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Instead of You

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Two brothers.

Cory was my best friend, the boy who I’d resolved to spend my entire life with. I’d grown to love him, gotten used to the idea of our life together, even if it wasn’t the all-encompassing, soul-crushing, heart-shattering romance it appeared to be.

Hayes was the boy who seemed entirely out of reach. Untouchable. He stole my first kiss, a secret I’d hidden away in the recesses of my heart, protecting the memory and hoping it would be enough to last me a lifetime. When he became my history teacher, it was impossible to hide from him any longer.

There was no way to anticipate just how important both Wallace brothers would become to me, how deeply they would change my life, or how the loss of one would propel me into the arms of the other.

Author's note: this book is intended for mature readers due to adult content.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2016

56 people are currently reading
423 people want to read

About the author

Anie Michaels

30 books840 followers
Anie Michaels is the author of the Never series, the Private serial, the Love and Loss series, the With a Kiss series, and stand-alone novels The Space Between Us and Instead of You. She started writing her first novel in June 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. Working at home as a full-time writer of books, when she is not pounding on the keyboard she can be found reading, playing with her kids, spending time with her family, and connecting with her close friends. She’s spent her entire life in the Pacific Northwest, lives in Portland, Oregon, and can’t imagine ever being anywhere else… except maybe somewhere tropical.

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5 stars
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255 (38%)
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155 (23%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,769 reviews4,975 followers
July 31, 2017
2 Stars

Overall Opinion: There were 3 major things that bothered me about his one. (1) The last 1/4 with a separation and how the separation came to be (2) The fact that the feelings were already developed, and we don't get to really experience that. And (3) The drama going along with him being a teacher . I also felt like the characters were not all that likeable. The H seemed a little feminine tbh, and the h was just plain boring. I can't rally justify a rating higher than 2 stars.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Mckenzie and Hayes's story. They had known each other since growing up because their parents are best friends. From the beginning, they had pushed Mckenzie and Hayes's brother, Cory, together as "meant to be" and expected them to be together forever. This plan didn't work for either McKenzie or Hayes, but Mckenzie went along with what was to be expected because Hayes was away at college. A tragedy hits Hayes family, and he returns. They spend more time together and realize that past feelings never went away, but now they had the obstacle of Hayes being a teacher in Mckenzie's school. There are some major ups and downs, but the couple get a HFN ending.

POV: This alternated between Mckenzie and Hayes's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Ok. It has a significant time jump of 3 years. I skimmed a bit at the beginning because I was bored and I am a nasty cold hearted B that wasn't interested in all the mopey stuff. I also skimmed when dealing with the Mom drama.

Instalove: No, but it did seem to come out of nowhere because they had loved each other "for years". We don't get the development of feelings.

H rating: 2 stars. Hayes. I liked him ok until the separation. I can sometimes deal with martyr-like behavior, but this was just stupid IMO.

h rating: 3 stars. Mckenzie. I think she got herself in a crummy situation with her family and her boyfriend's family, so I felt for her there. Otherwise, she was just meh.

Sadness level: Low/moderate. I can see how someone might get sad, but I personally didn't connect to the sadness and never teared up -- or maybe I'm too cold hearted ;).

Push/Pull: Yes

Heat level: Moderate. It was more about the emotional connection than to be sexy, so they were kind of meh.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are used. No mention of previous practices that I remember.

OW/OM drama: Yes

Sex scene with OW or OM: Not technically

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes

Possible Triggers: Yes

Closure: This didn't have nearly enough closure for me. I would call it a HFN ending because there wasn't enough concrete commitments made, and there were still unanswered questions.

How I got it: I paid the $0.99 on Amazon.

Safety: Safe with exception
Profile Image for  Linathebookaddict  .
1,553 reviews407 followers
May 29, 2016

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ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.

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Title: Instead of You
Author: Anie Michaels
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Category: Romance
POV: Dual
Plot: 3.75
Characters:4
Scorching Level: 4
HEA: Not telling



Anie Michaels always delivers great romance and this book is no exception!
Two brothers. One girl. One big heartache.
McKenzie always had a crush on her best friend's brother, Hayes. Hayes always seemed like a farway dream for her and so when Cory, her best friend since forever, asks her to be his girlfriend, she cannot find it in her heart to reject him.
Kenzie loves Cory but can she love him like a girlfriend should?
Years later and when a tragic accident tears them apart forever, Kenzie is there to pick up the pieces of Cory's life.
A painful twist makes Hayes her new history teacher and her entire world falls apart. Getting involved in a forbidden relationship with her teacher is the last thing McKenzie needs but the heart doesn't always make the right decisions. Can their relationship ever lead to a happy ending when it is built on tears and pain? Read to find out!
I enjoyed the book. It was easy to read and the romance was sweet. It's a fast paced book and I think readers of the genre will thoroughly enjoyed it.
Personally, I wanted a little more push and pull between Hayes and Kenzie. I do think that the heroine made some mistakes with Cory, but the young of her age explains it.
Overall, I recommend it.

3.75-4 Stars


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Profile Image for Paula Genereau.
3,077 reviews39 followers
May 17, 2016
Oh my!!!! I absolutely loved this book. Corey and his brother both stole my heart. I couldn't put this book down. I also didn't want it to end.


I received a copy of the book for my honest review
1,038 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2016
Is it bad that I was sad for Cory??? He lived his entire life in love with a girl that loved him as a best friend... And he died a Virgin!!! I loved the forbidden aspects of the book. And so many parts were HOT!!!

I think the only reason this book did not have a 5/5 stars and because I hate books that have a "3 years later" they find each other again. ;(
But it's just my opinion... Everything else was great!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Taylor.
1,562 reviews56 followers
June 2, 2016
1.5 stars.

Didn't like the separation. Didn't care for most of the story really. I don't like a martyr so Hayes lost a bit of ground with me there. Kenzie show,d have just grew some nerve and told Cory she didn't love him like that and went after what she really wanted. Pointless separations and I didn't feel sad about carts death. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
488 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2016
Beginning ok... Middle and ending is blah
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,573 reviews77 followers
May 28, 2016
4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, grief, and heartbreak.

This is Kenzie’s story. Two brothers; one is her best friend and one is her teacher. Cory is her best friend and has loved her forever. She has feelings for him but is it the same kind of love he has for her? Hayes is her new history teacher. She has feelings for him that are different then her feelings for Cory. Can she figure out what she wants? What happens when the decision is taken from you because tragic strikes and now you are mourning loss? With everyone dealing with the grief differently can Kenzie figure out who she needs in her life to help her grieve?

I felt I was able to connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Laura Saunders.
111 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2016
Heart wrenching and Beautiful

I loved this story. I was hooked from the first word. It made me cry several times. My only complaint was the ended didn't feel like it was the end. I would have loved to had a more in depth ending. Spoiler alert!!!




They split up and we're apart for three years because of fear of how Haye's mother would handle their relationship. You never read anything about how things went when they were reunited or if she accepted his proposal. I would love a follow up on this story and pray there will be.

This is a definite MUST READ
Profile Image for Renee at Book Happiness.
1,486 reviews36 followers
May 29, 2016
I received this for an honest review... I have to say this book took me by surprise, I just fell in love with these characters and of course the writing but I always fall for Anie's writing..

I found myself just loving the intresting triangle that you find between McKenzie, Cory and Hayes.. After reading this I felt like my emotions had been put through the wringer something fierce. This book is simply wonderful



Profile Image for Layla.
204 reviews9 followers
June 24, 2016
I absolutely LOVED it!!

I'm a sucker for angsty, forbidden love stories that tears your heart out and leave you wanting more. "Instead of You" is exactly that type of story. I loved every minute of this book, even when I hated it!
This was BRILLIANT!!
Profile Image for Nanna Mørk-Sander.
707 reviews43 followers
October 3, 2022
This was a heartbreaking story. It was nice to see how Hayes and McKenzie found each other and helped each other through grief, hurt, and guilty consciences. The separation broke me all over again. I wasn't a huge fan of the time jump, but the rest was good enough to still leave it at five stars.
Profile Image for Lynsey J.
28 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2016
Great read

What a lovely book. Sad storyline but got better and happier. Characters were great and could relate to the book. Would recommend x
Profile Image for Pat.
177 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2016
Full review to follow.

Real rating: 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,077 reviews52 followers
May 10, 2016
Well...Anie has done it again! She has taken me on an emotional rollercoaster ride that gave me all of the feels! Every single one of them. Anie is one of my go-to authors. I have read and devoured every book she has ever written and will continue to do so until her very last one. Instead of You is one of her rare standalone novels that you will not want to miss out on...

McKenzie and Cory have been best friends since the were born. Their parents have been best friends and neighbors for what seems like forever. Everyone knows that McKenzie and Cory were meant to spend a lifetime together. Not just as best friends but as a couple. At when they turn sixteen they are allowed to start dating. McKenzie loves Cory but not in the way he loves her. She hopes to one day but when tragedy hits, she now knows for certain that she would never get that chance to find out. He life is forever changed...

Hayes left for college four years ago and hasn't been back home in two years. Since the night he kissed his brother's girlfriend, Kenzie. He felt guilty but he never stopped thinking about her or that kiss. He has avoided her ever since but now he has to be home. He has to take care of his mother. He knew he would have to see Kenzie around but when he decides to stay in town and finish his degree at home, he will have to see her daily. He was going to be a student teacher in the same high school he attended all those years ago. The one where Kenzie is finishing her senior year. He can't hide from her anymore. And what he finds surprising is that, she was trying to hide from him too. But soon...they will be hiding from everyone else.

McKenzie has never forgotten that kiss. It was her first one. Hayes had stolen it. But she knew since that she wanted more. She wanted to fall in love with Cory but she never did and maybe that's because her heart was with the other brother. The one that stayed out of the way. Now, he was back but can they even have a chance? He was now her teacher. He was the brother of the man she was suppose to spend the rest of her life with. What would her friends and family think? What would his mother think? Is the hurt worth it?

Fuck! I loved this story so much. It was one amazing ride that I didn't want to end. I want more, Anie! It was emotional, fun, sexy, sweet, and real. I felt like I was right there with them. I wanted to pull McKenzie into my arms more than once. I also wanted to run my hands through Hayes hair. And I wanted to kick one jock in the junk. Asshole.

Overall...it's another fan-fucking-tastic book by Anie!! She knows how to rip me apart and put me back together again.

P.S. No Cheating or Love Triangle is in this book.

Quotes:

“You were here, and you were safe, and even though I’d lost so much, I hadn’t lost everything.”

Suddenly, wherever his hands touched was aflame, and I wanted him to burn me everywhere. I wanted the flames to lick my skin, the heat to eat me up, I wanted him to light me on fire and then smother the inferno, only to start all over again.

His words both broke my heart and stole it away.

Profile Image for Elizabeth Horbaczek.
765 reviews6 followers
August 5, 2016


I was given this book for an honest review.

4 stars

Have you ever had a friend a best friend, that you thought this is it. Everyone around you thought you guys were the cutest couple and they planned your whole lives out, and then you realize this is not you want. That you just want to have your best friend, but you cant break his heart, so you stay even though you love someone else. You stay because you don't want to lose your best friend, you don't want to lose that constant in your life. That is how it was for Mckenzie. She has been connected to her best friend Cory since forever and their parents have mapped out their whole entire life for them, but all Mckenzie can think about is a birthday party that she had gotten an unforgettable kiss from Cory's brother Hayes. Why I started with how the book goes, because its not always about choosing what is best for you, but what makes everyone feel better around you. Its about seeing something through that you are so afraid to lose. How you can love one person but be in love with another in another way. What makes this book different is that it is tragedy that defines how things start. How one random act of violence can help determine the fate of some many people. This book is full of so much love, grief, loss, forgiveness, and living life that you don't want to put this book down. Mckenzie is your typical high school student in the beginning, but as the story progresses you see so much growth. They way she mourns tells me that she is growing up to be a beautiful young woman. How she figures things out, how she develops relationships only has me guessing how hard things were for her at certain times. Cory, Mckenzies boyfriend and best friend, was also your typical high schooler. He wanted all his first with Mckenzie, he wanted to live his life for Mckenzie. He loved her with everything he had. Hayes was older but he brought his matureness to the table. He has liked Mckenzie forever, so giving her, her first kiss was all that he could think of doing. He was this standup guy that wanted something, but stood aside for the love of his brother. He gave up what he wanted to make Cory happy, only problem was is that Mckenzie wanted Hayes too.

As I said before, this book was well written, it told a tragic story, but it also led to something that only could have happen because of the tragedy. Although there is many parts in there that are very sad and makes you want to yell at this book and ask why, you realize you need to take everyday you have and live it as though it could be your last day. The storyline was great, I loved the characters, they were written so well you felt they were your friends and this was happening to all of you. I liked how the parents were utilized in the book, it made you see all the perspectives of what was happening. I just wish there was a little more in the epilogue at the end. I would have liked to see more of an ending. I loved this book, and I hope to read more from this author in the future.
Profile Image for Diane Plourde TDC Book Reviews.
1,850 reviews31 followers
May 23, 2016

description



Each and every time I read a story written by Anie Michaels, it's like discovering a wonderful new author. I've read all of her books even reviewed a few of her previous stories but she manages to surprise me at every turn. She creates storylines that are uniquely and beautifully written.
I'm finding it difficult to find the proper words to describe how I feel about this story and to try to put them on paper. These wonderful characters that touched my heart in such a profound way. Anie has such a skillful, talented way to write remarkable stories with true meaning. This stories deserves 5 stars.

ARC of Instead of You by Anie Michaels provided in exchange for an honest and spoiler free review.

Cory And McKenzie parents decided at an early age that these 2 were destined to be together. It was branded into their well being. They were told so many times that they never questioned it until the unimaginable happened where McKenzie is left questioning every thing she thought she knew. She had always loved Hayes, Corey brother from afar. Hayes stole her first kiss after all. This is all I'm going to say about the blurb because I don't want the readers to feel like they've read the story before actually doing so. There are many surprises that I fear I would ruin this amazing journey that needs to be experienced.

This is so much more then a love story, it has a deeper meaning to it. It's about grief, where each individual experiences and copes with it in different ways. Families, friends coming together in a time of need. Having the support one needs in order to get through it. Love that is forbidden and fed by guilt. First love that never dies.

This is a story of an epically pure love that left me with a broken heart, shattered but the author was able to mend it and leave me joyous. True love always has a way to find each other. Who you are meant to love in the deepest depth of your being can't be ignored no matter what your head might tell you.

This is a masterpiece that is beautifully written by Anie, who never fails to deliver every emotions imaginable. She never leaves me without an happy ending though. This story grabbed my undivided attention and never let up until the very end. The characters were beautifully created to fit this journey through grief, love and acceptance. Bottom line I immensely loved this story.

Standalone told in a dual POV with a much deserved HEA. There is no love triangle or cheating. I strongly recommend reading this story. Anie's other books are all worth the readers precious time and money. Trust me.




Profile Image for Becca.
687 reviews54 followers
May 24, 2016
Once again, Anie Michaels has managed to rip me open and stomp on my heart with her breathtaking novel, Instead of You. This book delivers a heartbreaking and beautiful student/teacher romance that will make you think and inspire you to feel. Instead of You is perfect for both fans of taboo romance and those who prefer more traditional relationships. While there is a forbidden component to this story, it is fresh and unconventional in a way that gives McKenzie and Hayes’ story mass appeal. Anie Michaels explores love in all of its forms, effortlessly portraying not only familial and romantic love, but the kind of emotion that turns friends into family and lovers into soulmates. That deep, burning, irrevocable magic poured from this novel, lingering long after the final page has been turned.

Instead of You certainly doesn’t pull any punches and Anie Michaels didn’t hesitate to put the main characters (and her lucky readers) through the wringer. McKenzie and Hayes must face their incredibly confusing feelings when an unexpected tragedy leaves them both completely devastated. Lost in grief and confused by their feelings, both characters underwent huge transformations over the course of this novel. I absolutely adored the way Anie Michaels developed McKenzie. While her indecisiveness and constantly changing emotions may have been frustrating at times, it was this sense of being at a total loss as to what was right that made this character so heartbreakingly genuine. McKenzie’s youth and grief came through loud and clear in her voice, making the overall growth of this character that much more significant and solidifying my deep connection with her.

The plot of this novel was so much more than I had expected. Not only is it heartfelt, angsty, intelligent, and witty, but Anie Michaels also provides just the right amount of steam and flirtatious banter to keep readers smiling through the heartache. I found myself captivated by Anie Michaels’ fictional world, completely caught up in both McKenzie’s immature, drama-filled high school life and Hayes’ all too real home situation. McKenzie’s story is one of love, loss, and moving on – a heart wrenching coming of age journey that will leave your head reeling from the emotional turmoil and devastating grief residing within the pages of this novel. Somehow, when all was said and done, my heart found its way home and I was left content and incredibly hopeful. Anie Michaels has a true talent for turning the quiet curses of tragedy into soft whispers of hope and Instead of You is a shining example.
Profile Image for Lisa.
294 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2016

Title: Instead of You

Author:Anie Michaels

Series:

Publisher:AM Books (May 14, 2016)

Reviewer:Lisa

Release Date: May 14, 2016

Genre(s):YA, Contemporary Romance

Page Count:384 pages

Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5

Rating: 5 Heart wrenching stars out of 5

Blurb:



Two brothers.


Cory was my best friend, the boy who I’d resolved to spend my entire life with. I’d grown to love him, gotten used to the idea of our life together, even if it wasn’t the all-encompassing, soul-crushing, heart-shattering romance it appeared to be.


Hayes was the boy who seemed entirely out of reach. Untouchable. He stole my first kiss, a secret I’d hidden away in the recesses of my heart, protecting the memory and hoping it would be enough to last me a lifetime. When he became my history teacher, it was impossible to hide from him any longer.


There was no way to anticipate just how important both Wallace brothers would become to me, how deeply they would change my life, or how the loss of one would propel me into the arms of the other.


Author's note: this book is intended for mature readers due to adult content. This book does not contain a love triangle or cheating




Review:

Oh MY!!! This book will take you on an emotional journey through McKenzie’s life. Through growing up with her her best friends Cory and Hayes the Wallace Brothers. And first love, heartache and dealing with loss.

Will McKenzie be able to move on to her happily ever after? How much does one have to go through to even try for the HEA?

The book didn’t come with it, so I’m WARNING YOU.. HAVE THE TISSUES READY!!






Review Copy of Instead of You provided by the AM Books for an honest Review. Reviewed by Lisa for Alpha Book Club.description
Profile Image for Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers).
1,752 reviews144 followers
May 25, 2016
Anie Michaels is one of those authors we just happened to discover and what a gem she is. Her books are always at the top of my list to read. Or devour. Her writing is perfect. Sexy, but not graphic, sweet but not silly. The words just sing off the page and wrap around you. Instead of You is an emotional, beautiful story about falling in love with the person your heart wants. It's not always who you think though. McKenzie has been best friends with Cory her entire life. Their families are as close as family. When they are given permission to finally date at sixteen, an unexpected kiss from Cory's older brother Hayes changes Kenzie forever. She's happy with Cory for two years, never seeing Hayes, but when tragedy strikes and Cory is lost forever, she ends up in the arms of his brother. Hayes has always been drawn to Kenzie, but she was his brother's girl. It's not grief that brings them together, it's real. It's strong. It's perfect. But, having to hide it from their families and friends takes a toll on their new relationship. Will the pressure be too much for Hayes and Kenzie? Does love really conquer all? I loved this story. So. Much. Hayes is the perfect man. Strong, sexy, smart, driven and has no problem expressing his feelings for Kenzie. She's strong, smart, beautiful and goes after what she wants! This is a heartbreaking, heartwarming story about love and loss. It's about following your heart no matter where it takes you and trusting that happiness will follow. (There is no cheating in this book!)

And here she was putting me back together again with her lips.

I was whole, for the first time in my entire life. I hasn't realized I'd been walking around with a part of myself missing, but I had. Being with her was like beginning again.
Profile Image for Books 2 Blog.
1,494 reviews19 followers
May 29, 2016
I am honestly struggling for words with this review. This book left me beautifully broken, a few days after reading it and I am still struggling. Don’t get me wrong this book was amazing. Normally I struggle reading books where the characters are of school/college age, but the way the author wrote this story the age of the characters becomes insignificant.

This story will really hit you hard; the emotions I felt from this book are indescribable. McKenzie, Cory and Hayes are the main characters in this book, but to say anything about the storyline will give away too much, and that’s not my style.

This author really pulled out all the stops at making this a beautifully romantic yet sad tear jerker book, and for that she deserves the utmost credit. Just reading it I needed an abundance of tissues, so to write it, I just can’t imagine how she coped, I mean the characters felt real to me, and I didn’t create them. As a mum it broke my heart to read parts of this book, and the possibility of this book ever being true to life gave me chills. But one thing it certainly did was make me think about the pressures of love, and expectations we put on our children. At almost 40 I think I know the difference between loving someone and being in love with someone, but I’m not sure my 18 year old self would, and that just made me love McKenzie all the more.

This is a standalone novel so there is no cliff-hanger, but what I would say is that I personally would love to have seen a little further into the future, just to see how things developed; but that’s just me being nosey and not wanting to give them up. Lucky for me this author has many other titles available, so I for sure will be adding her to my TBR list.

This book is a definite 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
May 27, 2016
Anie Michaels has written one emotional roller coaster of a story and I loved every single page of it. In Instead of You, Michaels gives you the story of a young woman trying to find where she fits in the world that has been mapped out for her since birth. Struggling to breathe and trying to return the love of her best friend Cory, McKenzie has settled with this is how her life is meant to be. Loving her best friend, making her parents happy, but not being in love. Until tragedy strikes and she loses her best friend forever. Faced with a new life before her McKenzie has to make her way. It doesn’t hurt that the only man who's made her feel alive is also her deceased boyfriend's brother, Hayes.

Michaels had me from the opening pages of this book. Her story was heartfelt, emotional, and deeply captivating. While it was tearful at times, this book had such a bigger message than just loss. The growth and development of McKenzie and her new chance at a life she wanted, rather than a life she thought she had to take was amazing to read. Michaels really developed these characters making you instantly understand and connect to them. These characters really touched my heart in such a profound way, that immediately after reading it was hard to find the right words to tell you how amazing this book truly is. I truly enjoyed every moment of this book, even the tearful ones were totally worth it! Grab some kleenex and enjoy an amazing, well written story by Anie Michaels. You won’t regret one single moment of it!
Profile Image for Melissa Miller-Mattern.
595 reviews11 followers
May 25, 2016
Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

It had always been McKenzie and Cory and Cory and McKenzie, since grade school in-fact. They were was each other’s best friends, eventually became boyfriend and girlfriend, and according to their moms, they were supposed to marry each other and live happily-ever-after. Lets’ just say, the plans all changed the night that Hayes, Cory’s older brother stole McKenzie’s first kiss at Cory’s sixteenth birthday party. McKenzie felt like the world shifted with that one kiss, which unfortunately, didn’t feel even close to what it felt like later with Cory. Tragedy strikes and suddenly McKenzie must deal with a significant loss as well as the fact that Hayes, who she burns for, is back in town and her history teacher. Will McKenzie and Hayes get their happy ending or will real-life get in the way? You’ll have to Instead of you to find out.
Instead of You was an emotional journey to say the least. As a reader, I felt McKenzie’s loss, the pain the Hayes’s mother felt as well as the pain McKenzie’s mom was feeling “losing” her best-friend to depression and grief. Everyone was just trying to survive. Micheals’s story not only told a sad situation but also showed how the characters eventually began to heal and move on. By the end of the book, I was crying and Micheals renewed my belief in the happily-ever-after before the book ended. Instead of You was a beautiful story and I would recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for Julie Reveles (Juls ~ ILST BLOG).
852 reviews11 followers
May 24, 2016

4.5 Stars!


“If you let that one moment pass you by where you could have grabbed what you wanted, there will come a day when it’s out of your grasp, and regret will haunt you, just like a ghost.”


Anie Michaels did a fantastic job with Instead of You. I fell in love with both Hayes and Cory. It had to be hard for Mckenzie to be torn between two brothers. I can see how the situation she found herself in with Cory can happen. After meeting Hayes, I understand how one look from him could leave a girl all hot and bothered! Hayes and Cory were both great in their own ways.

There were so many quotes that I liked from this story. But one of my favorites was....


"The first time, he kissed me because he thought he’d never have another chance. But the second time, well, he kissed me because he got the chance he never thought he’d have."


For some reason when I read that, I broke out in goosebumps. It fit perfectly with the situation at that time in the story. I really did enjoy everything about Instead of You. It kept me interested from the very beginning and I even needed a box of tissues. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read with a HEA!


-Juls
Profile Image for Maria Vickers.
Author 46 books392 followers
May 29, 2016
Warning, very emotional and you need tissues. Instead of You by Anie Michaels assaults your emotions and doesn’t let up.

McKenzie and Cory have had their lives completely mapped out by their mothers, including their wedding, but McKenzie isn’t so sure she is in love with her best friend, Cory. On her 16th birthday things change when she is kissed by his older brother Hayes. Still she moves forward with Cory until tragedy strikes. Now Hayes is back and she is realizing that maybe her feelings weren’t so confused after all.

Hayes loves McKenzie, but being her new history teacher is probably not the best of circumstances for him, neither is the fact she was dating his brother until a terrible accident. But none of that stops him from wanting her.

I will admit there were times when McKenzie’s indecisiveness got on my nerves, I could actually see why the author wrote her that way. You will need some tissues when you read this book, and just when you think you don’t need them anymore, you do. Keep them handy. The story is amazing and the characters relateable in many way. 4.5 stars! One click today!
Profile Image for Jill Bridgeman.
457 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2016
***Spoiler Alert***

Love from Tragedy? Yes, it can happen. But this love? Only blossomed from a horrible tragedy that no one expected to take place. Hayes and McKenzie shared a moment in time that would change the way the rest of their lives would go. It may have been 2 years and a tragedy later, but they made it back to one another. It took this tragedy for them to realize that they were each others missing piece. Only one question remained? Would their love hold out? They thought time was on their side. They thought their love was strong enough..... but life had other plans. Life always holds hurdles that no one is ever expecting. This hurdle is one that they would not be crossing.... as one. Hayes ended their relationship before it even had a base to grow on. Before they each had a chance to really love one another. I think the split they endured, in a way, helped them grow and realize that time was what they needed. And being apart during that time helped them come back to one another with fresh eyes and a love even stronger than before. A love unbreakable.
Profile Image for Stacie Christensen.
737 reviews23 followers
May 26, 2016
Cory was my best friend, the boy who I’d resolved to spend my entire life with. I’d grown to love him, gotten used to the idea of our life together, even if it wasn’t the all-encompassing, soul-crushing, heart-shattering romance it appeared to be.

Hayes was the boy who seemed entirely out of reach. Untouchable. He stole my first kiss, a secret I’d hidden away in the recesses of my heart, protecting the memory and hoping it would be enough to last me a lifetime. When he became my history teacher, it was impossible to hide from him any longer.

There was no way to anticipate just how important both Wallace brothers would become to me, how deeply they would change my life, or how the loss of one would propel me into the arms of the other.

This is one of Anie's best books yet! I absolutely loved this book. It was an emotional roller coaster throughout the entire book however it was so worth the read! Loved Cory, Hayes & McKenzie...This is a must read book!
Profile Image for Sarah - Vanilla Twist Reads.
325 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2016
What happens when one girl is loved by two brothers but she sees one as a best friend and never thinks she has a chance with the other, well kenzie has grown up with Corey and Hayes and their parents are best friends so everyone thinks that it will be a natural progression from friend to boyfriend/girlfriend with Corey as he's the same age as kenzie but when Hayes steals a kiss at his brothers 16th birthday party this starts kenzie questioning her feelings for Corey.

Tragedy strikes 2yrs later and Hayes returns home from College, kenzie is left struggling with her guilt over her feelings she's grieving the loss of her best friend but to everyone else they think she's grieving the loss of the boy she was to spend the rest of her life with.

Well I don't want to give anymore away but please go get your copy and enjoy this standalone, emotions will be running high but I promise its worth the emotional roller coaster you take.
Profile Image for Gloria Herrera for As You Wish Reviews.
2,181 reviews62 followers
May 20, 2016
He was her best friend and bodyguard since she was in pigtails. Their friendship was deep and they loved each other as only best friends can love. But was that enough to make a life commitment?

This is a thoughtful and emotional story of best friends and loss, first crush and kisses, and finally adult decisions that affect our lives permanently.

Being seventeen and almost legal does not immediately give us maturity. In this case, though, McKenzie uses all her intelligence and sensitivity to recognize that who we love cannot be controlled. Our parents' expectations are just that ... a wish for our future. Although their opinions are important, the final decision is up to her. How she feels for the one she loves has to be her guiding light.

Be prepared to cry and smile. I want to call this a coming of age story that is mature from its start. Our characters are mature for their age and their love is something that will grip your hearts.
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