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Outback Heat #4
Some Girls Lie
Local pub owner Jemima Jane Ericson is living a lie. She’s been in love with her best friend Ethan since forever. But he fell in love with another woman, married her, and despite their tempestuous relationship and decade old divorce, JJ knows Ethan’s heart is still down for the count. And friendship is better than nothing, right?
Single dad and Jumbuck Springs chief of police, Ethan Weston, hits the pub the night his ex-wife remarries and announces she wants custody of their daughter. When he wakes the next morning to find himself in JJ’s bed he’s mortified that they’d crossed a line they should never have crossed. Until JJ’s abusive ex, Shane, shows up at her door and Ethan claims he and JJ are engaged to protect her.
Both are stunned by the unravelling of their normally sane lives but suddenly it makes sense – JJ gets a deterrent and Ethan gets the respectability of a wife for any custody claims. But when JJ’s life is threatened, Ethan is forced to confront feelings that may just run much deeper than convenience…
Single dad and Jumbuck Springs chief of police, Ethan Weston, hits the pub the night his ex-wife remarries and announces she wants custody of their daughter. When he wakes the next morning to find himself in JJ’s bed he’s mortified that they’d crossed a line they should never have crossed. Until JJ’s abusive ex, Shane, shows up at her door and Ethan claims he and JJ are engaged to protect her.
Both are stunned by the unravelling of their normally sane lives but suddenly it makes sense – JJ gets a deterrent and Ethan gets the respectability of a wife for any custody claims. But when JJ’s life is threatened, Ethan is forced to confront feelings that may just run much deeper than convenience…
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2015
623 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Amy Andrews
427 books1,420 followersAmy is an award-winning, USA Today best-selling Aussie author who has written eighty-five contemporary romances in both the traditional and digital markets.
Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
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Her books bring all the feels from sass, quirk and laughter to emotional grit and panty-melting heat.
She loves good books and great booze although she'll take mediocre booze if there's nothing else. For many, many years she was a registered nurse which means she knows things. Anatomical things. And she’s not afraid to use them!
She recently took a sea change and lives by the ocean with her husband of 33 years.
Sign up for Amy's newsletter here - http://www.amyandrews.com.au/newslett...
Follow Amy -
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyAndrewsAu...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyandrewsb...
BookBub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/amy-a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
November 26, 2015
For a short book, this one packed quite a punch. A best friend to lovers story set somewhere in Australia, which was awesome, this book had angst, heat and humor. The ending was too abrupt for my taste though.
ARC provided by Tule Publishing.
ARC provided by Tule Publishing.
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November 19, 2015
It is so sad when a series comes to an end. I admit to having thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in this one which is set in the Australian outback town of Jumbuck Springs where the three Weston brothers are key members of the town’s emergency services. This story has the oldest brother, chief of the police and single Dad, Ethan Weston, as the focus. His best friend since childhood is Jemima Jane Ericson - of JJ as she is know - though he is totally unaware that she’s been in love with him for more than twenty years now. She owns and runs the local pub. Ethan turns up one night determined to drown his sorrow because his ex-wife has decided she wants custody of their daughter who she abandoned more than a decade ago… As usual, JJ keeps an eye on him. them takes him up to her apartment so he can sleep off the alcohol on her couch - or that’s where she leaves him to start with! Then they cross the line . . . and her abusive ex husband comes to visit. Ethan is determined to protect her so claims they are engaged and tells Shane to get lost and never come near JJ again. So, with everyone now thinking them engaged, Ethan in danger of losing custody of his daughter, JJ in danger of physical abuse from Shane and in emotional turmoil because of Ethan, life’s about to get very lively in Jumbuck Springs!
This is a very moving story and I’m so glad JJ, who has been a stalwart through the other stories, is having her own told now. It isn’t an easy move from friends to lover for her and Ethan - they quickly go back to just friends, or so they plan. Love, life and others all get in the way of the best laid plans and with court cases pending, threats being posed and, eventually, a kidnapping, this is a roller coaster ride to their HEA and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
I’ll miss this four story series but will be revisiting in future. I have no hesitation i highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys chicklit, friends to lovers and unexpected dramatic events to keep them enthralled.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
This is a very moving story and I’m so glad JJ, who has been a stalwart through the other stories, is having her own told now. It isn’t an easy move from friends to lover for her and Ethan - they quickly go back to just friends, or so they plan. Love, life and others all get in the way of the best laid plans and with court cases pending, threats being posed and, eventually, a kidnapping, this is a roller coaster ride to their HEA and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
I’ll miss this four story series but will be revisiting in future. I have no hesitation i highly recommending it to anyone who enjoys chicklit, friends to lovers and unexpected dramatic events to keep them enthralled.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
November 25, 2015
I was looking for a light, fun chic-lit type of story and found this on Net Galley. Thanks to Net Galley, Amy Andrews and Tule Publishing for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
I'm left with the thought that I should have kept to the mystery/thriller/romantic suspense genre because this book didn't work for me.
This book is a friends to lover story which I tend to like because it beats insta-love/lust. But almost the entire first half of the book took place in her one bedroom apartment over a bar and almost the entire first half of the book is about their mental angst of wanting to have sex with the other one and drooling over each other's body parts. One or two scenes would have been fine, but I want a story and not just sexual angst.
The second half of the book did have more of a story. Our H, Ethan, has a child and an ex who has suddenly decided to be a mom after years of almost ignoring her child. He turns to JJ as the thought of losing his daughter who he adores is devastating. At the same time, JJ's ex is back in down and threatening her so it's a great opportunity for them to support and help each other out. The second half of the story redeemed the book, but I feel there was more that could have been done with the story and wish the author had focused on the story and character development versus the sexual angst.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series and I think those who have read the other books may enjoy seeing these two get their hea.
I'm left with the thought that I should have kept to the mystery/thriller/romantic suspense genre because this book didn't work for me.
This book is a friends to lover story which I tend to like because it beats insta-love/lust. But almost the entire first half of the book took place in her one bedroom apartment over a bar and almost the entire first half of the book is about their mental angst of wanting to have sex with the other one and drooling over each other's body parts. One or two scenes would have been fine, but I want a story and not just sexual angst.
The second half of the book did have more of a story. Our H, Ethan, has a child and an ex who has suddenly decided to be a mom after years of almost ignoring her child. He turns to JJ as the thought of losing his daughter who he adores is devastating. At the same time, JJ's ex is back in down and threatening her so it's a great opportunity for them to support and help each other out. The second half of the story redeemed the book, but I feel there was more that could have been done with the story and wish the author had focused on the story and character development versus the sexual angst.
I haven't read any of the other books in the series and I think those who have read the other books may enjoy seeing these two get their hea.
December 8, 2015
It is difficult to say which of the stories in the Outback Heat Series is my favorite. I have enjoyed them all with the third book being the most heart wrenching. However, I had been looking forward to Ethan’s finding his HEA ever since the first book, where he was such an overprotective big brother. The wait is over for in Some Girls Lie by Amy Andrews Ethan gets his due.
It seemed a bit contrived that Ethan and JJ would both need an instant love interest after all the years that they have known each other. But hey, stranger things have happened in real life. Besides it made an incredible story for these two to go from friends to lovers then try to be friends again. The lesson here is not going back especially when you truly love someone.
The plot works in ways not every author could pull off in a believable fashion like it is written here. The characters are authentic, likeable with Ethan’s daughter being adorable. I especially liked that Ethan and JJ don’t just love each other but like each other too. Then there is enough suspense to go with the drama to never get boring. A very fitting conclusion to this delightful series.
4.5 Stars
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
It seemed a bit contrived that Ethan and JJ would both need an instant love interest after all the years that they have known each other. But hey, stranger things have happened in real life. Besides it made an incredible story for these two to go from friends to lovers then try to be friends again. The lesson here is not going back especially when you truly love someone.
The plot works in ways not every author could pull off in a believable fashion like it is written here. The characters are authentic, likeable with Ethan’s daughter being adorable. I especially liked that Ethan and JJ don’t just love each other but like each other too. Then there is enough suspense to go with the drama to never get boring. A very fitting conclusion to this delightful series.
4.5 Stars
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.
March 15, 2016
Ethan and JJ's story about friends-to-lovers. My very favorite trope! Unrequited love. Isn't it always the guy who is oblivious to others around him? I feel for poor JJ. She HATES being so dependable. Like an old couch!
This was so well done! They are both 35 years old, have both been married before. So when they fell into bed together there was no unsureness and confusion of youth. JJ, like all the other characters in this series is a strong female who knows what she wants. And when they came together she realized this is her opportunity to live her dream. They fought their feelings for a while understandably so they would not lose a long friendship over a possible fling. But when it came down to the wire she had to verbally smack Ethan upside his thick neanderthal head and make him see she is worthy of the real, everlasting kind of love. She would not settle for less! Good for her!
I am so sad to say good bye to this wonderful family...but I can always come back and re-read them. Thank you Ms. Andrews for allowing me to come into this world. Can I stay?
This was so well done! They are both 35 years old, have both been married before. So when they fell into bed together there was no unsureness and confusion of youth. JJ, like all the other characters in this series is a strong female who knows what she wants. And when they came together she realized this is her opportunity to live her dream. They fought their feelings for a while understandably so they would not lose a long friendship over a possible fling. But when it came down to the wire she had to verbally smack Ethan upside his thick neanderthal head and make him see she is worthy of the real, everlasting kind of love. She would not settle for less! Good for her!
I am so sad to say good bye to this wonderful family...but I can always come back and re-read them. Thank you Ms. Andrews for allowing me to come into this world. Can I stay?
November 24, 2015
I've only read two of the books in this series but they were both good! I definitely preferred this one because it involved one of my favorite tropes -- friends to lovers (especially long time friends). I was rooting for JJ so much in this one but the most overarching thing I can say about this book is that it was HOT, HOT, HOT. Super steamy! Even though I kept waiting for Ethan to come to his senses, more or less, the romance felt right from the very beginning of the book. It's crazy but this friends to lovers (with a bit of sub-plot fake-out romance) felt plausible, which is unusual when it comes to books where the MCs are pretending. I would definitely recommend this series to fans of contemporary -- the setting of this series is great!!
December 31, 2016
Outback Romance Rules
A great storyline and some clueless men and you have a good story. J.J. is a great character who knows what she has to do to get by. She should have taken a few extra batteries with her when she went to Ethan's. Thank you very much for your great outback stories, Danny Scott.
A great storyline and some clueless men and you have a good story. J.J. is a great character who knows what she has to do to get by. She should have taken a few extra batteries with her when she went to Ethan's. Thank you very much for your great outback stories, Danny Scott.
May 23, 2019
Who wants to be somebody's second choice?
March 29, 2017
*ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The fourth and last book in the Outback Heat series functions very well as a stand-alone. I did not have the privilege of being able to read the first three but thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This story focuses on chief of the police and single Dad, Ethan Weston and his best friend, Jemima Jane Ericson (JJ) who owns and runs the local pub.
She's been in love with him for more than twenty years, through his marriage and eventual divorce. Things come to a head when Ethan turns up one night determined to drown his sorrows. His ex-wife wants custody of their daughter. He drowns one too many, she hauls him up to her place so he can sleep it off then bam! A line is crossed.
Enter JJ's abusive ex, Shane.
Hey, let's solve both our problems...let's get engaged.
It isn’t easy to move from friends to lovers for JJ and Ethan. Love, life and others all get in the way of their best laid plans. Court cases, physical threats, a kidnapping! A roller coaster ride of emotions that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was definitely engaging on so many levels. Definite recommend.
The fourth and last book in the Outback Heat series functions very well as a stand-alone. I did not have the privilege of being able to read the first three but thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This story focuses on chief of the police and single Dad, Ethan Weston and his best friend, Jemima Jane Ericson (JJ) who owns and runs the local pub.
She's been in love with him for more than twenty years, through his marriage and eventual divorce. Things come to a head when Ethan turns up one night determined to drown his sorrows. His ex-wife wants custody of their daughter. He drowns one too many, she hauls him up to her place so he can sleep it off then bam! A line is crossed.
Enter JJ's abusive ex, Shane.
Hey, let's solve both our problems...let's get engaged.
It isn’t easy to move from friends to lovers for JJ and Ethan. Love, life and others all get in the way of their best laid plans. Court cases, physical threats, a kidnapping! A roller coaster ride of emotions that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was definitely engaging on so many levels. Definite recommend.
February 5, 2017
This is the last in the Outback Heat and it's now Ethan's turn to tell his story.
Ethan is the chief of police in Jumbuck Springs. He is a single dad to his daughter Connie, after a rocky marriage with Delia. He has no interest in getting emotionally involved with another woman, not wanting to go through the upheavals of a relationship!
Jemima Jane, known as JJ is the local pub owner who has been in love with JJ since she was six years old. She hides it very well and she has a good friendship with Ethan. They always have each other's back.
When Delia remarries and threatens to file for custody of their daughter, Ethan is distraught. Just the thought of losing Connie is destroying him. He decides to go on drinking binge and JJ ends up taking care of him when he is too drunk to drive himself home. Ethan wakes up in JJ's bed, horrified when he realises what transpired between them the night before. He values their friendship and the complications of a relationship is the last thing he wants. When JJ's ex turns up on her door step, Ethan goes into protective mode.
This prompts JJ and Ethan to come to an agreement which will be beneficial to both of them. They can easily fool everyone that they are in a serious relationship. At least that's what Ethan thinks. JJ is not so sure. They have some intimate and passionate moments. After all it's only hot sex as far as Ethan is concerned.
When JJ finds herself in danger, Ethan panics, especially after the way they parted. Will that be enough for him to come to his senses and make him realise what he could have with JJ?
This story is about learning to let go of past angst and learn to live and love again. I like JJ's strength of character and her approach to life despite what she went through in her previous relationship. It's as emotional as the previous books in this series and once again the family values and the community spirit shine.
I would recommend this series to those who like a well written and easy to read romance with palpable emotions and steamy sex.
I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan is the chief of police in Jumbuck Springs. He is a single dad to his daughter Connie, after a rocky marriage with Delia. He has no interest in getting emotionally involved with another woman, not wanting to go through the upheavals of a relationship!
Jemima Jane, known as JJ is the local pub owner who has been in love with JJ since she was six years old. She hides it very well and she has a good friendship with Ethan. They always have each other's back.
When Delia remarries and threatens to file for custody of their daughter, Ethan is distraught. Just the thought of losing Connie is destroying him. He decides to go on drinking binge and JJ ends up taking care of him when he is too drunk to drive himself home. Ethan wakes up in JJ's bed, horrified when he realises what transpired between them the night before. He values their friendship and the complications of a relationship is the last thing he wants. When JJ's ex turns up on her door step, Ethan goes into protective mode.
This prompts JJ and Ethan to come to an agreement which will be beneficial to both of them. They can easily fool everyone that they are in a serious relationship. At least that's what Ethan thinks. JJ is not so sure. They have some intimate and passionate moments. After all it's only hot sex as far as Ethan is concerned.
When JJ finds herself in danger, Ethan panics, especially after the way they parted. Will that be enough for him to come to his senses and make him realise what he could have with JJ?
This story is about learning to let go of past angst and learn to live and love again. I like JJ's strength of character and her approach to life despite what she went through in her previous relationship. It's as emotional as the previous books in this series and once again the family values and the community spirit shine.
I would recommend this series to those who like a well written and easy to read romance with palpable emotions and steamy sex.
I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2015
SOME GIRLS LIE is book 4 in the exceptional Outback Heat series, and this one is hot, hot, hot! Good, ole reliable JJ Ericson has been in love with police officer Ethan Weston forever. They have been friends since they were children, however Ethan never saw JJ as “a girl”, besides he was head over heels in love with Delia. Delia, who broke his heart more than once, nearly ruined his career, but gave him a lovely daughter, Connie who is now 14. JJ had an unfortunate one-year marriage with an abuser, and the bully is back in town. Delia is threatening to take Connie from Ethan, who has taken care of the teenager for most of her life. Circumstances bring Ethan and JJ closer, but how close will they get?
Ethan is a real Alpha, I’m not usually too crazy about them, but no one could do it better than Amy Andrews! He’s a fabulous character, but as stubborn as a mule when it comes to Delia and JJ. Poor JJ! Unrequited loving this stubborn man for a few decades, watching Ethan make a fool of himself over Delia over and over. How my heart ached for JJ; it was almost too easy to relate to her. And how I wanted to slap both of them so often! I wanted to tell JJ to move on, but her love is true. I wanted to tell Ethan to see what was in front of him, a woman who truly loved him.
What a fantastic book! The least I can say is that I wasn’t left unmoved! Again, Ms. Andrews demonstrates her incomparable writing skills: the clarity of her prose, the exquisite simplicity of her narrative, and yet so eloquent, so evocative, so perfect. The dialogues sound spectacularly genuine; you can feel the anger, the pain, the longing… And the sex scenes are extraordinarily passionate, and real. An absolutely amazing read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan is a real Alpha, I’m not usually too crazy about them, but no one could do it better than Amy Andrews! He’s a fabulous character, but as stubborn as a mule when it comes to Delia and JJ. Poor JJ! Unrequited loving this stubborn man for a few decades, watching Ethan make a fool of himself over Delia over and over. How my heart ached for JJ; it was almost too easy to relate to her. And how I wanted to slap both of them so often! I wanted to tell JJ to move on, but her love is true. I wanted to tell Ethan to see what was in front of him, a woman who truly loved him.
What a fantastic book! The least I can say is that I wasn’t left unmoved! Again, Ms. Andrews demonstrates her incomparable writing skills: the clarity of her prose, the exquisite simplicity of her narrative, and yet so eloquent, so evocative, so perfect. The dialogues sound spectacularly genuine; you can feel the anger, the pain, the longing… And the sex scenes are extraordinarily passionate, and real. An absolutely amazing read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
I guess I'm coming in on the end of the series, but this one can definitely be read as a stand-alone because I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything other than getting to know some of the secondary characters more. After reading Some Girls Lie though, I'm definitely going to be going back and reading all the rest of this series for sure. My heart hurt so much for JJ being in loving a man who not only was her best friend, but who also couldn't even manage to see her as a woman. She was always just his rock steady friend when she wanted so much more. But we all know guys are dense, so it wasn't really a shock. I think what it boiled down more to was that he just didn't want to ever lose that relationship with JJ that he held so dear so he never thought of her in that way.
I loved the Aussie Outback setting. I just adore books set in Australia, so it was a big highlight for me. When these two embark on their charade, they really aren't fooling anyone but themselves. They all know that the only person who is really going to get hurt in the end, is JJ. I mean Ethan is a great guy and all, but he has so many hangups that I found it hard to believe his about face with JJ. I think too much focus in the book was on his not being able to love that when he finally admits to being in love with her, it just didn't seem real. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book and like I said I want to read it from the start so I get more time with all of these awesome characters. It was a fun read and I definitely suggest it.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
See this and more of my reviews on my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
I loved the Aussie Outback setting. I just adore books set in Australia, so it was a big highlight for me. When these two embark on their charade, they really aren't fooling anyone but themselves. They all know that the only person who is really going to get hurt in the end, is JJ. I mean Ethan is a great guy and all, but he has so many hangups that I found it hard to believe his about face with JJ. I think too much focus in the book was on his not being able to love that when he finally admits to being in love with her, it just didn't seem real. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book and like I said I want to read it from the start so I get more time with all of these awesome characters. It was a fun read and I definitely suggest it.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
See this and more of my reviews on my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
January 14, 2017
What's a girl supposed to do when the only man she's ever loved goes off an marries a rival? Jemima Jane, aka JJ, has been in love with Ethan Weston since grade school, and has had to watch him fall over his own feet over the dreadful Delia. Not only did Delia win him, she broke him and threw him and their beautiful daughter Connie, away. All JJ has ever been in the eyes of Ethan was good old, dependable JJ, best friend, shoulder to cry on. When he married Delia, she hooked up with the first guy to pay her a bit of affection, only to leave and divorce him after he brutally beat her, landing her in the hospital with a broken cheek, black eye, and broken ribs. Over a decade later, and she's still carrying a torch for Ethan, only he has never figured it out. It's her secret! So, when Ethan's ex re-marries and threatens to file for sole custody of their fourteen year old daughter, and JJ's ex shows up in town looking for her, the stakes are raised, and Ethan drums up a plan to keep JJ safe from Shane, and help himself out with a pending custody battle....They'll pretend to be engaged, and in order for it to be credible, they'll live together. Will JJ ever be able to hold up her pretense? Will Ethan be able to protect her and win his case?
Packed full of lots of excitement, a bit of violence, a few sexy and steamy sex scenes, and a whole lot of love, this book will have you on edge, not wanting to put it down. Even though this is part of a series, it is a standalone and doesn't have to be read in sequence, although it might help with some of the other characters, but I don't believe you loose anything from this particular story. Well done!
Packed full of lots of excitement, a bit of violence, a few sexy and steamy sex scenes, and a whole lot of love, this book will have you on edge, not wanting to put it down. Even though this is part of a series, it is a standalone and doesn't have to be read in sequence, although it might help with some of the other characters, but I don't believe you loose anything from this particular story. Well done!
November 29, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. I've also never read anything from Amy Andrews before, at least I don't remember having done so. I think that worked well because I went into this book without any expectations, and I ended up really liking this book. I'm all for the friends-to-lovers trope. I already keep saying that in a lot of my reviews. But that's not all that I liked in this book.
First, I really liked the part where the hero was also a loving father. I mean, it ups his points. I also liked that the characters of the previous books were present here, but the author didn't spend so much time trying to acquaint readers with who they were and what their stories were and how their books were played out. You know, I have to say this but there's this really popular author that I love. However, I get tired of her books sometimes because as you get further into a series, cthce cprcevioucs characters arec still featured and they all get a paragraph or two on what happened in their book, and who needs that, right?
So, going back to this book. It wasn't perfect, but I really enjoyed this story to the point that I will surely look for the other three books and read them too. I hope I'd love them as much as I did this book.
I haven't read any of the previous books in this series. I've also never read anything from Amy Andrews before, at least I don't remember having done so. I think that worked well because I went into this book without any expectations, and I ended up really liking this book. I'm all for the friends-to-lovers trope. I already keep saying that in a lot of my reviews. But that's not all that I liked in this book.
First, I really liked the part where the hero was also a loving father. I mean, it ups his points. I also liked that the characters of the previous books were present here, but the author didn't spend so much time trying to acquaint readers with who they were and what their stories were and how their books were played out. You know, I have to say this but there's this really popular author that I love. However, I get tired of her books sometimes because as you get further into a series, cthce cprcevioucs characters arec still featured and they all get a paragraph or two on what happened in their book, and who needs that, right?
So, going back to this book. It wasn't perfect, but I really enjoyed this story to the point that I will surely look for the other three books and read them too. I hope I'd love them as much as I did this book.
November 10, 2015
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Tule Publishing for an honest review. It's a little longer than the average novella and told from J.J. and Ethan's points of view. Although this is the 4th book in Amy Andrews's Outback Heat series (brothers), I have not read the first three and had no problem following along.
J.J. grew up with Ethan and has been in love with him since she was 6 (they're now 35). They've both been married to others - hers for a year with an abusive husband (about 10 years ago) and his to a very selfish and conniving high school sweetheart (married about 10 years ago and she left him and their 2 year old daughter). Ethan's ex is now suing for full custody and J.J.'s ex-husband has shown up... so naturally they pretend they're engaged!
My heart hurt for J.J. I'm pretty sure Ethan could not be more oblivious to J.J.'s feelings or say the dumbest and most (unintentionally) hurtful things. She's tired of being good old J.J. his reliable and trusted friend. I was surprised to realize in 30+ years he's never thought of or seen her as anything but his friend - not even seen her as a woman. You know the climax is going to be a painful train wreck for J.J. and Amy Andrews did a great job making you feel all the feels with this one.
J.J. grew up with Ethan and has been in love with him since she was 6 (they're now 35). They've both been married to others - hers for a year with an abusive husband (about 10 years ago) and his to a very selfish and conniving high school sweetheart (married about 10 years ago and she left him and their 2 year old daughter). Ethan's ex is now suing for full custody and J.J.'s ex-husband has shown up... so naturally they pretend they're engaged!
My heart hurt for J.J. I'm pretty sure Ethan could not be more oblivious to J.J.'s feelings or say the dumbest and most (unintentionally) hurtful things. She's tired of being good old J.J. his reliable and trusted friend. I was surprised to realize in 30+ years he's never thought of or seen her as anything but his friend - not even seen her as a woman. You know the climax is going to be a painful train wreck for J.J. and Amy Andrews did a great job making you feel all the feels with this one.
January 24, 2016
A HOT friends-to-lovers romance that inspires you to keep believing in forever even if you hit some speed bumps along the way! Great characters!
JJ Ericson is minding her own business, enjoying life, running her bar, lusting after her BFF from afar when a wrecking ball busts in and turns her life upside down.
Ethan Weston's witch of an ex-wife just got remarried and declared her intent to sue for custody of their 14 year old daughter all in the same day, so he's in the mood to tie one on and JJ has always been his soft place to fall.
The morning after, JJ's abusive ex-husband shows up at the door wanting to reconnect and Ethan tells him to get lost after announcing they are engaged. When they talk it out afterwards, they realize the ruse is a good one for both of them. He can keep her safe from Shane, and she can help him win the brewing custody battle with his ex.
Being up close and personal wreaks havoc on them both and they find it impossible to keep fighting this attraction. Will they give in and enjoy each other or will Ethan keep pining after his ex and letting forever slip past again?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
JJ Ericson is minding her own business, enjoying life, running her bar, lusting after her BFF from afar when a wrecking ball busts in and turns her life upside down.
Ethan Weston's witch of an ex-wife just got remarried and declared her intent to sue for custody of their 14 year old daughter all in the same day, so he's in the mood to tie one on and JJ has always been his soft place to fall.
The morning after, JJ's abusive ex-husband shows up at the door wanting to reconnect and Ethan tells him to get lost after announcing they are engaged. When they talk it out afterwards, they realize the ruse is a good one for both of them. He can keep her safe from Shane, and she can help him win the brewing custody battle with his ex.
Being up close and personal wreaks havoc on them both and they find it impossible to keep fighting this attraction. Will they give in and enjoy each other or will Ethan keep pining after his ex and letting forever slip past again?
** Received free in exchange for an honest review **
November 10, 2015
I loved this book....actually, I've loved all of the books in the Outback Heat series. They're all excellent contemporary romances, but this book raises the ante and tackles some difficult subjects that are very emotional.
In this book, JJ's ex-husband returns to town the same week that Ethan's ex-wife gets remarried and announces she'll be taking custody of their 14 year old daughter. The shock of his ex-wife's announcement leads Ethan to get drunk at JJ's bar. As his buddy, JJ takes care of him and puts him on her couch to sleep it off. They wake up in bed together and Ethan freaks out, but that is quickly over-shadowed by JJ's ex banging on the door trying to get her back....the same ex that beat her up and fractured her facial bones. As a result, this book touches on spousal abuse and the difficulty in getting away.
This is a must read for fans of the genre.
In this book, JJ's ex-husband returns to town the same week that Ethan's ex-wife gets remarried and announces she'll be taking custody of their 14 year old daughter. The shock of his ex-wife's announcement leads Ethan to get drunk at JJ's bar. As his buddy, JJ takes care of him and puts him on her couch to sleep it off. They wake up in bed together and Ethan freaks out, but that is quickly over-shadowed by JJ's ex banging on the door trying to get her back....the same ex that beat her up and fractured her facial bones. As a result, this book touches on spousal abuse and the difficulty in getting away.
This is a must read for fans of the genre.
November 27, 2015
JJ was that girl that breaks your heart! She has been in love with Ethan since forever and he has been completely oblivious to JJ and especially to JJ having or wanting a sex life. Those conversations were laugh out loud funny!
As friends, Ethan and JJ cross a line, but as best friends they know that protecting the other is more important than anything. JJ will do anything to protect Ethan and his daughter from Ethan’s worthless ex…and Ethan will do the same for JJ when her abusive ex shows up in town fresh out of prison.
I loved the banter between these two and I really loved that Ethan’s brothers took JJ’s back in wanting to protect her and her heart. But when the chips are down, the Chief of Police turns vigilante and nothing will stop in from protecting what is his…I love a uber alpha male in protection mode! Enjoy!
As friends, Ethan and JJ cross a line, but as best friends they know that protecting the other is more important than anything. JJ will do anything to protect Ethan and his daughter from Ethan’s worthless ex…and Ethan will do the same for JJ when her abusive ex shows up in town fresh out of prison.
I loved the banter between these two and I really loved that Ethan’s brothers took JJ’s back in wanting to protect her and her heart. But when the chips are down, the Chief of Police turns vigilante and nothing will stop in from protecting what is his…I love a uber alpha male in protection mode! Enjoy!
November 25, 2015
Ethan is the guy that Jemima has loved for a long time. He his also her best friend. A drunken night leads Ethan to sleep with her but even then he still doesn't see what they could be. When Jemima is threatened by an abusive ex, he pretends to be her fiancé to protect her. As they spend more time in their ruse, his feelings sneak up on him. It's interesting to see his revelation unravel :)
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2016
Very enjoyable series from Amy Andrews, featuring a family of super hot brothers and their younger sister. This story was the last in the series and featured a friends to lovers trope that I loved. Andrews' trademark sexy scenes and banter made this a winner. Highly recommended, 4 stars.
January 3, 2017
Love this book!
I loved this story about Jj and Ethan. I was so happy they had a relationship that involved real emotions and real love. Glad that they built on to that with slow burning feelings that made the reader become involved. Thanks for this story!
I loved this story about Jj and Ethan. I was so happy they had a relationship that involved real emotions and real love. Glad that they built on to that with slow burning feelings that made the reader become involved. Thanks for this story!
December 17, 2016
Great!
Good read. Read in one sitting. I'm always a sucker for a love story with a little bit of drama..
Good read. Read in one sitting. I'm always a sucker for a love story with a little bit of drama..
January 3, 2017
Solid story
Friends to lovers- check
Evil ex's- check
Clueless H- check
Heat, drama, suspense- check
Good characters and story- check
HEA - check
Friends to lovers- check
Evil ex's- check
Clueless H- check
Heat, drama, suspense- check
Good characters and story- check
HEA - check
January 19, 2017
Very sweet
Not super exciting but just a sweet story. Well done, well written and nice. I will read the series next.
Not super exciting but just a sweet story. Well done, well written and nice. I will read the series next.
February 10, 2018
Hot romantic comedy. Lots of fun. Good read.
October 22, 2021
Surprisingly, another great freebie book! This is a new author for me, and I really enjoyed it!! It's so hard for me to find contemporary romances that aren't too clean or too raunchy. I felt this was a good balance in the middle. (except for Dennis, he was silly).
I love the tropes of fake engagement and must live together so they don't blow their cover. I felt that the characters were believable and easy to root for and/or easy to hate.
If I could have changed anything, I would have deleted the whole Dennis scenario, and replaced Dennis with the real thing.... and have had our hero and heroine lose their control a bit more often. Accidental kisses, accidental make-out sessions. So much focus was put on resisting each other, instead of gradual touches and romantic mishaps here and there. So I felt that was a lost opportunity on the authors part, but overall I enjoyed the love story and can't wait to check out her other stories!
I love the tropes of fake engagement and must live together so they don't blow their cover. I felt that the characters were believable and easy to root for and/or easy to hate.
If I could have changed anything, I would have deleted the whole Dennis scenario, and replaced Dennis with the real thing.... and have had our hero and heroine lose their control a bit more often. Accidental kisses, accidental make-out sessions. So much focus was put on resisting each other, instead of gradual touches and romantic mishaps here and there. So I felt that was a lost opportunity on the authors part, but overall I enjoyed the love story and can't wait to check out her other stories!
May 23, 2019
Delightful Romance
Some Girls Lie was a delightful romance between Ethan West and his childhood friend, JJ. Ethan married Delia and had a daughter (Connie). Delia made life hard for Ethan and left him when Connie was only two years old. Through the years JJ remained a close friend of Ethan and his family, never letting Ethan know she was in love with him! Now Delia has decided to use for custody of 14 year old Connie! One night Ethan gets drunk over the possible loss of his daughter, is intimate with JJ, and informs JJ's ex-husband that he and JJ are engaged to be married! The fun begins! Will Ethan keep his daughter, keep JJ safe from her abusive ex-husband, and decide where JJ belongs in his life? I read this book nonstop and enjoyed every page! I highly recommend this book!
Some Girls Lie was a delightful romance between Ethan West and his childhood friend, JJ. Ethan married Delia and had a daughter (Connie). Delia made life hard for Ethan and left him when Connie was only two years old. Through the years JJ remained a close friend of Ethan and his family, never letting Ethan know she was in love with him! Now Delia has decided to use for custody of 14 year old Connie! One night Ethan gets drunk over the possible loss of his daughter, is intimate with JJ, and informs JJ's ex-husband that he and JJ are engaged to be married! The fun begins! Will Ethan keep his daughter, keep JJ safe from her abusive ex-husband, and decide where JJ belongs in his life? I read this book nonstop and enjoyed every page! I highly recommend this book!
June 2, 2019
2.5 stars. Hot scenes, but goddamn, the relationship building is so cliché. Everything falls so nicely into the story arc that the story itself just ends up being boring and predictable. Ugh.
Edit: After some thought, I'm changing this to 2-stars. The story and relationship building by themselves are just way too shallow for it to be a fair 2.5 stars.
Edit: After some thought, I'm changing this to 2-stars. The story and relationship building by themselves are just way too shallow for it to be a fair 2.5 stars.
May 23, 2019
Great story
Great story. Great likeable characters. Action, suspense,, romance. I couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
Great story. Great likeable characters. Action, suspense,, romance. I couldn't put it down. I look forward to reading more books from this author.
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