Playing Pretend

by Tamsyn Bester

**COVER REDESIGN Tash Drake at Outlined With Love Designs** Kadence Kavanagh has spent the last two years trying to rebuild her life. When a job opportunity presents itself, she can’t say no, even if it’s with the man who’s life was ruined by her father’s indiscretion. It’s been years since she last saw Caleb Callahan, and she’s not even sure he remembers her, but she’s determined to give herself a clean slate no matter who she has to work for. In the unlikeliest of circumstances, Caleb becomes her savior – if somewhat reluctantly - and she discovers that the man she’s read about in the gossip columns is nothing more than a smoke screen. Kadence knows that keeping her distance is for the best, no matter how difficult, but when Caleb proposes the unthinkable, she finds herself caught between what’s real, and what she wishes was real. Caleb and Kadence lose themselves in a lie, and when reality comes knocking, they realize that all they were doing was playing pretend…

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Enemies To Lovers, M F Romance, Second Chance, Friends To Lovers

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2016

About the author

I'm a 28 year old Publishing Graduate with a penchant for hot books, cowboys, and off-the-chart-chemistry between the characters I write. In April 2019, I graduated with my Publishing degree, and took a brief writing hiatus to complete my studies. Right now, I'm busy with an Associate's Degree in Graphic Design, and have recently published my newest book, Under The Sake Sky (Horseshoe Bay Series Book 1). I'm still addicted to coffee, reading, and when I'm not writing, or designing all kinds of things in Photoshop, I'm editing romance novels for my clients. In my free time, I can usually be found in bed with my three fur babies, BamBam, Benji and Denver.

Reviews

[Julianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can I just say that I did not like Caleb, sadly... I really wanted to, but it was so difficult when all he did was piss me off. Kadence was alright, and the two of them as a couple seemed more dysfunctional than not.
When Caleb let Natalia back in his life, I honestly just had a WTF moment. You seriously expect to have Kadence there with you when Natalia is living with you? What a self-righteous jerk!! He ran sooo hot and cold towards Kadence and expected her to forgive and love him back (which she always did, like dude, do you not have a backbone??)
Kadence was not my cup of tea as the heroine either. I don't know, she was 'strong' towards the end, but she was just so weak most of the time during the book when Caleb actually accused her of spreading rumors to the paparazzi... like he didn't even let her explain, he just straight up blamed her, but 2 seconds later, she forgives him. Or when he woke up the morning after they *did it* and said it was a mistake and just left her?? but then came back and *did it* with her again... and she just LET him. WHERE IS YOUR BACKBONE, CAN YOU SAY NO! But yeah, I just wish she would have stood up for herself more and not let Caleb manipulate her
As much as I like Tamsyn's books, this storyline was just not for me :(

[Carolina Godinho · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in exchange of an honest review.

What a clusterfuck!!! This story started well, but it lost its trail pretty soon. The relationship between Caleb and Kadence felt off from the very beginning.
Everything felt so surreal, sometimes I felt like I was reading one of Diana Palmer´s books, and I´m not a fan of her work.
And beyond all the idiotic situations we still have some informations and facts changing during the story. Like physical characteristics or dates. It´s extremely confusing and annoying.

[Rohina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC gifted by author in exchange for an honest review*

4.5 Stars!


There are no happy-ever-after's when you play pretend."


For so long my favorite Tamsyn Bester book was Beneath Your Beautiful with The Line Between a very close second. This book has been a long time coming and it sure as hell didn't disappoint me and it moved up to my in the first place of my Tamsyn favorite!

GAHHH!!! It had everything that I enjoy in a story! The characters had a history and it was sort of a second chance romance. I have no idea where to start because there is so much to talk about in this book and I just don't want to give away any spoilers!

The heroine, Kadence is strong, sassy and spunky and though is affected by things that go around here she is knows how to hold her own. She is trying to remove herself from anything and everything that is her father, sister and the Archer name in general. She is flawed and she owns those flaws and you can't help but love her from the very beginning! It was so easy to relate to her because they way Tamsyn portrayed Kadence felt like it was my friend going through these problems and it made a connection with the her and her emotion that I always wish to have with every character that I read about.


Has anyone ever told you how smooth you think you are?"
"I don't think I'm smooth. I know I am. Or so I've been told."


The male lead, Caleb was an asshole but still so drool worthy... Sorry! lost myself myself for a minute there. I HATED this ruggedly handsome and tattooed guy and it wasn't even a task. I hated him till 95% of the book! He was absolutely irritating and I just wanted to pull him out of the pages and shake him and slap some serious sense in him.

The constant pushing and pulling between the Kadence and Caleb that stems from their past was real and definitely kept me at edge waiting for the next shoe to drop. Given that the book is from Kadence's point of view with Caleb's perspective coming right at the end I wanted to know what went in his head. When I got to know what was going in his head... Yeah! I still didn't like him until the very end


I want her. I don't think I've ever wanted anything more than to have her trust again, and to prove that I'm deserving. The chances are I will never be worthy, but I'm prepared to spend the rest of my life trying if that is what it takes."


The story line has twists that I didn't see coming at all. I mean, I'm so into the story and then comes Tamsyn and smacks one twist. I actually went back a few pages to see if I missed any signs or small hints that I would have missed but NIL! There wasn't a single hint!
After the disorienting while totally amazing ad welcoming surprise, I went further into reading and comes in Tamsyn and pulls the carpet from under me leaving me staring at the characters like... HELLO!!! Some help here? Can you help me out and tell me why did you deem it acceptable?!

There was a lot going in the book and leaned towards heavy than light-hearted with a angst. Though it was a 'heavy' read it was by no means depressing that I would feel bogged down. Playing Pretend It was the perfect combination of sass, action, angst, heartbreak, humor and everything else.

Even though Caleb and Kadence's relationship started as a pretense in the end it was REAL and PERFECT! Definitely these two had more lows than highs but I LOVED it so so so much and I am so RECOMMENDING this book to everyone!!! Absolutely amazing!!

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[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kadence has been through a lot and when she finally lands herself a job and thinks things are going to be looking up, she ends up working for her childhood crush, Caleb. Caleb is closed off and he's a bit of an asshole. The thing is, the Caleb that the public and tabloids know and the Caleb that Kadence gets to know are two different people. What starts as a pretend relationship, soon leads to more but when Caleb's secrets start to reveal themselves Kadence is left to figure out what is real and what is pretend.

There are so many things I loved about this book. The writing was really good with great character development. The chemistry between Caleb and Kadence was hot. I loved that Caleb ran hot and cold - he wasn't always sure of himself. Kadence was an awesome heroine - she was sweet and kind but she wasn't a pushover. There were a few things I didn't like too much OW drama, the baby mama drama - I hated Natalia and Caleb's decision regarding her really pissed me off but overall, I enjoyed this book so much I was able to overlook the things I didn't like. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by this author!

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Cyndi Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing in this book was great. The story plot was okay until the end. For me the hero was a douche waffle and I just could not forgive him. So I lost intrest at 90%....due to being really pissed of at this Jerk.Anyways. This book is about a girl that just graduated college with very little finacial means and job offerings. So she accepts a job at Caleb Callhans company. The Callhan family is a old family friend of hers back in the day when they were kids. It was also the first boy that kissed her. There is drama and at one point I really could stand her...especially for the fact that she would whine and cry.Caleb needs a strong woman to put him in his place and I though she was little to weak for me and for that Douche WAFFLE CALEB.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love angst and this book has it to abundance, I however NEVER forgave Caleb and thought he was best matched with Natalia, he was a snake and so was she...

I was crushed for Kadence, she was screwed by everyone she loved and trusted. There were no good guys on her side.... great story, hated some characters...loved the angst......

thank you netgalley

[Carlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see more of my reviews, and some teasers from Playing Pretend, check out my blog Carlene Inspired.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Putting her family and wealth behind her hasn't been easy, but Kadence isn't one to take the easy route. After finishing her degree, she is determined to move back to Manhattan and start life anew, even if it means working for her family's enemy. Caleb Callahan isn't just the enemy though, he was also her first kiss, and when he lends her a helping hand she can't help but fall back into those old feelings. Caleb's reasons for helping Kadence aren't all out of kindness however and when the truth unfolds Kadence will have to decide if she can love someone who only knows how to play pretend.

Talk about strong female characters, with only one leading man and no real male secondary characters, this book takes the cake for having some awesome girls in empowering roles. That's not to say they aren't idiotic at times, but I liked the almost all female ensemble. Kadence is a fantastic heroine, she takes blow after blow and holds her ground. She's got her flaws and can be a bit annoying, and sucks at picking friends, but she's headstrong, always determined, and has the kind of confidence I wish I could have. Then there's Caleb, who looks like McDreamy and is a total jerk with an agenda. Doesn't it always work that way? Their chemistry is hot, you can feel it coming from the pages, which is why, just like Kadence, I could forgive every dumb move Caleb made. Their relationship is intriguing, because with only insight into Kadence's mind we know there's reason to be wary, just not why. There's a lot of background between them that is given over time, so even though the reader knows things could heat up between them we always know there's something holding both back. I love being on the edge of my seat like that.

The overall story itself is just like another reviewer said, very Romeo and Juliet. The main character's families have major beef with one another and 5 years of hatred stewing. While Kadence is estranged from her father and sister, she still lets them rule her life by making herself such a private person. I really enjoyed watching her come into her own as that part of the story finally revealed itself. Then there's the whole Caleb aspect of it, because their relationship can't be all rainbows, butterflies, and hot sex. I really enjoyed how immersed Caleb was in getting revenge that he couldn't even see right from wrong anymore. It brought twists and turns into this book that I wasn't expecting and kept the book from being predictable. I loved all the emotions in this book, all the love and angst, then Tamsyn Bester delivers a stunning epilogue and I was one happy reader.

What the writing lacks, the emotional story makes up for. There are a lot of grammatical errors, I'm sure many were fixed in the final version, but it pulled me away from the story a few times. Then there's the deja vu I felt while reading it. This book feels like something I've read before, I just can't put my finger on it. It isn't necessarily original, but it is a good story and as I said, I like the characters. I cannot get behind the baby scenario 100%, but mostly because it's ridiculously unbelievable, no celebrity could publicly get away with ditching their own child and continue to see fame, the world would tear them to pieces.and I didn't really love how Kadence gets played by even her friends, but even Tamsyn makes that work right. In reality, I think this book deserves 3.5 stars, however I am letting my personal enjoyment of it bump this up to 4.

If you're on the hunt for a standalone New Adult Romance, look no further than Playing Pretend by Tamsyn Bester. I loved the romance, the drama, and all the angst, I couldn't put this book down.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb could be an a**, “I won’t apologize,” his voice lowered. “I gave you a roof over your head, and the least you could do is dress like you’re no longer homeless.” When he wants to be Caleb can be considerate, “you have five minutes to catch your breath.” He slapped my butt, and then muffled my cry. “It’s going to be a long night.” I enjoyed this book Caleb's behavior reminded me of a Katy Perry song 'Hot'N'Cold' let me tell you what that boy PMSed more than a pregnant woman does with her hormones.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

"You have to stop that"
"Stop what? "
"Saving me. You've been doing that a lot."
"Oh, sweet Kadence, I'm afraid my intentions as far as you're concerned have always been too depraved for me to save you.But I have the feeling you're going to be the one to save me."

When Kadence took the job opportunity she never thought that she'll end up working for Caleb, the man she secretly loved every since she was a little girl. More than that, when she faced hard times Caleb was the one to help Kadence out. To return the favour, Kadence agreed to play the "girlfriend" role when the great CEO faced some issues of his own. Al cotton candy and rainbows, seems like our heroes decided to put aside their sad past.

"For the last two years, I've been running from a family I'm ashamed of. You think your family was the only one that suffered, but mine did too. You've been so focused on making me feel small ,that you didn't stop to think maybe , just maybe, you weren't the only one who got hurt."

At first Kadence knew that their "relationship" was all lies and pretend but she never expected to actually play a big part in Caleb's revenge plan. Of course that in the process Caleb loses his mind and heart - but it's a little late for real love or for quiting his foolish plan. It was only a matter of time until Kadence found out the truth behind Caleb's generosity and "good intentions".



"We're not over."
"We are , Caleb. There are no happy-ever-after's when you play pretend."

Caleb screwed up big time , not puting the past to rest wasn't the smartest thing to do. As a consequences he lost Kandence and possibly a great new mom for his daughter..


And speaking of Braelynn and horrible decisions, I fail to see why Caleb allows Natalia back into their life . This man continues to make his life miserable .

On the other hand I just love how Aaliyah and Macy were all like -


It takes lots of courage for Caleb to make things right. Our girl isn't really the kind to get over a broken heart that easily .Twice.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

3.5 stars

Playing Pretend is a whirl of emotions thrown at you all at once.

Kadence Kavanagh has been in love with Caleb Callahan since she was a teenager. After all, he can actually forget their first kiss?
What Kadence never anticipated was running into her crush, let alone working for his company.

The Archers (Kadence’s real last name) and the Callahan’s are pretty much Montague's and Capulet's of modern times, except with a twist.
With bad blood between the two families, Kadence never expected for Caleb to even acknowledge her existence.

Oh, but he has. Caleb acknowledges…wants..

But Caleb is like Lord of Douchery. Infuriating. No, I swear to it. The man is brute, harsh and quite frankly a total ass – if I may speak so freely.

He treats Kadence as if she is a nuisance and below him.
Kadence is having none of it.

As the story develops, a secret of Caleb’s is exposed and he must go into “clean up” mode to save his reputation and his place at the company. An elaborate plan is set in place and Kadence must agree regardless of her inner voices telling her otherwise.

We watch this unique relationship between Caleb and Kadence unfold and for a minute, you really think “aw shucks, this is SO going to happen!” only to have it all explode in your face and think “oh s***, this is so going to happen?!?!?”.

Without going into too much detail (with respect to the author’s request), this story was full of so much mind-twisting drama, unnecessary people flitting back and forth into the picture, lies, lies and straight up “oh hell no” lies!!

With what Caleb did to Kadence…I mean, in my real world, I would NEVER forgive him – love or not.

Does she make him grovel? Not as much as I wanted.
Do I still like the outcome of his f**k up? With reluctance, I guess I have to.

There really was nothing about the H that made me want to add him to my life of book boyfriends because quite frankly, he deserved a few kicks to arse.

As for Kadence, my girl held her own, but I felt like she really gave in to him too easily after what he did (I’m DYING to tell you, but alas, I can’t).

Does this end with a HEA? Guess you’ll have to read to find out.

[Romance Readers Retreat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gets harder and harder to find a completely original book, when you've read as many as I have and inevitably there's sometimes a ring of familiarity to books when there are so many in a sub-genre - though nothing sinister is intended.
Despite this book having that familiar feel, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Celeb is a great character! He's hot, temperamental and with definitive alpha qualities - who doesn't love that growl that rumbles in a man's chest?!

I flitted between admiring Kadence's strength and determination and wanting the slap some sense into her!
If ever there was a case for seeing what's right in front of you and plowing through the bull, it's the pseudo relationship between these two!

With so many outside influences and history rearing its ugly head, love just doesn't stand a chance.

This is the first time I've read anything by Tamsyn Bester and I've got to say that it was really well written. I laughed, welled up a bit and wanted to scratch a couple of eyes out!
It draws you in and before I knew it, I'd read this delightful tale in a day.

If you're looking for a quick, easy read that'll get the butterflies in your tummy fluttering, then give this book a go - it'll be worth it!

[Shelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC generously provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @54%

I have a real pet peeve about now finishing books. I am a bit fanatical about it. But I tried I really did but this book just did not do it for me. Kadence and Caleb just got on my nerves. I was intrigued by the storyline and the secrets of their past but then the hot and cold between the two became too much. I couldn't take one more "I can't live without you then boom no we are a mistake and can't happen" one more time. I found myself hoping Kadence would quit, move home to her mother, and she and Caleb would never see each other again. These characters really irritated me, and I just didn't really feel the chemistry. I know this book had some high reviews so maybe it just wasn't for me.

[★ Belle The Bibliophile ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 "PLAYING PRETEND" STARS.

This is not really a review but I have to say that I'm embarrassed to say that I put off reading this book for so long because the of the ugly cover. It just made me skeptical about the content. Yeah, I know. I'm a judgmental witch like that. So yes, color me surprise when I found myself literally glued to this book!

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on the blurb I thought I'd like this book but I had a really hard time connecting with the main characters and the story in general. We needed more backstory and character development, esp for Caden. In the present day part of the story, it felt like there were just too many things happening, many of them not flushed out at all. And in the memories of the past, it felt like we were missing something and again, things weren't flushed out. All in all, the book wasn't horrible but it certainly didn't keep my attention nor did it make me want to ever hear anything about these characters again.

[Always Addicted · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story is of two people who knew each other growing up, but we only get a little glimpse of this time. Though this is the time she became hooked by one kiss. (I didn't really feel this connection.). After a few hurdles she finds herself living in these city and applying for a job at Caleb's company. They connect again, but have some deal to play pretend. The reason for the pretend not so convincing. It was a bit weak for me.

[Jos]

Not rating

I truly was at odds with my rating on this one so I chose not to rate it. personally, I didn't like it. There were SO many things I disliked that I am really at a loss on what I can say that I actually did like.

I realize I am in the minority here but this wasn't for me at all! Too bad because the synopsis hooked me BUT fell very flat soon after:(

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently I was in the mood for a slightly angsty read with some surprising twists/turns that also had a touch of humor and lightheartedness to offset some stomach dropping moments as a very likable and sympathetic heroine puts up with a rollercoaster of a hero who is extremely alpha and moody.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from the author for an honest review.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on iBooks today (1/21/2019)! 🎁

Blurb:
Kadence Kavanagh has spent the last two years trying to rebuild her life. When a job opportunity presents itself, she can’t say no, even if it’s with the man who’s life was ruined by her father’s indiscretion. It’s been years since she last saw Caleb Callahan, and she’s not even sure he remembers her, but she’s determined to give herself a clean slate no matter who she has to work for.

In the unlikeliest of circumstances, Caleb becomes her savior – if somewhat reluctantly - and she discovers that the man she’s read about in the gossip columns is nothing more than a smoke screen. Kadence knows that keeping her distance is for the best, no matter how difficult, but when Caleb proposes the unthinkable, she finds herself caught between what’s real, and what she wishes was real.

Caleb and Kadence lose themselves in a lie, and when reality comes knocking, they realize that all they were doing was playing pretend…

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playing Pretend is the first book that I've read by Tamsyn Bester and holy crap. What in the hell is wrong with me?!? I should have picked up one of her books WAY before now. All of that lost time with a new author that have come to adore. Le sigh. I just added a ton of her books to my ridiculously long TBR pile but they are definitely at the top!

Gosh, I just don't even know where to start but before I do ... if you don't enjoy reading gushy reviews then you definitely need to go somewhere else right now because this review is going to be full of praise for this amazing book and more than likely, I'll go overboard. Let's start with the story itself ... no ... the characters! The leading lady in this one is named Kadence and she's this spunky, headstrong woman who is clawing her way out of a horribly deep hole that her family has left her in. She is perfectly flawed and you can't help but love her from the very first page. I found myself laughing with her and sympathizing with her and being mad at her and loving her ... the way that Bester wrote Kadence, she made Kadence like a friend and it created a connection that I always look for in books. Now on to Caleb ... dear, sweet, Caleb. I wanted to hate this ruggedly handsome, stubborn man but I just couldn't. I would get so damn irritated with him and then forgive him almost immediately. Bester sure can write some entrancing characters. The push and pull between Kadence and Caleb had me on the edge of my seat throughout most of the book. I just couldn't get enough of either of them and saying that I was absolutely pissed when the book ended would be a massive understatement. Livid. Times infinity.

The storyline took some twists that I wasn't expecting. It was refreshing to not be able to predict what was going to happen in a romance novel. Too often, it feels as if romance novels all have this outline that they follow and everything is predictable but not with Playing Pretend. Just when you think you've got a firm grip on the story, Bester will come out of nowhere and smack you on the back of your head and while you're disoriented for a bit, she'll elbow you in the side and knock the wind out of you. There was quite a bit going on within the story but never once did I feel bogged down or hindered by the heaviness of the story. It was the perfect combination of humor, sass, action, controversy and everything in between.

This was such a great book. Definitely one that you need to read if we are going to continue being friends. I have a feeling that I'll be picking this book up again soon because the love story between Kadence and Caleb isn't going to leave my memory any time soon. Absolute perfection.

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!

[Donna Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindly provided with an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.....

This is one of those books that stands on its own for being awesome and does not need lots of summary to clue the potential readers to give it a whirl.

This is Kadence and Caleb's story. To say Kadence has had a tough start to life would be an under statement. Despite lifes blows she doesn't whine, she just goes with the punches. Eventually life cuts her a break and she lands a job working for Caleb. Caleb happens to be her childhood crush. Caleb is now doing very well for himself and is CEO for Callahan ind (his business). Does being a CEO make Caleb humble and giving to his fellow man.......nah, he comes across as a d**k at first. A very humorous d**k, but one nevertheless. He has the devil may care attitude, take me or leave me. He's the epitome of alpha but he's a bruised alpha (yes we see you Caleb).
It was brilliant watching how Kadence manages him and warms the darker parts !!!

This story is a building storm of passion. Kadence was one amazing leading lady. Yes, she wanted her HEA but knew it was up to her to go get it. If that meant it was gonna be without Caleb then, yup so be it !!

A wonderfully written, well paced, believable story line ! 5 Sparkly Stars for Me xx

Well done Tamsyn for a blinding read !!!

Later peeps

[Tiffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know where to start.

Like I'm having a very hard time with is review.

There were things I liked about this book, some of it came after I reminded myself that its fiction and anything can happen. I never have to that I just go with the flow because everything I read is fiction and anything can happen.

Then there were things that just gave me whiplash. With out giving spoilers I'll just say how one minute its this way then another minute its different.

One thing I really disliked was the prologue, it was the day before chapter one started. Please correct me if I'm wrong but don't prologue happen way before the day chapter one starts one??? I have to put the book down for a few but I'm glad I kept going.

And here is why I'm glad I kept going. The book has a great structure and I was soo happy when the h turned out to be non virgin. I was really expecting that and was happy she wasn't because lets face that is soo over used anymore. And theres this one quote that I just loved. I think that quote really held this book together for me. (Kindle died and I cant get quote right now, its something along the lines of cant be real when playing pretend).

Ive read another book by this author and really loved it and I'll probably read more work from here again.

[Reflections of a Book Geek · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

We meet Kaydence who is down on her luck after a scandal involving her father. She has a run of bad luck and ends up homeless where Caleb Callaghan swoops in to the rescue.

Caleb Callaghan is a complete jerk!!! I seriously wanted to throat punch him for the majority of this book!! I didn't see the attraction Kaydence had for him with the way he treated her and some of the things he said and did had my heart hurting for her. But once we got a look into Caleb with Braelynn it shed a completely different light on him, don’t get me wrong he was still a jerk at times but we say a side to him I didn’t think he had and softened me toward his character.

It was so heartwarming the way Kaydence stepped in with Braelynn, I loved the way she just threw herself into the mix and helped where needed even when she wasn’t asked.

There was plenty going on in this book, it kept me interested and had me trying to anticipate what was going to happen next.

I have read a few of Tamsyn’s books so far and I have to say I enjoy her style of writing, she draws me into the story and keeps me hanging on for more.

[Shelby (BookLoversHaveMoreFun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was another TERRIFIC book by this author!!!

I felt for Kadence because it seemed like NOTHING ever went her way.

I pretty much HATED Caleb throughout most of the whole book, but then I get to a chapter with his POV that I've been hoping for and then I LOVE him at the drop of a hat.

Tamsyn included some things that I DID NOT expect which I enjoyed since most stories I read are predictable.

The epilogue of this book was EVERYTHING!!!

I CAN'T WAIT for everyone else to read this!!!

[Grace Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC provided by publisher for honest review***
WOW ok Kadence has more patience than I, She was a victim, like a real victim, not just pretending to be one. She was victim to her father, and in some ways her mother. She was victim to her sister and fiancé. She was victim to FIRE! She was victim to work friends, her boss, and ultimately her love. Yes through all of this she still manages to be one of the sweetest characters. Caleb is broken alpha, you can feel the confidence coming off of him except in the areas when it matters and you can feel through Kadence what he needs. Honestly for a book to be able to give you the emotions of one character through another character in a way you are so connected with both is just incredible. This is definitely an author I would read again!

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a copy of this e-book via netGalley for an honest review**

First off, I really tried to love that book, because I really enjoyed Tamsyn Bester´s previous work and will countinue to read them.

Usually I´m all about assholes, but Caleb was just a rude jerk. It was so many times that I thought, please Kadence don´t put up with his BS. Kadence wasn´t my favorite heroine either. She let him treat her like shit more often than not. I didn’t get their connection. I felt that too much was happening at the same time. Overall it was only an OK read for me.

[Krista Gervais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamysn has yet to disappoint me I think.
I love all of her work!!
Some more than others but I did enjoy this book. Caleb grated on my nerves but you cant help but love him and I think that's the work of a great writer. You feel the emotions along with the characters and I like that Kadance wasn't a pushover.

Now I'm off to read Destined to Fall for the 50th time because I need more Tamsyn today!!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this e-book via netGalley for an honest review.

This was another alright read. I found there was a lot going on in the storyline and it was kinda all over the place. I didn't really connect with the male character, I found him to be quite ridiculous. I enjoyed Kadence when she was standing up for herself but there were quite a few instances that had me rolling my eyes. I did enjoy the scenes with Kadence and her mom. Overall, it was an okay, light easy read.

[Tracy *To the point Reviews* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to say here

But I gotta admit there was some juicy betrayal!! I like that in a book. However the Hero was a shit. He needed to do way way way more grovelling. He treated the heroine like crap for most of the story.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover model is not Caleb!! He's hot but I don't see that guy running a corporation...whatever....still hot.

Book was good. I cried when she got caught changing in her car. Caleb will not make my book boyfriend awards however he redeems well.

[Cc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cliche. Change their names, city and eye color and you've got every other book out there that you could possibly ever read.