is a nice guy who just wants to help AJ but she treats him terribly. He just takes whatever AJ dishes out, and I wanted to shout at him to grow a backbone. I can understand with AJ’s awful childhood how a person like her can erect defensive walls to keep from getting hurt. Still, I found her abrasive, reactive, and immature. Bryan has had a tough past, too and feels hopeless because he’s starving for love and accepts any crumbs AJ is willing to throw at him. But I hope that both of them can help each other. I didn’t expect the twist at the end coming and I hope the next installment gets better.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 3
Be forewarned, this is not a stand-alone and ends in a cliffhanger. It is the first installment of a trilogy.
The Upside of Being Down by London Casey is a collaborative writing of Karolyn James and Ana Fawkes. I’m finding it difficult to write a review, it evoked a lot of emotions from me, centering around the main characters. The other part is that I found several errors which threw me out of focus.
AJ is an unhappy, and pitiful woman in her twenties. She manages to get kicked out of college, kicked out of her apartment, and has left her job. Mainly she has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She looks up to her older sister, Wendy, aka Wicked who works as a stripper. Okay, Wicked is mentioned way too often in this story, and mostly because of Wicked’s career choice AJ blames her mistrust of men because men use her to get to AJ’s gorgeous sister.
Bryan is a nice guy who just wants to help AJ but she treats him terribly. He just takes whatever AJ dishes out, and I wanted to shout at him to grow a backbone. I can understand with AJ’s awful childhood how a person like her can erect defensive walls to keep from getting hurt. Still, I found her abrasive, reactive, and immature. Bryan has had a tough past, too and feels hopeless because he’s starving for love and accepts any crumbs AJ is willing to throw at him. But I hope that both of them can help each other. I didn’t expect the twist at the end coming and I hope the next installment gets better.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 3
September 12, 2015
Review for THE UPSIDE OF BEING LET DOWN
I received this as a gift for an honest review.
I was completely captivated with this story. The major players here are Bryan, AJ and her sister Wendy. Wendy is AJ’s older sister who happens to be a stripper. Bryan and AJ meet at the club where Wendy works. He steps in when a skirmish involving AJ takes place. He tells her to leave and after she is gone he finds her phone on the floor. It seems to be his lucky day, because he really wants to see her again. He finally tracks her down via her phone and gives her his address if she needs a place to stay. She has been booted from college, her roommate has kicked her out without so much as a call and she is unable to get hold of her sister. So, after thinking it through, she stays with Bryan. Neither one of them has had much luck with relationships, but they both feel something for the other. They just aren’t sure what it is. AJ keeps telling him not to “ruin it” with feelings and everything. And so the dance between them starts to play out. As time passes, emotions do come into play and that is when the problems start….especially after a drunken visit from his ex at 3:00 a.m. Doubts creep in on AJ’s part and she decides to go on a date with a co worker. Bryan is torn because he doesn’t want to lose her. But when they get together to talk after the date, something else intrudes on them. A picture that Wendy has…a picture Bryan has seen at the halfway house his father lives in. But what does it mean and will it tear Bryan and AJ apart or bring them closer together ??
I received this as a gift for an honest review.
I was completely captivated with this story. The major players here are Bryan, AJ and her sister Wendy. Wendy is AJ’s older sister who happens to be a stripper. Bryan and AJ meet at the club where Wendy works. He steps in when a skirmish involving AJ takes place. He tells her to leave and after she is gone he finds her phone on the floor. It seems to be his lucky day, because he really wants to see her again. He finally tracks her down via her phone and gives her his address if she needs a place to stay. She has been booted from college, her roommate has kicked her out without so much as a call and she is unable to get hold of her sister. So, after thinking it through, she stays with Bryan. Neither one of them has had much luck with relationships, but they both feel something for the other. They just aren’t sure what it is. AJ keeps telling him not to “ruin it” with feelings and everything. And so the dance between them starts to play out. As time passes, emotions do come into play and that is when the problems start….especially after a drunken visit from his ex at 3:00 a.m. Doubts creep in on AJ’s part and she decides to go on a date with a co worker. Bryan is torn because he doesn’t want to lose her. But when they get together to talk after the date, something else intrudes on them. A picture that Wendy has…a picture Bryan has seen at the halfway house his father lives in. But what does it mean and will it tear Bryan and AJ apart or bring them closer together ??
August 25, 2015
*3.5 stars*
Quirky…
This is the first in a trilogy series chronicling the relationship between AJ, sister of a stripper, still searching for what she wants and Bryan, sexy, solid and oh so dependable. Meeting at a bar may sound like an average start to a romance but, like the rest of this story, is quirky in its own unique way. Strippers, vomit and eviction are hardly the usual start to a courtship but then romance isn’t what this is supposed to be. Couch surfing and a bit of friendship, yes, but definitely not love. And certainly not sex before the six month moratorium. Yah, things don’t always turn out the way you plan.
“Of all the wild times he had with friends or with girls this one had the possibility to top it.”
AJ is a woman who seems to be trying to find herself while her more than crusty exterior certainly didn’t invite you in to learn her secrets. The choices she made, the back and forth between her and Bryan, had me shaking my head at times as the inner monologues and actions really didn’t help me understand exactly what her motivation was. Bryan seemed a more sympathetic character as he wrestled with trying to do the good in his relationships with family and friends.
As this first instalment came to a close there seemed to be a different feel to the characters as, AJ especially, seemed to be finding her stride and finding some direction. With a cliffhanger that is sure to blow that right out of the water I can’t wait to find out what is in store for the couple and their families.
Quirky…
This is the first in a trilogy series chronicling the relationship between AJ, sister of a stripper, still searching for what she wants and Bryan, sexy, solid and oh so dependable. Meeting at a bar may sound like an average start to a romance but, like the rest of this story, is quirky in its own unique way. Strippers, vomit and eviction are hardly the usual start to a courtship but then romance isn’t what this is supposed to be. Couch surfing and a bit of friendship, yes, but definitely not love. And certainly not sex before the six month moratorium. Yah, things don’t always turn out the way you plan.
“Of all the wild times he had with friends or with girls this one had the possibility to top it.”
AJ is a woman who seems to be trying to find herself while her more than crusty exterior certainly didn’t invite you in to learn her secrets. The choices she made, the back and forth between her and Bryan, had me shaking my head at times as the inner monologues and actions really didn’t help me understand exactly what her motivation was. Bryan seemed a more sympathetic character as he wrestled with trying to do the good in his relationships with family and friends.
As this first instalment came to a close there seemed to be a different feel to the characters as, AJ especially, seemed to be finding her stride and finding some direction. With a cliffhanger that is sure to blow that right out of the water I can’t wait to find out what is in store for the couple and their families.
May 6, 2023
what happens when two people meet? a lot or nothing. in case of Aj and bryan there is a lot happening. one is kicked out of school, trying to talk to her sister, who's a stripper, gets her thrown out of the strip club. it was there she met bryan, one of the few men there who didn't ogle the female goods on display. as she arrives at her flat she discovers she kicked out of that place as well. there goes the understanding flatmate ...
lost and not knowing what to do and where to go she gets even more frustrated when she finds out she lost her phone. waiting outside the club she sees bryan, turns out he's looking for her because he's found her phone.
he picks up quickly that she's in bit of a pickle and offers her a place to stay but she refuses.
at first that is until later she just shows up at his doorstep and stays for longer then one night and their attraction leads to more then just bryan helping her out with a place to stay. bryan, ever the good guy, has a few demons of his own, namely one ex girlfriend who doesn't understand the meaning of ex ...
aj keeps pushing him away and reeling him in, she doesn't know what she wants or doesn't want. for bryan it isn't easy either because he wants aj but he's not sure where things are going.
will they be able to work things out, i really don't know, i hope they do. can't wait to read more.
lost and not knowing what to do and where to go she gets even more frustrated when she finds out she lost her phone. waiting outside the club she sees bryan, turns out he's looking for her because he's found her phone.
he picks up quickly that she's in bit of a pickle and offers her a place to stay but she refuses.
at first that is until later she just shows up at his doorstep and stays for longer then one night and their attraction leads to more then just bryan helping her out with a place to stay. bryan, ever the good guy, has a few demons of his own, namely one ex girlfriend who doesn't understand the meaning of ex ...
aj keeps pushing him away and reeling him in, she doesn't know what she wants or doesn't want. for bryan it isn't easy either because he wants aj but he's not sure where things are going.
will they be able to work things out, i really don't know, i hope they do. can't wait to read more.
August 21, 2015
AJ had spent most of her life living in her sister’s shadow. Everyone tried to use AJ to get to her sister Wendy the stripper. She loved her sister very much but there had to be some jealous that lies beneath. When AJ’s world started falling apart the one person she ran to was her sister. AJ’s sister was very busy with work so of course AJ found some trouble to get into. AJ was a capital “B”, she did not care to put you in your place and bring you down a few notches if needed. She had this wall built up where she did not want to let anyone in. Underneath laid a broken person who needed put back together.
I really liked Bryan. He was so attracted to AJ and I am not sure he knew why. But they were like to strong magnets being pulled together. Bryan and AJ both have a lot of issues and a lot going on in their life. They also have a lot in common; more than they really know. Can Bryan break down the walls and claim AJ as his own or will Bryan be like all the guys that have walked in and out of AJ’s life?
I really liked Bryan. He was so attracted to AJ and I am not sure he knew why. But they were like to strong magnets being pulled together. Bryan and AJ both have a lot of issues and a lot going on in their life. They also have a lot in common; more than they really know. Can Bryan break down the walls and claim AJ as his own or will Bryan be like all the guys that have walked in and out of AJ’s life?
March 27, 2016
This story is about a young girl whose name is AJ. We first meet her at a strip club where she is meeting her stripper sister. Whilst waiting at the bar for her sister to finish her shift, she meets Bryan. Bryan is there as a Designated Driver for his mates and sees AJ when he goes to the bar.
AJ is a crazy girl who trying her hardest to make sure that she doesn’t get hurt after having been used by previous boyfriends trying to get to her sister. Bryan is a guy who has a penchant for trying to look after everyone and just ends up being hurt.
Their relationship starts out as being acquaintances, very quickly moves to a hot one-night stand, moving through to being friends and friends with benefits and we are left with the possibility that it may develop into more. We will have to wait for the next book to see where these two are heading.
I enjoyed this book and am interested in how things are going to turn out.
AJ is a crazy girl who trying her hardest to make sure that she doesn’t get hurt after having been used by previous boyfriends trying to get to her sister. Bryan is a guy who has a penchant for trying to look after everyone and just ends up being hurt.
Their relationship starts out as being acquaintances, very quickly moves to a hot one-night stand, moving through to being friends and friends with benefits and we are left with the possibility that it may develop into more. We will have to wait for the next book to see where these two are heading.
I enjoyed this book and am interested in how things are going to turn out.
August 21, 2015
Wendy and Aubrey are sisters, Wendy is a stripper and Aubrey is attending college. Wendy has taken on the name “Wicked” as her stripper name and Aubrey not liking her name has decided to go by “AJ.”
AJ goes to the club where her sister dances to talk with her and while waiting for her she meets Bryan who is there as the designated driver for his buddies. Bryan rescues AJ from an angry guy after she had thrown her drink at him for making passes at her. AJ hasn't had the best of luck with guys most date her only to get to her sister so she is a bit cautious when Bryan shows interest in her. This story follows the unspoken feelings between these two and how each deals with it. Bryan falls hard for AJ but does not want to push her while AJ can't accept that Bryan likes her for her and not to get to her sister. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the second book to know how their relationship begins or ends.
AJ goes to the club where her sister dances to talk with her and while waiting for her she meets Bryan who is there as the designated driver for his buddies. Bryan rescues AJ from an angry guy after she had thrown her drink at him for making passes at her. AJ hasn't had the best of luck with guys most date her only to get to her sister so she is a bit cautious when Bryan shows interest in her. This story follows the unspoken feelings between these two and how each deals with it. Bryan falls hard for AJ but does not want to push her while AJ can't accept that Bryan likes her for her and not to get to her sister. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the second book to know how their relationship begins or ends.
February 29, 2016
This is the first book in a series (trilogy I think). I really tried to like AJ and be understanding but I just thought she was a bit of a horrible person. I get the whole scared of your feelings and not knowing where your life is going, but she was just a bit too much of a mix of woe is me for me. Plus the whole 'my sister is a stripper' so my life sucks, never quiet made sense. By the end I don't know who I liked least her for using Bryan while constantly complaining about always being used and abused or Bryan for being a weenie.
Oddly, even though I didn't like AJ and I felt a bit exasperated with Bryan I would give the second book a chance at least. The cliffhanger got me, and I did like the writing even if the main characters didn't do it for me. At least they were well written enough that I did care about them, or felt like I knew them.
So three stars for somehow pulling my interest despite not liking the main character.
Oddly, even though I didn't like AJ and I felt a bit exasperated with Bryan I would give the second book a chance at least. The cliffhanger got me, and I did like the writing even if the main characters didn't do it for me. At least they were well written enough that I did care about them, or felt like I knew them.
So three stars for somehow pulling my interest despite not liking the main character.
October 8, 2015
Well, this is my first book by London Casey... I liked the book has lots of potential, the story is developed enough and the characters are pretty interesting.
AJ is a freak and a little immature but that is part of her appealing. She is crazy enough to do crazy things. It's entertaining to see her kick Bryan from his bed.
Bryan.... well i like how he is, I liked the for once a man wants to do the right thing but not for him but for somebody else. I know he doesnt have the alpha male appealing, but he is sweet and caring. I know he looks weak sometimes but its worth to gave the story a chance. And yes, was a dumb move to try to win the bet with his friends.
I like the confidence that Wicked have in herself to do that kind of job.
Angela is a b*tch. Jon is funny. And Hope is awesome!
The way the book finished leave you wanting to know the rest of the story so now i'm going to dive in book #2 to know what happened next.
AJ is a freak and a little immature but that is part of her appealing. She is crazy enough to do crazy things. It's entertaining to see her kick Bryan from his bed.
Bryan.... well i like how he is, I liked the for once a man wants to do the right thing but not for him but for somebody else. I know he doesnt have the alpha male appealing, but he is sweet and caring. I know he looks weak sometimes but its worth to gave the story a chance. And yes, was a dumb move to try to win the bet with his friends.
I like the confidence that Wicked have in herself to do that kind of job.
Angela is a b*tch. Jon is funny. And Hope is awesome!
The way the book finished leave you wanting to know the rest of the story so now i'm going to dive in book #2 to know what happened next.
August 22, 2015
I was supposed to receive this book in exchange for a review, however, the authors had a mix-up so made it free for a limited time instead. That's ok, they will still get my review anyway! What do you do when everything comes crashing down at once? Kicked out of college, kicked out of your apartment, no job. Your sister is too busy to help, your now ex-roommate won't even give you the time of day. Serendipity. Seriously. The once in a lifetime meet that ends up being more than you could ever hope for. "Don't ruin it." Rules to live by. This book is the first of an upcoming trilogy and I cannot wait to read more. I want to know what happens next. This book is free for a limited time on Amazon. Go one-click it right now. Do not pass go and do not collect your $200.00. Go buy this book right now! You are missing out if you do not add this book to your collection. Enjoy!
August 22, 2015
It's Complicated
What do you do when you get kicked out of college and your apartment? Well, you could hook up with the guy you met at the strip club where your sister works. There shouldn't be any issues with that, right?
This is the story of what happens when you make that choice. When you take that road and have to deal with the consequences. It can be quite an adventure.
Two people who have felt rejected and abandoned try to make it work. They seem so young at times. It is a little frustrating to see them make such obvious mistakes. They test limits and boundaries and try to figure out what they really want. The relationship with her sister is an important one and her sister is the one she really counts on to be there for her. It will be interesting to see where the story goes next.
What do you do when you get kicked out of college and your apartment? Well, you could hook up with the guy you met at the strip club where your sister works. There shouldn't be any issues with that, right?
This is the story of what happens when you make that choice. When you take that road and have to deal with the consequences. It can be quite an adventure.
Two people who have felt rejected and abandoned try to make it work. They seem so young at times. It is a little frustrating to see them make such obvious mistakes. They test limits and boundaries and try to figure out what they really want. The relationship with her sister is an important one and her sister is the one she really counts on to be there for her. It will be interesting to see where the story goes next.
September 3, 2015
I just read this amazing book by London Casey (aka Karolyn James) and Anna Fawkes. They did a wonderful job telling the story of AJ and Brian; two emotionally messed up people.
The writing in this story was very different from what I am used to while reading a Karolyn James story, for this reason, it took me awhile to get my head in and around the story. Once I accomplished this, the story took off for me. I liked the way the authors described AJ as sort of a witch, and Brian, he was just too nice for her. The longer I read the more I realized that they really complimented each other.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and find out what happens next. Kudos Karolyn and Ana on this collaboration, it is a great story line.
I want to thank the authors for the gift of this book for my honest review.
Thank you for reading my review
The writing in this story was very different from what I am used to while reading a Karolyn James story, for this reason, it took me awhile to get my head in and around the story. Once I accomplished this, the story took off for me. I liked the way the authors described AJ as sort of a witch, and Brian, he was just too nice for her. The longer I read the more I realized that they really complimented each other.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and find out what happens next. Kudos Karolyn and Ana on this collaboration, it is a great story line.
I want to thank the authors for the gift of this book for my honest review.
Thank you for reading my review
September 7, 2015
I bought this book after seeing so many good reviews which is something I normally don’t do. (Read others reviews before I read a book). Really wanted to love this book but I am not sure I truly felt a connection between the characters. Though I loved the concept of the storyline. Even when the scenes were suppose to be steamy it was almost mechanically feeling or awkward. I found myself rushing thru the book to finish it hoping it would get better. I couldn’t relate to AJ’s attitude. She was so unhappy with everything in her life but never gave you a true glimpse of what she actually wanted. I found myself feeling sorry for Bryan. It seemed he really cared about her but was willing to have his heart stepped on and take whatever she dished out just to be with her. For me, it was just okay.
August 26, 2015
Good read
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review!
First of all I have got to say that I did enjoy this book It took a while for me to get into it but I did eventually! At first I thought that AJ was a complete bitch and that Bryan was just a nice soppy but nice guy! As the story progressed I got to learn more about the characters and started to understand why they acted the way they did.
It was also quite refreshing to see the bond that AJ and her sister have throughout the book. Overall I really enjoyed the story it was well written and enjoyable. I am certainly looking forward to the next book. This is the first book I have read from these authors and I will be reading more of their work. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review!
First of all I have got to say that I did enjoy this book It took a while for me to get into it but I did eventually! At first I thought that AJ was a complete bitch and that Bryan was just a nice soppy but nice guy! As the story progressed I got to learn more about the characters and started to understand why they acted the way they did.
It was also quite refreshing to see the bond that AJ and her sister have throughout the book. Overall I really enjoyed the story it was well written and enjoyable. I am certainly looking forward to the next book. This is the first book I have read from these authors and I will be reading more of their work. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 23, 2015
YES YES YES This is a wonderful new collaboration from two authors that i love to read and i have to say working together they are wonderful as one!!!
AJ was a college student. I say was as she was just kick out of school for missing her classes and lost her grant money so her roommate kicked her out without a word. She goes to see her sister Wicked (a stripper) to let her know what happened and see if she can stay with her and happens to meet a guy name Bryan...(well sorta meets him).
This is a story of how so many things in your life can make you the person you are and yet you can also change. This book is one of several in a series. There is a mild cliffhanger at the end of this book,
If i could I would give this book 10 thumbs up!!!
AJ was a college student. I say was as she was just kick out of school for missing her classes and lost her grant money so her roommate kicked her out without a word. She goes to see her sister Wicked (a stripper) to let her know what happened and see if she can stay with her and happens to meet a guy name Bryan...(well sorta meets him).
This is a story of how so many things in your life can make you the person you are and yet you can also change. This book is one of several in a series. There is a mild cliffhanger at the end of this book,
If i could I would give this book 10 thumbs up!!!
August 27, 2015
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review
what an interesting story ~ very complex characters dealing with the lows that life can sometimes deal you.
AJ is a girl that life seems to try and beat down ~ her sister is a stripper and she was given a lot of grief in school because of this as well as guys using her to get to her sister. I wasn't really feeling her in the beginning of the story but she grew on me
Bryan hasn't had an easy life either. his dad's an alcoholic and his mom left when he was young due to his dad not being around. his dad is in a halfway house and trying to get Bryan to visit him more often. I liked Bryan's character from the get go
waiting to see what the next book brings!!
what an interesting story ~ very complex characters dealing with the lows that life can sometimes deal you.
AJ is a girl that life seems to try and beat down ~ her sister is a stripper and she was given a lot of grief in school because of this as well as guys using her to get to her sister. I wasn't really feeling her in the beginning of the story but she grew on me
Bryan hasn't had an easy life either. his dad's an alcoholic and his mom left when he was young due to his dad not being around. his dad is in a halfway house and trying to get Bryan to visit him more often. I liked Bryan's character from the get go
waiting to see what the next book brings!!
April 4, 2016
I did not expect the story AJ and Bryan to be so complex. Both have a huge chip on their shoulders. Both overcompensate because of said chips. Bryan... just when you thought things are going smoothly, his past pops back in, leaving a mess behind. At times, I feel like shaking AJ and ask her WTF?!?! But, on the other hand, I just want to hug her and say it's all right, things will get better.
The love-and-hate relationship between AJ and Bryan is, well, full of angst and I just can't wait to read more of their journey to HEA.
I am looking forward anxiously to the next book.
I want to thank London Casey and Ana Fawkes for my ARC. This is definitely a change from the Devil Call MC series, but just as riveting!
The love-and-hate relationship between AJ and Bryan is, well, full of angst and I just can't wait to read more of their journey to HEA.
I am looking forward anxiously to the next book.
I want to thank London Casey and Ana Fawkes for my ARC. This is definitely a change from the Devil Call MC series, but just as riveting!
August 21, 2015
I will be completely honest here, I did not like AJ from the beginning. She's rude to almost mean with how she handles things. Now, saying that, this girl has had a rough life and things aren't getting better. She's on the defensive all the time. She slowly grew on me, but it was definitely a slow road to travel. Bryan on the other hand, I do like him. He hasn't had a perfect life either but he works hard at making things better. There are sparks and it's a bit of a roller coaster for them as things progress. The story did leave me wanting more and needing to know what else will be discovered! I'm anxious for the next story in their lives!
August 21, 2015
I had the privilege to receive this book as an ARC to review.
AJ & Bryan have such an instant connection, but they're afraid to act on it at first because of their troubled pasts. AJ not wanting to get attached because of everything she feels is going & has gone wrong in her life. She doesn't want to add to it by letting anyone get close to her, scared she'll bring them down as well. Bryan is trying to respect her wishes because of a recent relationship that has gone wrong. After a stupid mistake AJ sends Bryan away, but not before he discovers a secret he reveals about AJ & her sister that may change their lives forever.
AJ & Bryan have such an instant connection, but they're afraid to act on it at first because of their troubled pasts. AJ not wanting to get attached because of everything she feels is going & has gone wrong in her life. She doesn't want to add to it by letting anyone get close to her, scared she'll bring them down as well. Bryan is trying to respect her wishes because of a recent relationship that has gone wrong. After a stupid mistake AJ sends Bryan away, but not before he discovers a secret he reveals about AJ & her sister that may change their lives forever.
August 24, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
AJ, (Aubrey) gets kicked out of college and her apartment the same day. She decides to talk to her sister, maybe get a place to stay at least for the night. She goes to the club where her sister, Wicked, works. Her attitude causes an altercation in the club, and she has to leave before she can talk to Wicked. Bryan, a customer at the club finds AJ's dropped cell phone and returns it to her. When Bryan returns AJ's phone and finds out she needs a place to live he offers to let her move into his apartment, until she can find another place. Very hot, I couldn't put this book down once I started to read! Fantastic!!
AJ, (Aubrey) gets kicked out of college and her apartment the same day. She decides to talk to her sister, maybe get a place to stay at least for the night. She goes to the club where her sister, Wicked, works. Her attitude causes an altercation in the club, and she has to leave before she can talk to Wicked. Bryan, a customer at the club finds AJ's dropped cell phone and returns it to her. When Bryan returns AJ's phone and finds out she needs a place to live he offers to let her move into his apartment, until she can find another place. Very hot, I couldn't put this book down once I started to read! Fantastic!!
September 18, 2015
What to say?
I have read other stories by L. Casey and I was sucked into them, unlike this one where I was concussed all through this. AJ aka Aubrey, has been used A Lot by men just to get to her older sister, a stripper. Also in a way by her adopted parents that abusive towards her and her sister. She has a short term personality, liked she's hot one minute and cold the next. Bryan has been used and hurt also by his ex slit of a girlfriend and his drunken father. But when he sees AJ for the first time he see someone that he can connect to and help heal but with her personality he is in a world of emotions.
I have read other stories by L. Casey and I was sucked into them, unlike this one where I was concussed all through this. AJ aka Aubrey, has been used A Lot by men just to get to her older sister, a stripper. Also in a way by her adopted parents that abusive towards her and her sister. She has a short term personality, liked she's hot one minute and cold the next. Bryan has been used and hurt also by his ex slit of a girlfriend and his drunken father. But when he sees AJ for the first time he see someone that he can connect to and help heal but with her personality he is in a world of emotions.
August 31, 2015
This is the first story I have read by this author...and it is a little outside of my normal type reading. I really loved the cover on this book, it caught my attention right away. As I first started reading the story I found that I really disliked AJ, she seemed bratty....blaming most of her problems on her sister. I was also struck by how different Bryan seemed, and wondered if she would hold his interest for a HAE. This story does not get a HAE, but since there are more books to the story I will keep on reading and hope the characters continue to mature and eventually get the HAE.
November 1, 2015
Aubrey changed her name to AJ and her sister Wendy whose was a stripper by trade, had changed hers to Wicked. AJ’s kind of down on her luck at the moment and the two of them were very complex characters with a whole lot of emotional baggage. You like the guy AJ eventually gets involved with. The story line flowed quite nicely and you appreciate were the writer was going. So when you get a chance pick up a copy and the next book ”The downside of the truth” and enjoy as the story continues to unfold.
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