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Conflicted
She’s the only one I’ve ever needed and the only one I’ll never have.
The only problem is…she’s my best friend.
I’ve always felt the connection, but I just can’t go there. Not with her. She deserves better than what I can offer her. So I drown myself in women and booze, certain I’m doing the right thing, keeping her at a distance.
Or so I thought.
When Lacey tells me about the internship she’s scored with a hotshot criminal attorney, I’m happy for her. This could make her career. If anyone deserves success, it’s her.
Then I learn who her new ‘mentor’ is.
My father.
Now, the secrets I’ve been keeping may cost me the very friendship I’ve been trying to protect.
The only problem is…she’s my best friend.
I’ve always felt the connection, but I just can’t go there. Not with her. She deserves better than what I can offer her. So I drown myself in women and booze, certain I’m doing the right thing, keeping her at a distance.
Or so I thought.
When Lacey tells me about the internship she’s scored with a hotshot criminal attorney, I’m happy for her. This could make her career. If anyone deserves success, it’s her.
Then I learn who her new ‘mentor’ is.
My father.
Now, the secrets I’ve been keeping may cost me the very friendship I’ve been trying to protect.
202 pages, Unknown Binding
Published April 27, 2016
22 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 8, 2016
Conflicted is a good title for this book. On one hand the bones of the story is there. On the other it just was OK for me. The story dragged and without giving any spoilers, I didn't like the triangle between Lacey and Lucas and I won't tell you who else. It was weird for me. Maybe a little be creepy.This is a cliffhanger book and the last couple of chapters left me unsatisfied. It tried to wrap up part of the story line but felt rushed to get to the ending.
I received this arc for my honest opinion.
I received this arc for my honest opinion.
May 9, 2016
I don't like Lacey.
Lacey and Lucas are best friends but she doesn't know about his past. His father (unbeknownst to her) hired her as an intern to try and reconnect with Lucas. Aaron (the father) falls for Lacey and Lacey develops feelings for the father but doesn't follow through because of her feelings for Lucas. After learning that he is Lucas' father, she gets angry and then has another touchy feely moment with him before saying goodbye to Aaron and gets together with Lucas. Lacey back and forth made the whole father/son dynamic was weird.
Lacey and Lucas are best friends but she doesn't know about his past. His father (unbeknownst to her) hired her as an intern to try and reconnect with Lucas. Aaron (the father) falls for Lacey and Lacey develops feelings for the father but doesn't follow through because of her feelings for Lucas. After learning that he is Lucas' father, she gets angry and then has another touchy feely moment with him before saying goodbye to Aaron and gets together with Lucas. Lacey back and forth made the whole father/son dynamic was weird.
May 30, 2016
I love a good angsty love triangle. This book didn't disappoint. All the characters frustrated me to no end. I wanted to beat them all over the head with a club. I received an ARC for an honest review and look forward to the next. My only issue with the book was Lacey's clothing would change within the same scene. I'm not sure if betas picked this up but I'm sure its been addressed in the final publication.
May 18, 2016
Warning: Spoilers ahead. Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review and that's what I'm going to give.
The blog that recommended this book to its followers promised that it would be an amazing five-star review for sure. So I went into this story thinking that I was going to encounter a life-changing friends-to-lovers romance (which is one of my absolute favorite romance tropes). Sadly, I was extremely disappointed on all accounts. The story starts out promising enough but you soon realize that even though the male and female lead are supposed to be secretly in love with each other. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case at all after reading the first couple chapters. Lucas sleeps around so much that I felt he was probably extremely infected with a whole host of sexual diseases. And Lacey only cares that he sleeps around if she happens to have to deal with one of his past conquests. That doesn't sound like two characters madly in love with each other if you ask me. This boring chain of events continues until Lacey gets an internship with one of the top lawyers in the country (which doesn't make an sense since she is majoring in psychology and forensic science not law). It is at this point that you learn that the lawyer Lacey has just gotten the internship with is Lucas' estranged father and along with that comes the realization that both Lucas and his father know about the connecting relationship that Lacey has with both of them. But of course do either of the two jerks say anything to Lacey. No, they don't! Lacey never does figure it out though (for as smart as she's supposed to be she only ever makes stupid decisions). It's not long into Lacey's internship (and through the whole book Lacey is constantly drooling after Lucas' lawyer father, even after she knows who he is, and despite that he is her parents' age) that she and her new boss begin developing a romantic and physical relationship. Something that I got really angry about was that Lacey actually gets a lot more physically intimate, if you know what I mean, with Lucas' father than she ever gets with Lucas. What's the point of the story again? Did the synopsis get the story wrong? Is Lacey actually going to end up with the old guy, Lucas' father? I had all of these questions and more through most of the story and of course on the heels of that comes the biggest question of all, "Why am I even reading this story right now at all with as bad as it is?" That is the absolute worst question you could ever find yourself asking while reading a book. Anyway, the story ends with Lucas forgiving Lacey for her transgressions with his father and the two of them confessing their feelings and starting a relationship. WTF? That's all I can think when I read the end and find out that there is going to be a second book in edition to Lacey questioning the choice she made to choose Lucas over his father. I'm just so done with this book and the only reason that I didn't give it a one star review is because I was at least curious enough to actually finish the book even if I would never read anything by this author ever again.
The blog that recommended this book to its followers promised that it would be an amazing five-star review for sure. So I went into this story thinking that I was going to encounter a life-changing friends-to-lovers romance (which is one of my absolute favorite romance tropes). Sadly, I was extremely disappointed on all accounts. The story starts out promising enough but you soon realize that even though the male and female lead are supposed to be secretly in love with each other. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case at all after reading the first couple chapters. Lucas sleeps around so much that I felt he was probably extremely infected with a whole host of sexual diseases. And Lacey only cares that he sleeps around if she happens to have to deal with one of his past conquests. That doesn't sound like two characters madly in love with each other if you ask me. This boring chain of events continues until Lacey gets an internship with one of the top lawyers in the country (which doesn't make an sense since she is majoring in psychology and forensic science not law). It is at this point that you learn that the lawyer Lacey has just gotten the internship with is Lucas' estranged father and along with that comes the realization that both Lucas and his father know about the connecting relationship that Lacey has with both of them. But of course do either of the two jerks say anything to Lacey. No, they don't! Lacey never does figure it out though (for as smart as she's supposed to be she only ever makes stupid decisions). It's not long into Lacey's internship (and through the whole book Lacey is constantly drooling after Lucas' lawyer father, even after she knows who he is, and despite that he is her parents' age) that she and her new boss begin developing a romantic and physical relationship. Something that I got really angry about was that Lacey actually gets a lot more physically intimate, if you know what I mean, with Lucas' father than she ever gets with Lucas. What's the point of the story again? Did the synopsis get the story wrong? Is Lacey actually going to end up with the old guy, Lucas' father? I had all of these questions and more through most of the story and of course on the heels of that comes the biggest question of all, "Why am I even reading this story right now at all with as bad as it is?" That is the absolute worst question you could ever find yourself asking while reading a book. Anyway, the story ends with Lucas forgiving Lacey for her transgressions with his father and the two of them confessing their feelings and starting a relationship. WTF? That's all I can think when I read the end and find out that there is going to be a second book in edition to Lacey questioning the choice she made to choose Lucas over his father. I'm just so done with this book and the only reason that I didn't give it a one star review is because I was at least curious enough to actually finish the book even if I would never read anything by this author ever again.
June 5, 2016
While I feel like Conflicted had a good start of a plot, something that could have really been twisted and contorted in a magnificent way, I felt like it fell shy of its potential.
The characters Lacey and Lucas I just didn’t understand. They have been close friends throughout their childhood and into their young adult years but they didn’t act like friends. Both were very wishy-washy in the commitment of their friendship. Lacey was way too forgiving to Lucas when he would just desert her. The night that they go out and celebrate her internship, he takes her to a strip bar and lets her walk home at 1 o’clock in the morning is the moment I knew that it is not a true friendship because what friend does that? What friend, who has a crush on you but can’t tell you, does that? How in the world can he care for her when he lets her do something dangerous like that? He also has a bad habit of getting too worked up and either leaving her or being a jerk to her. I would say that if he were my friend, we wouldn’t have made it past a year of friendship with his attitude towards me.
Then there is Lacey, who just takes his horrible example of friendship, and only comments on it passive-aggressively. But that is not what this story is about – even though it plays a part in my rating.
The story is about Lacey getting an internship with Lucas’s father, a man who he hates. Lucas never tells Lacey that Aaron is his father or why he hates him. He never tells her that it is a bad idea for her to get wrapped up in him. And on a side note, I would think this would be something that friends would divulge to their best friend and especially if they had feelings for said best friend. While Lacey learns a lot from her internship, she also develops a crush on Aaron and he develops a crush on her. This left my head spinning because while Lacey longs for Lucas, she is making out with his father. While Lucas is hating his father and longing for Lacey, he does nothing about his feelings for either. While Aaron is using Lacey to get to Lucas, he starts to like Lacey.
In the end, it just wasn’t for me. Lacey was just too forgiving of everyone in her life. She never stood up for herself and I need my female lead to be strong and brilliant. Lucas was just rude all the time. I dig broody and secretive but I felt that he could have saved Lacey a lot of hurt if he just opened up at first…and if he wasn’t such a bad friend.
The characters Lacey and Lucas I just didn’t understand. They have been close friends throughout their childhood and into their young adult years but they didn’t act like friends. Both were very wishy-washy in the commitment of their friendship. Lacey was way too forgiving to Lucas when he would just desert her. The night that they go out and celebrate her internship, he takes her to a strip bar and lets her walk home at 1 o’clock in the morning is the moment I knew that it is not a true friendship because what friend does that? What friend, who has a crush on you but can’t tell you, does that? How in the world can he care for her when he lets her do something dangerous like that? He also has a bad habit of getting too worked up and either leaving her or being a jerk to her. I would say that if he were my friend, we wouldn’t have made it past a year of friendship with his attitude towards me.
Then there is Lacey, who just takes his horrible example of friendship, and only comments on it passive-aggressively. But that is not what this story is about – even though it plays a part in my rating.
The story is about Lacey getting an internship with Lucas’s father, a man who he hates. Lucas never tells Lacey that Aaron is his father or why he hates him. He never tells her that it is a bad idea for her to get wrapped up in him. And on a side note, I would think this would be something that friends would divulge to their best friend and especially if they had feelings for said best friend. While Lacey learns a lot from her internship, she also develops a crush on Aaron and he develops a crush on her. This left my head spinning because while Lacey longs for Lucas, she is making out with his father. While Lucas is hating his father and longing for Lacey, he does nothing about his feelings for either. While Aaron is using Lacey to get to Lucas, he starts to like Lacey.
In the end, it just wasn’t for me. Lacey was just too forgiving of everyone in her life. She never stood up for herself and I need my female lead to be strong and brilliant. Lucas was just rude all the time. I dig broody and secretive but I felt that he could have saved Lacey a lot of hurt if he just opened up at first…and if he wasn’t such a bad friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2016
I was so excited when I was offered the chance to review this book by Ruby Black - a new author....or is she?
Lucas is a great character! With his tortured soul and deeply held secrets, I couldn't help but be drawn to him. He keeps himself closed off from almost everyone and even his best friend doesn't know the whole truth.
Lacey is bright, hardworking and finally taking control of her own life. Wracked with low self confidence - not physically but in regards to her capabilities - and still dealing with a heart break, things change drastically.
Caught up in a whirlwind of things unrevealed, the past and ongoing shrouds of secrecy, will this friendship be ripped apart?
This book is beautifully written. It's not a hot, sexy read (or wasn't for me anyway) but it didn't matter. It wasn't needed - the story speaks for itself.
I absolutely loved the characters. There's love, friendship and heartache. The writing is emotive and I was easily swept up in the tale.
I was pleased, albeit nervous, to see that there is a second book and I'll be eagerly waiting to get my hands on it.
5 stars from me!
Lucas is a great character! With his tortured soul and deeply held secrets, I couldn't help but be drawn to him. He keeps himself closed off from almost everyone and even his best friend doesn't know the whole truth.
Lacey is bright, hardworking and finally taking control of her own life. Wracked with low self confidence - not physically but in regards to her capabilities - and still dealing with a heart break, things change drastically.
Caught up in a whirlwind of things unrevealed, the past and ongoing shrouds of secrecy, will this friendship be ripped apart?
This book is beautifully written. It's not a hot, sexy read (or wasn't for me anyway) but it didn't matter. It wasn't needed - the story speaks for itself.
I absolutely loved the characters. There's love, friendship and heartache. The writing is emotive and I was easily swept up in the tale.
I was pleased, albeit nervous, to see that there is a second book and I'll be eagerly waiting to get my hands on it.
5 stars from me!
May 4, 2016
Releasing May 10th!
Preorder: https://amzn.com/B01F40Q70W
Preorder: https://amzn.com/B01F40Q70W
September 23, 2016
This was frustrating. The story was there. It had the making of a great plot, but the story telling was rough. It was one dimensional. The two scenes between Lacey and Aaron were awkward as hell. Lucas could be a downright asshole and she just let it slide even though he is supposed to be her best friend. And don't even get me started on the ending. Seriously. WTF? I really wanted to like this story. I love love triangles and angst, but this fell flat to me. :(
Also, and the book I downloaded from KU says the author is Missy Johnson but GR says Ruby Black. I have no clue who wrote this or what the hell is going on with that.
Also, and the book I downloaded from KU says the author is Missy Johnson but GR says Ruby Black. I have no clue who wrote this or what the hell is going on with that.
May 14, 2016
I was graciously given an ARC of this book. While the writing was very good and the story was very original, the plot was very dark. I'm not certain if this was author's intention. The female MC was a little too much of a doormat for me. Honestly, if I had friends that treated me like her supposed best friends treat her for 80% of the book, I would have told them to hit the road long ago. She never gives them shit about treating her poorly and instead lays on the love and excuses it as "them just being them". She screams no self-respect and puts herself in the position of being victimized time and again. Maybe it was the author's intention to portray her this way, but it left me with a headache. And the male MC, I couldn't truly figure out why he kept his feelings a secret - it wasn't as though he was a serial killer, he just had a difficult that past he had no control over (just like the female MC). For much of the book, I just wanted the MMC to man up and grab a pair. There was a lot of low self-esteem in this book, except for the FMCs best friend, who crossed the line into catty bag a few too many times. As other reviewers have stated, the title of this book is very apt. It indeed left me with an ominous feeling, despite the guarded HEA; quite conflicted. It's worth a read, given the original (to me) plot and writing, but be prepared to be frustrated by both the MCs' inability to stand up for themselves. I'm 50/50 about reading the subsequent novel, since this one left me with a bad feeling in my gut - like things are going to get much worse before they might get better.
May 19, 2016
4.5 Stars!
This book was amazing. For a debut novel, this author knocked it out of the park. While I know the true identity of Ruby Black, this author took their writing to a whole new level with this book. Gone is the simple romance and in comes to complex romance. This book will push your boundaries, make you step out of the box, and open your heart.
Conflicted will leave you just that... conflicted. This book will speak to your heart and make you believe in love and fate. Expect twists, turns, and oh-my-gosh moments in this story. This book was sexy, sweet, intense, passionate, super angsty, and gave me one heck of a book hangover that had me begging and pleading for the next in the series.
This is Lacey and Lucas' story. They are best friends. Both harbor feelings for each other but keep them buried deep under the surface, never exposing their true feelings. But what happens when life changes and your secrets threaten to be exposed? Follow Lacey and Lucas as their lives go from simple to complicated and... conflicted.
I highly recommend this book.
Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
This book was amazing. For a debut novel, this author knocked it out of the park. While I know the true identity of Ruby Black, this author took their writing to a whole new level with this book. Gone is the simple romance and in comes to complex romance. This book will push your boundaries, make you step out of the box, and open your heart.
Conflicted will leave you just that... conflicted. This book will speak to your heart and make you believe in love and fate. Expect twists, turns, and oh-my-gosh moments in this story. This book was sexy, sweet, intense, passionate, super angsty, and gave me one heck of a book hangover that had me begging and pleading for the next in the series.
This is Lacey and Lucas' story. They are best friends. Both harbor feelings for each other but keep them buried deep under the surface, never exposing their true feelings. But what happens when life changes and your secrets threaten to be exposed? Follow Lacey and Lucas as their lives go from simple to complicated and... conflicted.
I highly recommend this book.
Review Post---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2016...
May 11, 2016
This was a difficult read for me. I never really connected with any of the characters. I almost did with Lucas, but didn't even come close with either Lacey or Aaron. Despite Lucas and Lacey being best friends for 15 years, she knows absolutely nothing about him before they met. Their conversations throughout are stilted at best. They have a tendency to leave the other in the middle of conversations. Every time I thought "finally", one of them would say "I have to go" and I was left frustrated - just as the characters were. This became quite infuriating as the lack of communication between the two made it difficult to believe that they have actually been friends for so long. When Aaron gave Lacey the intern position, I saw the ulterior motive a mile away. I wanted to feel chemistry between any of them, but I just didn't. The outline of the story had great potential, but it just wasn't brought to fruition in a way that made it work for me. The climactic ending had it's dramatic moments, but it seemed there was a rush to the end. I'm guessing that there'll be more to the story in the future? I'm just not sure though.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2016
Conficted is an accurate title and is the theme of this story. I rate this book 3 and a half stars.
The story has 3 main players Lucas, Lacey and Aaron.
Lucas
He has feelings for Lacey but keeps pushing her away for his own reasons.
In the process he acts like a jerk and ends up hurting her. He cares for Lacey but isn't able to express it in the right way.
Aaron
He is Lucas's father, Lacey's new boss and the object of her admiration. He is mature, amusing & brilliant in his field. He helps Lacey view the world in a different perspective by considering individual circumstances.
Lacey
She was dedicated, caring, driven and a little heartbroken.
Regret is a factor that affects all of them and influences their thinking and decisions.
The book has a cliffhanger and a sequel.
Family relationships are a sore point in this story. The stage is set for intense drama and the author doesn't disappoint. These are not characters that you immediately love but they are layered and keep the reader hooked. Ruby Black has a great writing style where she makes you care for her flawed characters.
This was a Twisted but Compelling read.
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The story has 3 main players Lucas, Lacey and Aaron.
Lucas
He has feelings for Lacey but keeps pushing her away for his own reasons.
In the process he acts like a jerk and ends up hurting her. He cares for Lacey but isn't able to express it in the right way.
Aaron
He is Lucas's father, Lacey's new boss and the object of her admiration. He is mature, amusing & brilliant in his field. He helps Lacey view the world in a different perspective by considering individual circumstances.
Lacey
She was dedicated, caring, driven and a little heartbroken.
Regret is a factor that affects all of them and influences their thinking and decisions.
The book has a cliffhanger and a sequel.
Family relationships are a sore point in this story. The stage is set for intense drama and the author doesn't disappoint. These are not characters that you immediately love but they are layered and keep the reader hooked. Ruby Black has a great writing style where she makes you care for her flawed characters.
This was a Twisted but Compelling read.
I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2019
I was excited to read this based on the blurb. I love the taboo/forbidden/love triangle books. Although I liked the premise, this was not what I was expecting.
I didn't really like the hero. He said he had feelings for his best friend, but I never really saw him give any hints or act on it. I actually thought he was kind of a jerk. I liked his father a lot more than him. I thought it would've been cool if we didn't know already that the heroine was going to work with the hero's father and if the book was only told from HER POV. It would've kept me guessing and more involved. Plus I think there would've been more angst.
I thought the middle of the book dragged a little. I found myself skimming a bit. Then when the end came I thought it was rushed. It left quite a few things left unanswered, BUT when I finished I saw that there IS going to be another book. I don't know if it will be the final one or not. I am curious what will happen next.
I didn't really like the hero. He said he had feelings for his best friend, but I never really saw him give any hints or act on it. I actually thought he was kind of a jerk. I liked his father a lot more than him. I thought it would've been cool if we didn't know already that the heroine was going to work with the hero's father and if the book was only told from HER POV. It would've kept me guessing and more involved. Plus I think there would've been more angst.
I thought the middle of the book dragged a little. I found myself skimming a bit. Then when the end came I thought it was rushed. It left quite a few things left unanswered, BUT when I finished I saw that there IS going to be another book. I don't know if it will be the final one or not. I am curious what will happen next.
May 25, 2016
She has no idea how much she means to me.
And she’ll never find out.
Intense, frustrating, heartwarming, wonderful.....those are the best adjectives I can use to describe this roller coaster of a story. I was glued to the pages, drawn to both of the male leads and completely enveloped in the love triangle.
We are complete opposites, yet so similar.
I love the way Ruby Black brought the characters together, the story was equal in the love, the plot, the twist and the intimacy. The story was refreshing!
“This time I’m gonna hold on tight and never let you go,”
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
And she’ll never find out.
Intense, frustrating, heartwarming, wonderful.....those are the best adjectives I can use to describe this roller coaster of a story. I was glued to the pages, drawn to both of the male leads and completely enveloped in the love triangle.
We are complete opposites, yet so similar.
I love the way Ruby Black brought the characters together, the story was equal in the love, the plot, the twist and the intimacy. The story was refreshing!
“This time I’m gonna hold on tight and never let you go,”
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review*
May 10, 2016
3-3.5 conflicted stars!! ARC review!
I was intrigued by the blurb and was lucky enough to get an ARC :) However, the blurb does not describe that it is a series or that it ends in a cliffhanger! :/ although I didn't mind reading cliffy as much as the love triangle. Now this is where I had mixed feelings about this book.
What should have been a best friends-to-lovers book turned into a complicated love triangle and an annoying heroine in the end.
****MILD SPOILERS AHEAD****
Lucas and Lacey met when they were 9 and were inseparable ever since. During senior year in high school Lacy admits her feelings for Lucas only to get rejected by him. But what she's not aware of is that he is in love with her.
"Every day I regret pushing her away. Lying and telling her I wasn't into her that way nearly killed me. I couldn't believe she fell for it. I was sure she'd see right through my lies. I broke her heart, but I did it because she deserves better than anything I could offer her.
She has no idea how much she means to me.
And she'll never find out"
Of course I was #teamlucas at first but as the story progresses, just like the blurb describes, Lacey gets an internship with Lucas's father, Aaron, who is 17 years her senior. She looks up to him and has a crush on him. They work together on a daily basis and when Aaron makes a move on her, she reciprocates. She feels guilty because although she tells herself she is over Lucas she knows she's still in love him.
Lucas will take Lacey anyway he can in his life. They still remain best friends despite that incident during their senior year. He sleeps around and drinks himself to oblivion (this I did not like) to hide his feelings for her and his painful past. Simply too much miscommunication between them.
I really thought Aaron would play somewhat of a minor role but he ended up having more scenes with Lacey than Lucas. I felt like she and Aaron had more chemistry than Lacey with Lucas. But then again it could be because Lucas and Lacey don't spend a lot of time together throughout the book! They get together until the very end! I'm talking about 95-97% -.- It felt rushed and left me wanting more. Them finally admitting their true feelings and getting together should have been savored.
The plot twist with Aaron had me feeling bad for him that I was #teamaaron for a bit. But with Lacey not making up her mind and suddenly realizing who she wanted to be with had me #teamconfused. And honestly as much as I felt bad for Aaron, I felt worse for Lucas because he had such a hard life and even though we all deserve second chances, sometimes the pain and guilt eats at us and makes us push our loved ones or people in general away. But still it doesn't justify abandoning and rejecting your child.
Another reason why I had mixed feelings about this book was because although Lacey was a character I really liked at first, that changed about halfway throughout the book. She did some things like lying to Lucas about some really important things. She kept bailing on Lucas. Hiding something MAJOR that I'm sure will come and bite her in the butt when the sequel comes out. Even after she knew the truth about Aaron's and Lucas's painful pasts she still couldn't make up her mind and I found her actions a bit disturbing. I know her feelings were turmoil but I'm not sure it justified her actions specially after she knew they were father and son.
When the second book comes out I really do hope she stays with Lucas because her ending up with Aaron would be the biggest low blow for Lucas and definitely would cause a lot more friction and resentment between Lucas and Aaron.
Here's hoping the sequel is better :)
I was intrigued by the blurb and was lucky enough to get an ARC :) However, the blurb does not describe that it is a series or that it ends in a cliffhanger! :/ although I didn't mind reading cliffy as much as the love triangle. Now this is where I had mixed feelings about this book.
What should have been a best friends-to-lovers book turned into a complicated love triangle and an annoying heroine in the end.
****MILD SPOILERS AHEAD****
Lucas and Lacey met when they were 9 and were inseparable ever since. During senior year in high school Lacy admits her feelings for Lucas only to get rejected by him. But what she's not aware of is that he is in love with her.
"Every day I regret pushing her away. Lying and telling her I wasn't into her that way nearly killed me. I couldn't believe she fell for it. I was sure she'd see right through my lies. I broke her heart, but I did it because she deserves better than anything I could offer her.
She has no idea how much she means to me.
And she'll never find out"
Of course I was #teamlucas at first but as the story progresses, just like the blurb describes, Lacey gets an internship with Lucas's father, Aaron, who is 17 years her senior. She looks up to him and has a crush on him. They work together on a daily basis and when Aaron makes a move on her, she reciprocates. She feels guilty because although she tells herself she is over Lucas she knows she's still in love him.
Lucas will take Lacey anyway he can in his life. They still remain best friends despite that incident during their senior year. He sleeps around and drinks himself to oblivion (this I did not like) to hide his feelings for her and his painful past. Simply too much miscommunication between them.
I really thought Aaron would play somewhat of a minor role but he ended up having more scenes with Lacey than Lucas. I felt like she and Aaron had more chemistry than Lacey with Lucas. But then again it could be because Lucas and Lacey don't spend a lot of time together throughout the book! They get together until the very end! I'm talking about 95-97% -.- It felt rushed and left me wanting more. Them finally admitting their true feelings and getting together should have been savored.
The plot twist with Aaron had me feeling bad for him that I was #teamaaron for a bit. But with Lacey not making up her mind and suddenly realizing who she wanted to be with had me #teamconfused. And honestly as much as I felt bad for Aaron, I felt worse for Lucas because he had such a hard life and even though we all deserve second chances, sometimes the pain and guilt eats at us and makes us push our loved ones or people in general away. But still it doesn't justify abandoning and rejecting your child.
Another reason why I had mixed feelings about this book was because although Lacey was a character I really liked at first, that changed about halfway throughout the book. She did some things like lying to Lucas about some really important things. She kept bailing on Lucas. Hiding something MAJOR that I'm sure will come and bite her in the butt when the sequel comes out. Even after she knew the truth about Aaron's and Lucas's painful pasts she still couldn't make up her mind and I found her actions a bit disturbing. I know her feelings were turmoil but I'm not sure it justified her actions specially after she knew they were father and son.
When the second book comes out I really do hope she stays with Lucas because her ending up with Aaron would be the biggest low blow for Lucas and definitely would cause a lot more friction and resentment between Lucas and Aaron.
Here's hoping the sequel is better :)
February 13, 2017
** spoiler alert ** While I feel like Conflicted had a good start of a plot, something that could have really been twisted and contorted in a magnificent way, I felt like it fell shy of its potential.
The characters Lacey and Lucas I just didn’t understand. They have been close friends throughout their childhood and into their young adult years but they didn’t act like friends. Both were very wishy-washy in the commitment of their friendship. Lacey was way too forgiving to Lucas when he would just desert her. The night that they go out and celebrate her internship, he takes her to a strip bar and lets her walk home at 1 o’clock in the morning is the moment I knew that it is not a true friendship because what friend does that? What friend, who has a crush on you but can’t tell you, does that? How in the world can he care for her when he lets her do something dangerous like that? He also has a bad habit of getting too worked up and either leaving her or being a jerk to her. I would say that if he were my friend, we wouldn’t have made it past a year of friendship with his attitude towards me.
Then there is Lacey, who just takes his horrible example of friendship, and only comments on it passive-aggressively. But that is not what this story is about – even though it plays a part in my rating.
The story is about Lacey getting an internship with Lucas’s father, a man who he hates. Lucas never tells Lacey that Aaron is his father or why he hates him. He never tells her that it is a bad idea for her to get wrapped up in him. And on a side note, I would think this would be something that friends would divulge to their best friend and especially if they had feelings for said best friend. While Lacey learns a lot from her internship, she also develops a crush on Aaron and he develops a crush on her. This left my head spinning because while Lacey longs for Lucas, she is making out with his father. While Lucas is hating his father and longing for Lacey, he does nothing about his feelings for either. While Aaron is using Lacey to get to Lucas, he starts to like Lacey.
In the end, it just wasn’t for me. Lacey was just too forgiving of everyone in her life. She never stood up for herself and I need my female lead to be strong and brilliant. Lucas was just rude all the time. I dig broody and secretive but I felt that he could have saved Lacey a lot of hurt if he just opened up at first…and if he wasn’t such a bad friend.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
The characters Lacey and Lucas I just didn’t understand. They have been close friends throughout their childhood and into their young adult years but they didn’t act like friends. Both were very wishy-washy in the commitment of their friendship. Lacey was way too forgiving to Lucas when he would just desert her. The night that they go out and celebrate her internship, he takes her to a strip bar and lets her walk home at 1 o’clock in the morning is the moment I knew that it is not a true friendship because what friend does that? What friend, who has a crush on you but can’t tell you, does that? How in the world can he care for her when he lets her do something dangerous like that? He also has a bad habit of getting too worked up and either leaving her or being a jerk to her. I would say that if he were my friend, we wouldn’t have made it past a year of friendship with his attitude towards me.
Then there is Lacey, who just takes his horrible example of friendship, and only comments on it passive-aggressively. But that is not what this story is about – even though it plays a part in my rating.
The story is about Lacey getting an internship with Lucas’s father, a man who he hates. Lucas never tells Lacey that Aaron is his father or why he hates him. He never tells her that it is a bad idea for her to get wrapped up in him. And on a side note, I would think this would be something that friends would divulge to their best friend and especially if they had feelings for said best friend. While Lacey learns a lot from her internship, she also develops a crush on Aaron and he develops a crush on her. This left my head spinning because while Lacey longs for Lucas, she is making out with his father. While Lucas is hating his father and longing for Lacey, he does nothing about his feelings for either. While Aaron is using Lacey to get to Lucas, he starts to like Lacey.
In the end, it just wasn’t for me. Lacey was just too forgiving of everyone in her life. She never stood up for herself and I need my female lead to be strong and brilliant. Lucas was just rude all the time. I dig broody and secretive but I felt that he could have saved Lacey a lot of hurt if he just opened up at first…and if he wasn’t such a bad friend.
~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
October 9, 2016
First off, I couldn't even begin to describe what was it that I just read.
I was intrigued by the blurb. It sounded like it had so much potential with a lot of feelings and emotions whirled around three people who are connected by so much more and I was looking forward to that, because why else do we read? It's to escape the mundane happenings in real life and enter the fantasy world full of love, lust, pain and angst.
And this story sounded like it will contain a lot.
Sadly, It fell short of that mark.
This is Lucas and Lacey's story. They have been best friends ever since Lacey punched Lucas when they were kids and told him that he will be her best friend, which I thought was really cute and so straightforward and bold for such a young girl. Well, it worked, and they've been best friends ever since.
The thing I didn't like or appreciate much about the story is that these two, who were supposedly best friends and have been for ages, who care so much for each other and are in love with each other, were just so lax at times. Though young, and possibly not as mature as, let's say, people in their mid-thirties, these two were just too indecisive. At times, I felt their indifference. Don't get me wrong, I understand that people show feelings in different ways but I just couldn't feel that all-encompassing love Lucas and Lacey are mentioned to have for each other.
Lucas sleeps with practically a bevy of women every time and it doesn't bother Lacey as much? It only really bothers her if she sees it? And Lucas, I get that he's conflicted, believing people who he let in ends up leaving or gets hurt in the end (and I can't blame him, his past taught him that) and that's mainly why he keeps Lacey at arms length, but I really didn't buy it. He loves her and wanted to be with her from the start but keeps it from her for fear of destroying their relationship right now, yet he kept a HUGE part away, a part that's slowly entering Lacey's life. He would've known how Aaron could affect them, knowing what he knew. He would've known seeing the hints of Lacey's "crush" on Aaron, and yet he still kept silent. I just didn't buy it.
I liked the story, don't get me wrong. I just thought it could've been written in a way that will make us love the characters more, or be sympathetic to them more and I just really didn't get that with Lacey or Lucas, or even Aaron.
You ever had that feeling, specially when reading taboo books, where even though you know it should be unlikely, but you still root for those two characters, knowing the pain they would have to go through or the pain they will cause other to end up together? You root for them even through their actions and the circumstances that they brought on themselves? Yeah, I didn't feel that with any of these characters. I couldn't pinpoint who I wanted Lacey to be with in the end, and that bothered me a lot in the book.
In one way, the title definitely fit. This story was conflicting on so many different levels. I just can't tell you if it was bad or good.
But the thing I really didn't like was the ending.
And no, not because of who Lacey ends up with.
I didn't like it because of the way that Lacey sometimes "wonders".
I was intrigued by the blurb. It sounded like it had so much potential with a lot of feelings and emotions whirled around three people who are connected by so much more and I was looking forward to that, because why else do we read? It's to escape the mundane happenings in real life and enter the fantasy world full of love, lust, pain and angst.
And this story sounded like it will contain a lot.
Sadly, It fell short of that mark.
This is Lucas and Lacey's story. They have been best friends ever since Lacey punched Lucas when they were kids and told him that he will be her best friend, which I thought was really cute and so straightforward and bold for such a young girl. Well, it worked, and they've been best friends ever since.
The thing I didn't like or appreciate much about the story is that these two, who were supposedly best friends and have been for ages, who care so much for each other and are in love with each other, were just so lax at times. Though young, and possibly not as mature as, let's say, people in their mid-thirties, these two were just too indecisive. At times, I felt their indifference. Don't get me wrong, I understand that people show feelings in different ways but I just couldn't feel that all-encompassing love Lucas and Lacey are mentioned to have for each other.
Lucas sleeps with practically a bevy of women every time and it doesn't bother Lacey as much? It only really bothers her if she sees it? And Lucas, I get that he's conflicted, believing people who he let in ends up leaving or gets hurt in the end (and I can't blame him, his past taught him that) and that's mainly why he keeps Lacey at arms length, but I really didn't buy it. He loves her and wanted to be with her from the start but keeps it from her for fear of destroying their relationship right now, yet he kept a HUGE part away, a part that's slowly entering Lacey's life. He would've known how Aaron could affect them, knowing what he knew. He would've known seeing the hints of Lacey's "crush" on Aaron, and yet he still kept silent. I just didn't buy it.
I liked the story, don't get me wrong. I just thought it could've been written in a way that will make us love the characters more, or be sympathetic to them more and I just really didn't get that with Lacey or Lucas, or even Aaron.
You ever had that feeling, specially when reading taboo books, where even though you know it should be unlikely, but you still root for those two characters, knowing the pain they would have to go through or the pain they will cause other to end up together? You root for them even through their actions and the circumstances that they brought on themselves? Yeah, I didn't feel that with any of these characters. I couldn't pinpoint who I wanted Lacey to be with in the end, and that bothered me a lot in the book.
In one way, the title definitely fit. This story was conflicting on so many different levels. I just can't tell you if it was bad or good.
But the thing I really didn't like was the ending.
And no, not because of who Lacey ends up with.
I didn't like it because of the way that Lacey sometimes "wonders".
June 12, 2016
3.5 Stars
Lacey knows Lucas since they were nine years old and they became inseparable friends as soon as they met, right after she punched him.
When they were teenagers, she decided to tell him that she liked him more than friends should, but Lucas told her that he wasn´t intrerested in Lacey in that way. But he is lying.
´´She is my whole world, and the one person I´d do anything to protect. Even if it means sacrificing my own happiness, I´ll keep her safe. If that means keeping her at distance, then that´s how it has to be. [...] This is as close as I´ll ever let her get and it kills me. But it´s a small price to pay to know that she´ll always be around.``
They´re both trying to escape their pasts. Lacey studies and work hard to take control of her life. Lucas is always looking for a distraction. He has a broken heart and a tortured soul and he hides all his pain under a mask, acting like a playboy who doesn´t care about anything, except partying and women.
´´Everyone I love ends up leaving me. Everyone I let close to me suffers, and then pays the ultimate price. What´s the point of letting people in if it ends in suffering? It doesn´t make any sense. If there´s no reward, then why bother?``
Lucas regrets pushing her away. He broke her heart because he thinks she deserves better. But she´s the only person he has left in his life. The problem is that sooner or latter, if he doesn´t man up and admit his feelings, someone else might steal her from him.
´´She has no idea how much she means to me. And she´ll never find out.``
Lacey applies for an internship opportunity to work with Aaron Wilmot, one of the top criminal defence lawyers in the country, and she wants to be confident about it, but her family doesn´t support her carreer choice.
Aaron is a powerfull, sexy and sweet older man and as soon as they start working together, they start having feelings for each other.
What Lacey didn´t expect is that Aaron is hiding something and that he and Lucas are conected. After all, Lucas never talks about his past. He was always closed off from everybody.
And now that Lacey and Lucas are hiding secrets from each other, what will happen with their friendship?
Conflicted is a book about friendship, heartache, forbidden relationships, secrets and lies. It has twists and turns that will leave you wondering what the hell will happen in the next book.
I´m looking forward to read Consequences.
Lacey knows Lucas since they were nine years old and they became inseparable friends as soon as they met, right after she punched him.
When they were teenagers, she decided to tell him that she liked him more than friends should, but Lucas told her that he wasn´t intrerested in Lacey in that way. But he is lying.
´´She is my whole world, and the one person I´d do anything to protect. Even if it means sacrificing my own happiness, I´ll keep her safe. If that means keeping her at distance, then that´s how it has to be. [...] This is as close as I´ll ever let her get and it kills me. But it´s a small price to pay to know that she´ll always be around.``
They´re both trying to escape their pasts. Lacey studies and work hard to take control of her life. Lucas is always looking for a distraction. He has a broken heart and a tortured soul and he hides all his pain under a mask, acting like a playboy who doesn´t care about anything, except partying and women.
´´Everyone I love ends up leaving me. Everyone I let close to me suffers, and then pays the ultimate price. What´s the point of letting people in if it ends in suffering? It doesn´t make any sense. If there´s no reward, then why bother?``
Lucas regrets pushing her away. He broke her heart because he thinks she deserves better. But she´s the only person he has left in his life. The problem is that sooner or latter, if he doesn´t man up and admit his feelings, someone else might steal her from him.
´´She has no idea how much she means to me. And she´ll never find out.``
Lacey applies for an internship opportunity to work with Aaron Wilmot, one of the top criminal defence lawyers in the country, and she wants to be confident about it, but her family doesn´t support her carreer choice.
Aaron is a powerfull, sexy and sweet older man and as soon as they start working together, they start having feelings for each other.
What Lacey didn´t expect is that Aaron is hiding something and that he and Lucas are conected. After all, Lucas never talks about his past. He was always closed off from everybody.
And now that Lacey and Lucas are hiding secrets from each other, what will happen with their friendship?
Conflicted is a book about friendship, heartache, forbidden relationships, secrets and lies. It has twists and turns that will leave you wondering what the hell will happen in the next book.
I´m looking forward to read Consequences.
February 6, 2017
Lucas is a college student. Life hasn't always been kind to him and the only good thing in his life is Lacey, his best friend. He relies on booze and other women to forget about the way he really feels about her.
Lacey is a hardworking student. She has had a crush on Lucas for as long as she can remember and instead of going out to enjoy herself, she throws herself in her books.
Aaron is a renowned defense lawyer, looking for a criminal psychology student to work with him as an intern. Lacey happens to be the successful candidate and she is over the moon because she admires his work and quite likes his looks too. Besides, this placement would be invaluable to her future job prospects. Aaron has made mistakes and lives with guilt and regrets. The thing is that he can't change the past, therefore decides to put things right but he goes about it the wrong way. To complicate matters, he develops feelings for Lacey who is totally unaware of his connection to Lucas.
Lucas says that he would do anything for Lacey but on a few occasions, I found his behaviour towards her to be disrespectful. For example, he drags her to school to catch up with his homework early on a Sunday morning and abandons her for four hours whilst he studies with a girl who has a crush on him! Then he takes her to celebrate and proceeds to ignore her by hooking up with a random girl. Lacey ends up walking home. These are just a couple of incidents. As far as he is concerned, pushing her away is for the best but he could at least show her a little more respect. Lacey on the other hand accepts whatever he throws at her as their friendship is so important to her. When Aaron shows an interest in Lacey who isn't totally oblivious either, Lucas is green with jealousy, specially because of who Aaron is to him.
This turns out to be an unusual and complicated love triangle. All three of them have their good points but some of their behaviour leaves a lot to be desired. They have all been through a lot and deserve a break but someone is bound to get hurt. There are still secrets to be revealed and it will be interesting to see what materialises in "Consequences", the next book in the series.
I was kindly issued with an advanced ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lacey is a hardworking student. She has had a crush on Lucas for as long as she can remember and instead of going out to enjoy herself, she throws herself in her books.
Aaron is a renowned defense lawyer, looking for a criminal psychology student to work with him as an intern. Lacey happens to be the successful candidate and she is over the moon because she admires his work and quite likes his looks too. Besides, this placement would be invaluable to her future job prospects. Aaron has made mistakes and lives with guilt and regrets. The thing is that he can't change the past, therefore decides to put things right but he goes about it the wrong way. To complicate matters, he develops feelings for Lacey who is totally unaware of his connection to Lucas.
Lucas says that he would do anything for Lacey but on a few occasions, I found his behaviour towards her to be disrespectful. For example, he drags her to school to catch up with his homework early on a Sunday morning and abandons her for four hours whilst he studies with a girl who has a crush on him! Then he takes her to celebrate and proceeds to ignore her by hooking up with a random girl. Lacey ends up walking home. These are just a couple of incidents. As far as he is concerned, pushing her away is for the best but he could at least show her a little more respect. Lacey on the other hand accepts whatever he throws at her as their friendship is so important to her. When Aaron shows an interest in Lacey who isn't totally oblivious either, Lucas is green with jealousy, specially because of who Aaron is to him.
This turns out to be an unusual and complicated love triangle. All three of them have their good points but some of their behaviour leaves a lot to be desired. They have all been through a lot and deserve a break but someone is bound to get hurt. There are still secrets to be revealed and it will be interesting to see what materialises in "Consequences", the next book in the series.
I was kindly issued with an advanced ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2016
While it's not truly advertised as a 'series', this is part one of Lucas and Lacey's story -- there's at least one other part coming out in the future. That said, please be advised -- while this story does end solidly, there are still questions and possibilities that need to be cleared up, things that even Lacey states in her monologue at the end.
That all said...
Ruby Black is new to the New Adult world, and I think she will fit in nicely here. In her first book, we have two individuals with family issues, who find solace in one another -- even if Lucas will never take his friendship with Lacey farther than he has, and Lacey is comfortable in the friend-zone. Both have trust issues to an extent, and love isn't something they've seen too many positive examples of. Lacey is all Lucas has in the world, and Lucas is the one person who accepts Lacey for who she is, and supports her along the way.
When Lacey is chosen for a lucrative internship, only to later learn her mentor is Lucas's father... things start to get dicey.
Here are takeaways...
I did not like Aaron -- at all. Dirty old man...
Lacey... I felt that if her friendship meant what it did with Lucas, she should have thought things through a little bit more.
Lucas... his hurt burrowed deeply; while I don't expect him to forgive and forget, I think being cordial would at least be a step in the adult direction.
I didn't agree with thought processes that our leads had; their young ages certainly were evident (so KUDOS, Ms. Black, for properly writing them to their ages). I ended the book a bit upset with Lacey, and am curious to see how the rest of their story is going to play out -- Lucas's trust issues haven't really reached through to Lacey (a bit here, but his friendship with her ultimately wins out) but I'm afraid of the damage Lacey is able to do where Lucas is concerned.
The next book is properly titled Consequences, so we shall see what it brings!
*Review copy received in exchange for an honest review
That all said...
Ruby Black is new to the New Adult world, and I think she will fit in nicely here. In her first book, we have two individuals with family issues, who find solace in one another -- even if Lucas will never take his friendship with Lacey farther than he has, and Lacey is comfortable in the friend-zone. Both have trust issues to an extent, and love isn't something they've seen too many positive examples of. Lacey is all Lucas has in the world, and Lucas is the one person who accepts Lacey for who she is, and supports her along the way.
When Lacey is chosen for a lucrative internship, only to later learn her mentor is Lucas's father... things start to get dicey.
Here are takeaways...
I did not like Aaron -- at all. Dirty old man...
Lacey... I felt that if her friendship meant what it did with Lucas, she should have thought things through a little bit more.
Lucas... his hurt burrowed deeply; while I don't expect him to forgive and forget, I think being cordial would at least be a step in the adult direction.
I didn't agree with thought processes that our leads had; their young ages certainly were evident (so KUDOS, Ms. Black, for properly writing them to their ages). I ended the book a bit upset with Lacey, and am curious to see how the rest of their story is going to play out -- Lucas's trust issues haven't really reached through to Lacey (a bit here, but his friendship with her ultimately wins out) but I'm afraid of the damage Lacey is able to do where Lucas is concerned.
The next book is properly titled Consequences, so we shall see what it brings!
*Review copy received in exchange for an honest review
May 11, 2016
*******ARC provided for an honest review********
Lucas and Lacey have been best friends since the age of 9. When they were eighteen she told him that she was in love with him, but he broke her heart when he told her he didn’t feel that way about her. They were able to remain friends but Lacey has always struggled with her feelings for him.
Lucas did what he thought was right by pushing her away. He lied about what he felt for her because he thinks he isn’t good enough for her. He has continued to keep her at a distance by using women and alcohol. But he never thought he would lose her to his own father.
When an unexpected intern position becomes hers, Lacey thinks it is too good to be true. Little does she know that her new boss, Aaron, a man that is nearly twenty years her senior but she is very attracted too, is Lucas’ dad. She doesn’t know because Lucas has never told her, he has barely shared anything of himself with her.
When she develops feelings for Aaron she is torn between him and what she knows she still feels for Lucas. She shouldn’t still feel torn when the truth comes out, but she is because she sees a different man in Aaron than Lucas does.
This is a mild twist on a love triangle story. Yes, Lacey has feelings for both, but she hasn’t been intimate with either. Honestly, I did not like Lucas one bit. He was selfish, and didn’t really seem to care for Lacey as much as he internally claimed to. I liked her with Aaron despite the age difference. How many times could she play the fool for Lucas, let him trample on her but excuse his behavior? Honestly, he did not deserve her.
The ending is a cliff hanger. It leads you to assume that things will not go well in her new found relationship with Lucas, honestly I saw that coming. I still hold out hope she will end up with Aaron.
This was an ARC so pointed out editing flaws is not expected. I will say that I hope in the final draft the time and fact discrepancies were worked out.
Lucas and Lacey have been best friends since the age of 9. When they were eighteen she told him that she was in love with him, but he broke her heart when he told her he didn’t feel that way about her. They were able to remain friends but Lacey has always struggled with her feelings for him.
Lucas did what he thought was right by pushing her away. He lied about what he felt for her because he thinks he isn’t good enough for her. He has continued to keep her at a distance by using women and alcohol. But he never thought he would lose her to his own father.
When an unexpected intern position becomes hers, Lacey thinks it is too good to be true. Little does she know that her new boss, Aaron, a man that is nearly twenty years her senior but she is very attracted too, is Lucas’ dad. She doesn’t know because Lucas has never told her, he has barely shared anything of himself with her.
When she develops feelings for Aaron she is torn between him and what she knows she still feels for Lucas. She shouldn’t still feel torn when the truth comes out, but she is because she sees a different man in Aaron than Lucas does.
This is a mild twist on a love triangle story. Yes, Lacey has feelings for both, but she hasn’t been intimate with either. Honestly, I did not like Lucas one bit. He was selfish, and didn’t really seem to care for Lacey as much as he internally claimed to. I liked her with Aaron despite the age difference. How many times could she play the fool for Lucas, let him trample on her but excuse his behavior? Honestly, he did not deserve her.
The ending is a cliff hanger. It leads you to assume that things will not go well in her new found relationship with Lucas, honestly I saw that coming. I still hold out hope she will end up with Aaron.
This was an ARC so pointed out editing flaws is not expected. I will say that I hope in the final draft the time and fact discrepancies were worked out.
May 13, 2016
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review.
In this book we meet Lucas and Lacey. These two have been friends since they were in their early teens and one day Lacey gets up the courage to tell her best friend that she would like more than friendship with him. He shoots her down and thus they have a beautiful friendship. Sound nice right to bad that isn't the whole story. Lacey has secretly still been in love with her best friend since the day she told him she was. However she knows there can never be more between them since they day he brutally rejected her. Part of her self confidence died that day as well and she doesn't feel like she measures up to what a man is looking for. With that weighing on her and the fact that she gets now support from her parents if it doesn't fall in line with their ideas she is constantly feeling like she just doesn't measure up. So when she gets invited to an internship that she shouldn't want and shouldn't even be considered for she knows she needs to buck up and try for the brass ring.
Lucas can't tell Lacey how he really feels all the years before he met her really screwed with his head. Though he loves Lacey he feels the best thing he can do for her is keep her at arms length. However when this internship comes up and she is so excited all he feels is anger and jealousy. The reason for that well what Lacey doesn't know is that the man she is trying to get this internship with is none other than Lucas's father. On any normal day he hates seeing her with any man but when that man is his father that is where the anger comes from.
There are many twists and turns in this book. There is a conclusion to this book but the author has also left it open for a sequel. This book does show how things that happen to us in our formative years effect us in ways we never think of later in life. There are many things I want to tell you about this book but with all the twists in it I don't want to ruin it for any other readers. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
In this book we meet Lucas and Lacey. These two have been friends since they were in their early teens and one day Lacey gets up the courage to tell her best friend that she would like more than friendship with him. He shoots her down and thus they have a beautiful friendship. Sound nice right to bad that isn't the whole story. Lacey has secretly still been in love with her best friend since the day she told him she was. However she knows there can never be more between them since they day he brutally rejected her. Part of her self confidence died that day as well and she doesn't feel like she measures up to what a man is looking for. With that weighing on her and the fact that she gets now support from her parents if it doesn't fall in line with their ideas she is constantly feeling like she just doesn't measure up. So when she gets invited to an internship that she shouldn't want and shouldn't even be considered for she knows she needs to buck up and try for the brass ring.
Lucas can't tell Lacey how he really feels all the years before he met her really screwed with his head. Though he loves Lacey he feels the best thing he can do for her is keep her at arms length. However when this internship comes up and she is so excited all he feels is anger and jealousy. The reason for that well what Lacey doesn't know is that the man she is trying to get this internship with is none other than Lucas's father. On any normal day he hates seeing her with any man but when that man is his father that is where the anger comes from.
There are many twists and turns in this book. There is a conclusion to this book but the author has also left it open for a sequel. This book does show how things that happen to us in our formative years effect us in ways we never think of later in life. There are many things I want to tell you about this book but with all the twists in it I don't want to ruin it for any other readers. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
May 10, 2016
***I received this book as an ARC for exchange for an honest review***
Lucas lost his mom and sister when he was younger at the hands of his mom. He always blamed his dad for leaving and not being there for them, but he also blamed himself. After moving in with his grandmother the only person he could come to trust and let be there was his best friend Lacey. The 2 were inseparable for years! It's only natural that they would develop feelings for each other. After being rejected Lacey had assumed it was one sided feelings. Truth is Lucas did love her he was just too afraid to admit it to her in fear of loosing her.
Lucas and his feelings are put to the test when Lacey gets the internship of a lifetime!!! Only thing is its with Lucas's father, Aaron, and Lacey doesn't know it. As first Lucas doesn't either but when Lacey starts staying at the office late and skips on plans Lucas sons sees who she's with.
Secrets grow deeper until the only option is to come clean. Lucas comes forward and tells Lacey about always loving her and wanting to have a relationship with her, she's ecstatic because they finally get to be together! Lacey has her own secret that she shares with Aaron and expects him to come clean about it. She's finally chose Lucas out of the conflict about having feelings for both him and his father. Soon she'll have to face the consequences on whether she made the right decision or not.
This was a very good book! During the whole book your hoping Lacey and Lucas get together because they are best friends and life can't get any better than loving your best friend. I definitely got emotional during some scenes too especially the ones where Lucas would relive his childhood and when Aaron was telling about his wife and daughter. There's a dark side to this book and it goes by the name of suicide. You learn a lesson while reading and it's that life is too short not to live. Can't wait for the next book!!!
Lucas lost his mom and sister when he was younger at the hands of his mom. He always blamed his dad for leaving and not being there for them, but he also blamed himself. After moving in with his grandmother the only person he could come to trust and let be there was his best friend Lacey. The 2 were inseparable for years! It's only natural that they would develop feelings for each other. After being rejected Lacey had assumed it was one sided feelings. Truth is Lucas did love her he was just too afraid to admit it to her in fear of loosing her.
Lucas and his feelings are put to the test when Lacey gets the internship of a lifetime!!! Only thing is its with Lucas's father, Aaron, and Lacey doesn't know it. As first Lucas doesn't either but when Lacey starts staying at the office late and skips on plans Lucas sons sees who she's with.
Secrets grow deeper until the only option is to come clean. Lucas comes forward and tells Lacey about always loving her and wanting to have a relationship with her, she's ecstatic because they finally get to be together! Lacey has her own secret that she shares with Aaron and expects him to come clean about it. She's finally chose Lucas out of the conflict about having feelings for both him and his father. Soon she'll have to face the consequences on whether she made the right decision or not.
This was a very good book! During the whole book your hoping Lacey and Lucas get together because they are best friends and life can't get any better than loving your best friend. I definitely got emotional during some scenes too especially the ones where Lucas would relive his childhood and when Aaron was telling about his wife and daughter. There's a dark side to this book and it goes by the name of suicide. You learn a lesson while reading and it's that life is too short not to live. Can't wait for the next book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2016
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***
Conflicted is a page turner and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the will they wont they aspect of the story and the twists just added to the angst.
Best friends Lucas and Lacey are in love with each other. Lacey has told Lucas but he rejected her and after a rocky time they were able to remain friends and their relationship is as strong as ever. Lucas still plays the field whilst Lacey looks on and even though she is jealous she just wants him happy.
They never had the easiest start to life, Lucas was sent to live with his gran when his mother died and his father never stepped up to the plate and Lacey lives in her family's shadow. They have expectations for her but she was strong enough to cut the ties and chase her own dreams.
When Lacey is given the opportunity of an internship, she is sceptical that she will be chosen due to her not studying Law but rather Forensics. However when she meets with the man who is going to be her boss Mr Wilmot and hears about the case she understands a little better. Excited she calls on her best friend to help her celebrate.
Lucas is equally excited for Lacey that is until he hears more about the man she will be working along side. Rather than stopping her outright he plays it down and they start to drift apart.
Everything is going good between them until her bosses name is mention then Lucas turns cold but she dosnt understand why.
Is Lucas jealous?, does he know this man?, what will the impact of this internship have on the friendship?
Will their friendship remain intact? Will they make the jump from friends to lovers?
There are so may questions that need answered BUT dont worry they will all be answered for you!!!
Conflicted is a page turner and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the will they wont they aspect of the story and the twists just added to the angst.
Best friends Lucas and Lacey are in love with each other. Lacey has told Lucas but he rejected her and after a rocky time they were able to remain friends and their relationship is as strong as ever. Lucas still plays the field whilst Lacey looks on and even though she is jealous she just wants him happy.
They never had the easiest start to life, Lucas was sent to live with his gran when his mother died and his father never stepped up to the plate and Lacey lives in her family's shadow. They have expectations for her but she was strong enough to cut the ties and chase her own dreams.
When Lacey is given the opportunity of an internship, she is sceptical that she will be chosen due to her not studying Law but rather Forensics. However when she meets with the man who is going to be her boss Mr Wilmot and hears about the case she understands a little better. Excited she calls on her best friend to help her celebrate.
Lucas is equally excited for Lacey that is until he hears more about the man she will be working along side. Rather than stopping her outright he plays it down and they start to drift apart.
Everything is going good between them until her bosses name is mention then Lucas turns cold but she dosnt understand why.
Is Lucas jealous?, does he know this man?, what will the impact of this internship have on the friendship?
Will their friendship remain intact? Will they make the jump from friends to lovers?
There are so may questions that need answered BUT dont worry they will all be answered for you!!!
May 17, 2016
I am so pissed off right now, THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE!
Why oh why don't authors let you know there's a sequel before starting! Arghhhhhhh.
Okay, now I have got that off my chest let's get to the bones of the review, these two/three characters had me all over the place. I'm not keen on Lacey, jeez, she gave me a bit of whiplash with her indecisiveness. And Lucas, what a damn manwhore of epic proportions! I could not stand reading him going off with other women, it's a no no in my opinion. (Those that really know me, know I have issues with this - and people you could have warned me!) By doing what Lucas does, it alienates you to him a bit, well it did me. Just because he might not have had sex (with Eva) didn't make it alright to be reading what I was. GRRRRR.
But...I cannot fault Ruby's writing. I actually physically sighed when I started this, as - oh boy - another NA young person college read, but... it wasn't as I was expecting so top marks for Ruby for shaking me out of my instant blah opinion at the start.
When the story gets really good is when Aaron comes onto the scene. But... again how Lacey deals with this is relatively juvenile in my opinion. Saying and thinking things and then acting in other ways.... Yoyo woman much!
All in all, this engaged me, as I NEEDED to get to the end to see what was going to happen and then I freaked out when I found out. It doesn't finish in this book - OH DEAR LORD GIVE ME STRENGTH!!!
I received a copy of Conflicted in return for an honest review and I kid you not if I am not conflicted on what score to give it! I settled with four stars as that seemed fair, nothing can be faulted in the grammar, writing or story per se, it's just the traits rubbing me up the wrong way and of course it not finishing!
Why oh why don't authors let you know there's a sequel before starting! Arghhhhhhh.
Okay, now I have got that off my chest let's get to the bones of the review, these two/three characters had me all over the place. I'm not keen on Lacey, jeez, she gave me a bit of whiplash with her indecisiveness. And Lucas, what a damn manwhore of epic proportions! I could not stand reading him going off with other women, it's a no no in my opinion. (Those that really know me, know I have issues with this - and people you could have warned me!) By doing what Lucas does, it alienates you to him a bit, well it did me. Just because he might not have had sex (with Eva) didn't make it alright to be reading what I was. GRRRRR.
But...I cannot fault Ruby's writing. I actually physically sighed when I started this, as - oh boy - another NA young person college read, but... it wasn't as I was expecting so top marks for Ruby for shaking me out of my instant blah opinion at the start.
When the story gets really good is when Aaron comes onto the scene. But... again how Lacey deals with this is relatively juvenile in my opinion. Saying and thinking things and then acting in other ways.... Yoyo woman much!
All in all, this engaged me, as I NEEDED to get to the end to see what was going to happen and then I freaked out when I found out. It doesn't finish in this book - OH DEAR LORD GIVE ME STRENGTH!!!
I received a copy of Conflicted in return for an honest review and I kid you not if I am not conflicted on what score to give it! I settled with four stars as that seemed fair, nothing can be faulted in the grammar, writing or story per se, it's just the traits rubbing me up the wrong way and of course it not finishing!
May 10, 2016
Lacey's been in love with her best friend for years, but when she admitted to him about her feelings she realized they were unrequited feelings. It took some time, but she's believes she's over him while their friendship continues to be stronger than ever.
Lucas has many secrets and the one he told Lacey has always weighted him down. Although he believes she deserves better, he loves her unconditionally and would love to act on those feelings. But his past haunts him and until he can come to terms with that, he will continue to keep their relationship firmly in the friend zone.
But Lucas' past is coming back to wreck havoc on his emotions, jeopardize his friendship with Lacey, and his possible future with her. Will he finally step up and admit everything to Lacey before she walks away from him forever.
The connect Lacey has with Lucas is undeniable but both fight their feeling for the sake of their relationship. The journey they go through could either make them stronger or break them entirely, and Lacey will question everything and everyone. Lucas will have to face his past and put it behind him in order to have any kind of future. However, just as Lacey makes her decision on who she wants to be with, a secret that she's keeping has consequences we've yet to see play out.
This is quick, thrilling, and heart pounding read that will have you glued to each irresistible read. When I started reading this book I knew it would be intriguing, but what I got was something more captivating. It full of drama, inner turmoil, secrets, and heartfelt confessions. This is by far a seductive read that shouldn't be missed.
Lucas has many secrets and the one he told Lacey has always weighted him down. Although he believes she deserves better, he loves her unconditionally and would love to act on those feelings. But his past haunts him and until he can come to terms with that, he will continue to keep their relationship firmly in the friend zone.
But Lucas' past is coming back to wreck havoc on his emotions, jeopardize his friendship with Lacey, and his possible future with her. Will he finally step up and admit everything to Lacey before she walks away from him forever.
The connect Lacey has with Lucas is undeniable but both fight their feeling for the sake of their relationship. The journey they go through could either make them stronger or break them entirely, and Lacey will question everything and everyone. Lucas will have to face his past and put it behind him in order to have any kind of future. However, just as Lacey makes her decision on who she wants to be with, a secret that she's keeping has consequences we've yet to see play out.
This is quick, thrilling, and heart pounding read that will have you glued to each irresistible read. When I started reading this book I knew it would be intriguing, but what I got was something more captivating. It full of drama, inner turmoil, secrets, and heartfelt confessions. This is by far a seductive read that shouldn't be missed.
May 17, 2016
Lucas and Lacey have been best friends since they were 9. Senior year of high school Lacey admits to having feelings towards Lucas to which he says he doesn't reciprocate. He's lying, but he has his demons and feels Lacey doesn't deserve all his baggage so they remain friends. In college, Lacey ends up getting an internship and her mentor, Aaron, ends up being a sexy older man, none other than Lucas' estranged father. She doesn't know he's Lucas' father because he keeps the part of his past, before he met her, hidden. Lucas doesn't tell Lacey, but is angry with the situation and they start to drift apart a little, while Lacey and Aaron start having feelings for each other.
Honestly, I was a little conflicted reading this as I had mixed feelings on who Lacey should choose. Ultimately, you want her to go with Lucas as they both have been in love with each other for so long. Then there's Aaron, sexy, sweet, older man, but it just seems wrong because he's Lucas' father. Throw in a twist and new secrets that come to the forefront and what's Lacey to do?
I'm conflicted on whether this is 4 or 5 stars. I want to give it 5 stars, but there were a few errors, like repeating a paragraph and there were some parts where the author would say one thing, and the next paragraph was something different. There were a few editing issues that bothered me, but I did really enjoy the book otherwise. It does end on somewhat of a cliff-hanger, so I'll have to wait and see if Lacey did choose the right man. This author is new to me and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
B2B Krissy
Honestly, I was a little conflicted reading this as I had mixed feelings on who Lacey should choose. Ultimately, you want her to go with Lucas as they both have been in love with each other for so long. Then there's Aaron, sexy, sweet, older man, but it just seems wrong because he's Lucas' father. Throw in a twist and new secrets that come to the forefront and what's Lacey to do?
I'm conflicted on whether this is 4 or 5 stars. I want to give it 5 stars, but there were a few errors, like repeating a paragraph and there were some parts where the author would say one thing, and the next paragraph was something different. There were a few editing issues that bothered me, but I did really enjoy the book otherwise. It does end on somewhat of a cliff-hanger, so I'll have to wait and see if Lacey did choose the right man. This author is new to me and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
B2B Krissy
May 16, 2016
“I’ve spent my whole life pushing you away and I’m done. I want you. I want you more than anything. I love you more than life itself.”
Lacey has been in love with her best friend, Lucas, since forever but he rejected her advances years ago, telling her he didn’t feel more than friendship for her.
Lucas has been in love with Lacey for years, rejecting her advances for fear of messing up their friendship and losing her. She’s the only good thing in his life.
The two have a solid, close friendship and things are just coasting along until Lacey gets the offer of an internship with top lawyer, Aaron Wilmot. She develops a terrible crush on him, only to discover that she has the same effect on him.
Lucas is thrown by Lacey’s new internship, as Aaron Wilmot is his father, but it’s a secret that he’s never told Lacey. He met Lacey after a very traumatic time in his life, about which he’s remained close-lipped.
Their friendship is tested and secrets come to light, and Lucas has to decide if he’s willing to let go of his fears to finally claim Lacey as his own.
Lucas is a pretty tortured soul hiding behind a laidback persona. He’d do anything for Lacey. Lacey is smart, independent and very likeable, and has spent years trying to get over Lucas’ rejection. I was rooting for them but felt torn as Aaron was very genuine and, in spite of his machinations, his feelings for Lacey were real.
This was a great read and has a HFN ending. There is a sequel to follow and I can’t wait to read it to get some final resolutions.
Lacey has been in love with her best friend, Lucas, since forever but he rejected her advances years ago, telling her he didn’t feel more than friendship for her.
Lucas has been in love with Lacey for years, rejecting her advances for fear of messing up their friendship and losing her. She’s the only good thing in his life.
The two have a solid, close friendship and things are just coasting along until Lacey gets the offer of an internship with top lawyer, Aaron Wilmot. She develops a terrible crush on him, only to discover that she has the same effect on him.
Lucas is thrown by Lacey’s new internship, as Aaron Wilmot is his father, but it’s a secret that he’s never told Lacey. He met Lacey after a very traumatic time in his life, about which he’s remained close-lipped.
Their friendship is tested and secrets come to light, and Lucas has to decide if he’s willing to let go of his fears to finally claim Lacey as his own.
Lucas is a pretty tortured soul hiding behind a laidback persona. He’d do anything for Lacey. Lacey is smart, independent and very likeable, and has spent years trying to get over Lucas’ rejection. I was rooting for them but felt torn as Aaron was very genuine and, in spite of his machinations, his feelings for Lacey were real.
This was a great read and has a HFN ending. There is a sequel to follow and I can’t wait to read it to get some final resolutions.
September 12, 2016
Holy cow. I really loved this book. I really loved Lacey. I will admit she let Lucas run over her a little to much for me. Now Lucas I am not his biggest fan. I think he is a jerk and I think he used Lacey pretty much the entire book.
Now let's talk about Aaron cause I freaking loved him so much. I no that his decisions were not always his best options, but how can you not fall in love with this man. I think he really has true feelings for Lacey and her for him.
This a a definite love triangle book. I don't honk the right person won out, but I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds. Give this book a try people.
Now let's talk about Aaron cause I freaking loved him so much. I no that his decisions were not always his best options, but how can you not fall in love with this man. I think he really has true feelings for Lacey and her for him.
This a a definite love triangle book. I don't honk the right person won out, but I can't wait to see how the next book unfolds. Give this book a try people.
May 10, 2016
Ruby Black is a new author to me and I'm sure most of you. Her writing is captivating and her Australian dialect comes out. I really enjoyed this book.
Lacey is a law student who majors in forensics. She is determined and very much a strong willed young woman. She does not have the best of relationships with her parents and she makes her way through her life pretty much without help from them. She is really a home body and prefers to study over going out and partying.
Lucas is her best friend since they were teenagers. He is carrying around the death of his mother and sister on his shoulders. He lives to party, mainly to not think about it and the fact he is in love with Lacey.
Lacey gets the internship of a lifetime with a very well known defense attorney (whom happens to be Lucas' father). Lucas plays it off that he is happy for her until their friendship becomes rocky and she puts it before him. Lacey does develop a crush on her boss and Lucas catches wind of it.
Can Lucas tell Lacey the truth about his father and his love for her? Will she return it to him even though he told her years ago he was not interested in her like that? Does Lacey's crush for her boss turn into something more?
I really did enjoy this book, but I wish Ruby would have elaborated more on Lucas and his father. I felt that it was missing some information. Other than that the cute banter and flirting between Lucas and Lacey was adorable. Great read!
Lacey is a law student who majors in forensics. She is determined and very much a strong willed young woman. She does not have the best of relationships with her parents and she makes her way through her life pretty much without help from them. She is really a home body and prefers to study over going out and partying.
Lucas is her best friend since they were teenagers. He is carrying around the death of his mother and sister on his shoulders. He lives to party, mainly to not think about it and the fact he is in love with Lacey.
Lacey gets the internship of a lifetime with a very well known defense attorney (whom happens to be Lucas' father). Lucas plays it off that he is happy for her until their friendship becomes rocky and she puts it before him. Lacey does develop a crush on her boss and Lucas catches wind of it.
Can Lucas tell Lacey the truth about his father and his love for her? Will she return it to him even though he told her years ago he was not interested in her like that? Does Lacey's crush for her boss turn into something more?
I really did enjoy this book, but I wish Ruby would have elaborated more on Lucas and his father. I felt that it was missing some information. Other than that the cute banter and flirting between Lucas and Lacey was adorable. Great read!
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