I thought I had it all – the perfect life, with the perfect arrangement, with the perfect guy. To the world, Kevin Peyton is the heartthrob Oscar nominee. To me, he's my best friend, with some sexy benefits. But then I got a taste of his world. A world where being mobbed by fans, violated by intruders, and stripped of all privacy is the norm. I never realized how brutal being in the spotlight would be. I didn’t fit into his world. I didn’t fit into his plans. I only wish I’d discovered that before falling in love with him and changing the game plan. Sometimes changing the game plan changes more than the game. Sometimes it changes your everything.
Ryleigh Sloan is a romance author with a masters degree in being an indecisive control freak. Her favorite pastime is driving her friends crazy by writing multiple books at once.
Following the advice of established authors to read, read, read in order to hone one’s craft she does just that and engrosses herself in as many romance novels as she can get her hands on. Her bad habit of writing more than one book at a time carries over to her reading and she can be found reading, and listening to multiple titles at once and enjoying every moment.
It seems to me that reviews, as they are now commonly used, can cover a quite a bit of ground. They can, for example, be pretty much just a recommendation. They can be a purely statement of how a reader feels about a book, and how that book made them feel. Or they can be a more detailed assessment of the perceived strengths and weakness of a work. Or, of course, all three.
In this review of Ryleigh Sloan’s debut novel, Cliché, I’m going to attempt all three.
First, the easiest part: the recommendation. Buy it. If you love romance, just ignore the rest of this, click on the link for Cliché, and buy it. You will be happy you did.
Second, the next easiest part: how I feel about the book and how made me feel. I love it. Pure and simple. It made me feel the full gamut of emotions, intensely and viscerally. Most of all, it made me feel joyful that I read it and others will also, and be touched as much as I was.
The last part is more difficult to find words for, but I’ll try. Cliché is a beautifully written story about people I instantly connected with and who I wholly believed in; people who entirely real, fully alive, and intensely human. The writing is exceptional. The story is told economically and powerfully, never overworked, never striving to impress, using perfect, poignant details to capture the heart of scene in a way that is brilliant yet seems effortless and doesn’t intrude. The flow and the rhythm of the writing moves along naturally and immersed me completely.
The plot you should discover for yourself, but it is a wonderful journey and (despite the title) an unexpected one. The best journeys take us places we didn’t think to go, but should have, and show us things we didn’t expect to see, but needed to. They make us grow, make us richer people, capable of living fuller lives. And that is what this story is ultimately about.
Finally, Ryleigh Sloan is able to convey the whole range of human emotions, in all their rawness and beauty, better than any author I know. She lays them out simply and perfectly for us, with nothing to dull or blur them. It’s beautiful and, at times, heart wrenching, but livened with humor throughout, so they are never melodramatic or maudlin. This, I think, is the strongest past of the story.
Oh yes. One last thing: parts are scorchingly hot. Quite a few parts, in fact. So be aware of that.
With all these exceptional strengths, does Cliché have any weaknesses?
Yes, it has one.
It ended.
Note: I received an advance copy of the this book as a gift. The decision to review it was my own.
This is the authors first book and I devoured it! I don’t know if anything I write in my review will do it justice! I shed tears, I became emotionally invested in the characters and what they were going through! Claire runs her family’s business and doesn’t really do much except work! Her best friend is Kevin.... an actor! I just loved him, his protectiveness, his caring side and the way he didn’t want his life in the spotlight to become part of Claire's! My heart was in my throat in a certain part! Claire, I admired her, the way she was, how when she felt the way she did, she didn’t bottle it up but the truth came out and friendships become strained! She had a great support network though! I wasn’t too sure what to make of her sister Kim, however as I read on and when Claire does something so utterly selfless, I thought good for her and it cemented their relationship! I'm incredibly pleased at the storyline, the ending and how when you feel like something is missing in your life, be truthful to yourself and your feelings! I absolutely loved this book! It made me want to be a part of their lives and I felt lost once I finished! I'm claiming Kevin for myself!! #DibsOnKevin Outstanding effort for a first book!!
Blurb: I thought I had it all – the perfect life, with the perfect arrangement, with the perfect guy.
To the world, Kevin Peyton is the heartthrob Oscar nominee. To me, he's my best friend, with some sexy benefits.
But then I got a taste of his world. A world where being mobbed by fans, violated by intruders, and stripped of all privacy is the norm. I never realized how brutal being in the spotlight would be.
I didn’t fit into his world. I didn’t fit into his plans. I only wish I’d discovered that before falling in love with him and changing the game plan.
Sometimes changing the game plan changes more than the game. Sometimes it changes your everything.
Ahh, where to start... Cliché was such an enjoyable read! I was blown away by the fact that this was the authors debut novel. Kevin & Claire’s relationship is everything! At the heart of it, they’re best friends but also lovers, confidants, and partners in crime. There is an ease to their relationship that totally works and makes you love them instantly. Claire has a lot going on and is completely turned off by Kevin’s celebrity lifestyle and Kevin doesn’t want her subjected to the overbearing public eye; so ultimately it keeps them from committing to each other. Plus living on separate continents doesn’t help either... BUT with all that going on the story isn’t full of angst or unnecessary drama - it is Kevin and Claire’s story through and through. Did I mention how sexy and steamy this book is? Well it is! Kevin is my new book boyfriend and can do with me as he pleases haha
When things are meant to be, they just are. This book was heart-felt and real. It’s a solid 5-Star read and a big Brava to Ms Sloan for a successful debut novel! Oh, and elephants <3<3 #Swoon #Clevin #Cliché
I received an ARC and am leaving a review because I want to.
I absolutely loved AND hated this book. I loved the story and I could not get enough of Kevin and Claire. Kevin is an actor and Claire runs a private airport they have a special arrangement of friends with benefits.
Chapter 19 devastated me and it is where I began to hate the book (in the best way possible). My heart broke so many time throughout this book. I will say though that this book had all the feels, it has happiness, sadness, anger, jealousy and just about everything else. I couldn't get to the end fast enough to find out how it ended. It was worth the wait.
There was so much love and so much heartache between these two.
Both Kevin and Claire are wonderful people who do so many selfless things for many others. Kevin funds a home for boys who were in the foster system and abused and Claire helps her sister in a most amazing way.
I have not heard of Ryleigh Sloan before but after this read I will anxiously be awaiting more from her.
First I have to say, this is A Must Read for 2018 and by far my favorite read this year. Wow, this book is such a wonderful, feel good read. It's not like your average sweet romance book. I love the way it's written, it's unique and different. Did I mention all the super hot steaminess! Claire and Kevin are so loveable. They have known each other and have been friends since childhood. The chemistry...the smoking hot, full of heat and passion between these two will keep you going from chapter to chapter without realizing you've completely lost track of time. You won't want to put this book down; between the adventures they go through to their wonderfully detailed bed room antics, you will love it all the way to the end. Kevin is a super famous movie star, while Claire is your down to earth very average girl that has a heart of gold. Despite knowing each other since childhood, do opposites really attrack? What's even more amazing is this is the authors first book! I can't believe it and can't wait to see what else she had in store for us!
I really wanted to love Cliché. First it's one of my favorite themes childhood friends turned lovers and Ms. Sloan is a new to my author and I'm always looking for new authors to read. Unfortunately Cliché feel flat for me and I'm unable to continue. At this point of the story I still don't feel any connection between the main characters, I think this story desperately needed to be told from both POV. I still have no idea how they started this whole friends with benefits, and because the connection is missing the intimate scenes aren't working either. The writing is awkward and I really dislike Claire's sister. To me it's ridiculous that she would even consider giving a bully such a beautiful gift.
Let me start by saying this book has blown me away and I never would have guessed this was a debut novel, so congrats on killing it Ryleigh.
This book gives you the friendship, lust, jealousy, mixed feelings, love, hot sex, there’s also a serious side to the story, some parts had me crying like a baby, then there’s the author’s sense of humour comes shining through in the characters and their banter.
⛔⛔⛔SOME SPOILERS⛔⛔⛔
Claire and Kevin have been friends since childhood, now they’re are older they have an easy going friends with the added bonus of screwing each other’s brains out relationship going on. Easy convenient lays without all the lovey-dovey feelings, should be simple, right? What can go wrong?
Claire easy going, hardworking, will do anything for anybody sacrificing her own wants and needs. She loves Kevin and their relationship is fun, but when jealousy strikes she knows she’s in love with him, but she sets him free to live his life, will she regret it?
Kevin is a rich film star but likes to stay out of the limelight as much as possible. He helps kids that need safety and a stable roof over their heads and then there’s Claire he will do anything to keep her safe, even if he has to deny his own feelings, but what happens when it’s too late and choices are taken out of his hands?
Will they make they make the wrong decisions thinking they are the right reasons? Or will they get an HEA together?
This was a great friends to lovers romance. The storyline was very good. It made me sad, happy, excited & angry making it the perfect combination for a romance novel. The female character seemed a little insecure which was perfect because she felt more real. The narration was absolutely perfect! Erin Mallon nails it with her perfect delivery and great voices. This book has an HEA. I recommend this book.
This story is sweet and sexy but also poignant, emotional, and passionate. There is just something about having a glimpse into the private lives of very public figures that is so captivating. Kevin and Claire have been best friends for years before their relationship grew into a more passionate one. Neither is ready for a commitment and with Kevin's acting career taking off, they aren't ready for the world to know they are lovers as well. Claire works hard at her families business and she always puts others first. When Kevin needs her to join him on location, she doesn't hesitate. But soon their privacy gets invaded and Kevin will do anything to protect her. Their relationship has always been fun and easy, so what happens when one heart wants more than the other? Can life go on when the one who has always been by your side wants different things? I really cared for Kevin and Claire, they were so perfect together, so it was heartbreaking to watch the turmoil their relationship went thru as I was cheering for their HEA. The narration by Erin Mallon was so perfect as she brought these smart, strong, sexy characters to life. She easily illuminated their wit, passion, and vulnerability, making Kevin, Claire, and their world completely real. I really enjoyed this moving, funny and steamy romance!
I have to celebrate the success of Ryleigh Sloan with her debut work! This book has it all; several intertwining story lines, the tentative - somewhat distant relationship between sisters, the supportive family - including gran, & the ultimate love.
I started ugly crying my way through around mid book. I finally took a breath two chapters from the end.
I fell in lust with all of these characters. I'm invested in their futures.
I can't recommend this book more than I have here.
Ryleigh has created a story that grabs you and simply does not let go until the very last page. She takes the reader on an emotional journey that will have you sighing, swooning and crying - seriously, keep the tissues close by. There were times where I was swooning over Kevin and others where I wanted to strangle him! And Claire is so easy to root for. She doesn't have it easy but she pulls on her big girl pants and deals!
This book was amazing Ryleigh Sloan is amazing! This book had everything and them some!
Kevin and Claire have been best friends since childhood. Claire helps run the family business and Kevin landed am acting career. Living to different live completely opposite each other their friends ship and what they share is unbreakable untill the coin flips and Claire realizes she is in love with Kevin. Will this make or break them?
I didn’t know what to expect but what I got was a strong 4.5 Stars! This was one of the best reads I have read from a debut author that I have never heard of and was a fan by the end. You will experience many emotions as you follow Claire and Kevin’s journey. Their relationship was easy to follow with its well written storyline and griping situation that will have you invested in their life. I can’t wait to see what else this author comes up with for her next story.
I went into this book not knowing it was a debut novel. I was in search of anything to get me out of my book funk that I was in. I’m usually not a huge fan of pop star and normal girl romances but I will read them if they are good enough. Let me tell you. This book was beyond good enough! It brought so many feels out of me. I laughed. I cried. Happy and sad tears. I got mad. I got excited. Every emotion you can think of. Cliche was more a best friend to lovers romance than it was a celebrity romance. Kevin and Claire’s relationship was how I would picture any best friend relationship. Add sex to it and there you go. I loved reading the characters pushing each other. There were so many times I wanted to smack Kevin or yell at Claire. But this book is amazing! It was a tad shorter than what I normally read but it was the perfect cure to my book funk and I definitely plan on rereading! And to top it off I found out this was Ryleigh's debut novel and I didn’t believe it! It was THAT good! I definitely recommend it and it earned every star i gave!
Oh, I absolutely love a best friends romance! Cliche is absolutely perfect! Kevin and Claire have such intense chemistry and love that is so fluid and natural! I love how they have separate paths in life, but their bond remains!
This is definitely a 5 star read! In this book we get to follow Claire and Kevin's life from Claire's point of view. There are some ups and downs, some steamy scences and some tear jerker parts. I am in love with Ryleigh Sloan's writting style and I can wait to read more!
This star struck book was a fun read. They knew each other since childhood. He left South Africa to become a Hollywood actor. But always came back for her. They became friends with benefits. He was always protective of her. So much that when she went with him to California and things got too much for her he got a fake girlfriend. But was she really fake? Could her insecurities place him in another's arms for good?
This was an excellent introduction to this author. It absolutely makes me want more. I loved Claire and Kevin. I loved their friendship and their relationship and just their overall vibe together. I sometimes wished that I could see things from Kevin's POV but this was really well written and there was a lot going on with Claire both when it came to Kevin and outside of her relationship with him. So it worked that things were only told from her view. I loved the Epilogue but kind of felt like the last chapter before that was kind of unnecessary. Overall it was a great story though. And Erin Mallon was great on the narration. If I've got to have a book with only the female POV she is a perfect narrator to really make the most of it.
Claire and Kevin has been with each other forever until he goes off and hits it big. He brings Claire into his other life and tries to protect her from the spotlight. They have never put a label to their relationship and when Claire tells him her feelings, everything changes. She does something selfless for her sister and realizes that she can't hide forever. This is a book that takes you on an emotional ride with Claire and Kevin. Good story.
i have been in a reading slump due to personal reasons, but once i started listening to this one, i couldnt stop! i had to know what happened next. Kevin and Claire had me sucked in from the first minute of listening. their story is one that will make you laugh, cry, and swell with emotion. i will now be having to get a hardcopy to keep on my shelf of favorite reads!
I thought this was a really great book. I loved the storyline and the characters. It was a fantastic love story how the two main characters were friends most of their lives and then fell in love. But things were hard because he was a movie actor and he was afraid to put her through all the crap they go through. The cameras, the Hollywood rumors, always having their life being intruded by everyone. But they meant so much to each other that they were willing to try. But only after walking away believing he wasn’t in love with her like she was with him. Until he confessed how much he did love her and needed her. They were part of each other. It was an awesome book by this author, and I was so happy I got to read such a good love story. ❤️❤️
Wow, this is my first Ryleigh Sloan romance, and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed Kevin and Claire's story, but there were some definitely difficult bumps in their road to a happily-ever-after.
Kevin and Claire are long time friends, and they have a 'friends with benefits' arrangements that suits them just fine because neither is looking for love. Until they are. Until Claire realizes that she's always loved Kevin, but it takes him a bit longer to realize that he's not just being protective of a friend, and maybe he doesn't need to protect her from the world, but instead be there to experience it with her.
This was a really emotional story, with lots of obstacles in their way, but none of them are insurmountable. The passage of time, however, makes them both doubtful of the other's feelings.
As always, Erin Mallon does a phenomenal job narrating and brining this story to life. She brings so much emotion to the table as she embodies Claire's concerns, her thoughts, her insecurities and her emotions. It really enhances the story.
I enjoyed this fun and emotional romance. I was pleasantly surprised by how compelling I found this book. I thought the author did a very good job of taking the basic friends with benefits turns to love trope and used a storyline that added complications that increased the interest factor and helped to create deeper layers to the characters. There is a lot of emotion and tension in this book. The struggle between the hearts and minds of Kevin and Claire takes you and them on quite the roller coaster ride. I was charmed by Kevin's need to protect Claire and I could completely relate to Claire's fears and to her being a giver. They came across as genuine and very likable. This read is sweet, heartbreaking and steamy. Of my own choice, I'm posting a sincere review.