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man-child. noun.
: a grown man who is very immature, therefor considered a man-child

manwhore. noun.
: a promiscuous man who has no regard for his sexual partners or the emotional value of his relationships

Rhett Morgan couldn't have been more wrong for me. The guy drank beer in the shower, for crying out loud. He had no prospects for the future, had slept with half the women in our beach town of Kill Devil Hills, and had no desire to change his manwhore ways.

And when Ben Turner, the guy I had loved from afar for the past four years, died and I couldn't get over his death, I desperately needed a distraction. A distraction like Rhett. So I used him for a one-night stand. Because, after all, that's the only thing a guy like Rhett is good for...right?

218 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2015

31 people are currently reading
473 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Darlington

23 books591 followers
Hi! I'm Sarah Darlington. I write contemporary romance books that are steamy, sexy, and sweet. I love creating book boyfriends you won’t soon forget, and the heroines who give them hell.

Subscribe to my newsletter for new release alerts: sarahdarlingtonauthor.com/cv

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,103 reviews1,416 followers
September 2, 2015
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review

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Sarah Darlington has definitely pulled me with her newest installment to the Kill Devil Hills Series in Pulled Under. Right off the opening pages, I was emotionally invested into the story-line of Sydney as she recounts her tale of Ben and the lasting effect that it left her when she tries to cope with the loss. Pulled Under starts off a bit differently since majority of this book takes place before Kill Devil Hills and Changing Tides. This book definitely correlates with the previous two books giving readers a full picture of the impact how Ben affected not only his family but Sydney, who happens to be secretly in love with him. So as we fast forward to a couple of months, Sydney tries to move on and wants to FEEL alive even if its a fleeting moment. A one night stand turned out to be so much more Sydney when she meets Rhett Morgan. Rhett was known to be the be the town's bad boy manwhore but behind the facade lies a man who had a beautiful heart who showed nothing but adoration, compassion, and deep feelings for Sydney. She was indeed the game changer and the person who rocked his world. So as Sydney and Rhett feelings for one another begins to intensifies, what happens when the man she thought was dead turns out to alive? Can Rhett compete with Ben for Sydney's heart?

#PulledUnder_Sarah

I really enjoyed this book as we are given a story about finding love and getting a second chance to start over. I adored Rhett immediately when he was first introduced. He was sweet, sexy and understanding. As for the chemistry between him and Sydney, it was definitely intense and passionate. They definitely pulled you in as a reader into the story-line as these two tried to figure out their relationship status. I just wished the author didn't end the book the way it did. The surprise ending was what I expected but I wished the book focused more on Sydney and Rhett since I couldn't get enough of these two.

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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Sarah Darlington
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 11, 2018
💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/11/2018)!💝
Profile Image for Alex.
407 reviews182 followers
September 1, 2015
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.

From book one, this is the guy I've been waiting to see! I love him so much, and from book one I needed Rhett, Rhett, Rhett. He's the manwhore (or man-child) of the series and believe me the wait was very much worth it. Rhett is introduced to Sydney when she was sixteen, and he was about twenty. The real story picks up about three or four years after their first meeting.

Sydney was a character I really enjoyed reading about and finding out about her past, but unfortunately she got under my skin maybe once or twice. Only because she kept saying she loved Ben so much, but she honestly hardly knew the guy. Now, this is more or so explained in the ending and it doesn't bother me so much anymore because of the explanation.

I fell in love and under this books spell the minute I picked it up. When I was reading it, time wasn't a thing. It was just Rhett and Sydney. Little did I realize that I'd stayed up unbelievably late reading. Thank goodness it's summer! If you asked me before I read this book my book boyfriends it'd be racking my brain, but now if you asked me Rhett would probably be one of the first names out of my mouth.

The story was fun because it was going on at the same time as book one and two. It filled in all the blanks from book one and two and when the book was done, I was satisfied. And also sad that it was over. The romance was basically one of my all time favourites. I can't even think of a flaw from the book (other then spelling, which is expected from self-publish).

If you love romance, please do yourself a favour and start this series.
Profile Image for Kay (❦ ᴗ ❦ ✿) BooksandMe.
470 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2015


“Just because he was gorgeous, kind of cocky, built like an MAA fighter, and actually talking to me, that didn’t mean I was about to fall instantly in love with him.”


I was actually thinking hard about how the title came up, I’m a weird like that sometimes, and I guess after finishing this novel, I came to realize, it’s not just about love and second chances, it’s all about enjoying some firsts in our life and how you should chose something that should be special and making the most of it.



“That man is not for the faint of heart…”

I like Rhett. He’s this manwhore around town who’s cocky and arrogant, because let’s face it, he has the skills and the looks to back up his reputation. But, with all that in his belt, he seems to be full of insecurities and becomes a blubbering idiot when he’s around Sydney, which is so unlike him. There was just this vulnerability in him that speaks to me.
“I was just thinking about the second half of your sandwich,” I lied. “I think it has my name on it.”


“She was so beautiful, so insanely beautiful, that I could do nothing but stand there staring at her for a moment.”

Sydney. Well, Sydney. I find her like a spoiled brat, everything has been handed to her and yet she still is unhappy. She was this nerdy girl who transformed into a confident, beautiful woman. She’s a bit shallow for me actually, and I’m confused about her feelings.
“Still a beautiful face, still stunning green eyes, but her hair was dyed lighter, her freckles covered with makeup, her glasses gone, and her lips were deep red.”


“I was just the town fuck-stick, only there for a good old-fashioned fucking whenever someone needed a go or to mend a broken heart.”

It’s not really that hard to say, that I was all on for Rhett on this one. But I like how Sydney had made her decisions in the end and the grown-up attitude she did. I guess, much other than that is that her brother’s opinion mattered to her somehow. John, Sydney’s brother, was a dick but I kind of like his attitude and get to know him. With Ben, well, let’s just say there’s still something in him that makes me want to know him more. I want to know those secrets that he had harbored.

“Sydney, sweetheart, you need to know that I’m probably always going to be the guy who likes ‘to fuck and have a good time.’”


Pulled Under is the third installment in the Kill Devil Hills Series. This is a stand-alone novel but to better understand the characters and enjoy the novel, it is better to read the other books in the series.

Reading Order and review:
Kill Devil Hills (Kill Devil Hills, #1) by Sarah Darlington Changing Tides (Kill Devil Hills, #2) by Sarah Darlington Pulled Under (Kill Devil Hills, #3) by Sarah Darlington Adrift (Kill Devil Hills, #4) by Sarah Darlington
Kill Devil Hills
Changing Tides


“Competing with a memory is much harder than competing with the real thing.”




**ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Book-Bosomed  blog.
516 reviews259 followers
April 9, 2018
This third book in the Kill Devil Hills series might be called Pulled Under but really the whole series could easily be called Pulled In because that’s what these stories do—they pull you in right from the start and keep you hooked up through the final page. And then some! I’m sitting here right now ready for book 4, Adrift. I don’t even want to start another book because I want to savor these Kill Devil Hills characters a little longer.

So book 3 is about Rhett Morgan, Ellie and Noah’s roommate introduced in book one, Kill Devil Hills, and Sydney Francesca Michaels, also introduced in the first book where readers caught a glimpse at their one night hook up that left Rhett drowning his sorrows and in a desperate hunt all over town for the girl whose name he didn’t even know. Well it turns out Rhett and Sydney had more history than just that infamous night that made Rhett ready to leave his manwhore ways in the past.

In fact, Rhett and Sydney’s past is actually pretty sweet and touching. Despite Rhett’s reputation, he shows a side to Sydney (and thus the readers) that makes him kind of a catch. I’m not sure the book’s blurb does Rhett justice at all as I came to adore him and certainly rooted for him to get his girl.

“Come find me when you’re no longer jailbait.”

Without giving all the sweet treats of the story away, I will say the note thing was one of my favorite parts that really captured the romance. But honestly the whole book kept me engaged and like the previous ones, I didn’t want to put it down.

It’s cute:
“‛The milk is no longer free. Sorry, princess.’”

It’s sexy:
“Only problem…we were fucking in an open hallway. Granted it was the middle of the night, but this just wouldn’t do.”

It’s sweet:
“‛So when you’re ready—and here’s a hint, sweetheart, there are three words I’m gonna want to hear—I’ll be here.’”

And it’s touching:
“‛Your first kiss should be memorable and special—something that makes you smile for the rest of your life.”

Sydney thinks she’s using Rhett to get over her unrequited “love” for Ben Turner, but what she finds through the journey of the story is that Rhett offers what Ben can’t.

Rhett intrigued me back in book 1, and he doesn’t disappoint in his own story. In fact, he definitely excelled my expectations. He’s a great example of a character that is deeper than his reputation. Or as Rhett would look at it, he’s offers so much than simply “yellow snow.”

Told via Rhett and Syd’s alternating first person POV, the storyline covers the timeframe of books 1 and 2. It can be read as a stand-alone although it’s beneficial to read the series from the beginning. These are a great group of characters whose lives are so intricately intertwined.

*ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Deserie williams.
606 reviews6 followers
September 8, 2015
ok so I had some issues with this. things I don't normally like and I still don't but for some reason I really liked Rhett!! He was a dumbass with certain things but he really does love Sydney.

Safe with exceptions: I don't think most of my GR friends are going to like this but he does bring his ex sex buddy with him on a trip, she sits on his lap on a car ride and they share a hotel room(two beds though) I know it's bad but he did it to make h jealous, you see she thinks she's in love with someone else and she pushes him away. I know it is stupid on his part but I got over it, now did I like it Hell no! Positive note he wasn't with anyone since the first time they were together(even though she leaves him with the impression that she used him for just sex to take her mind off the other guy).lol
Profile Image for Amy .
3,126 reviews
December 5, 2015
Pulled Under is the third book in the Kill Devil Hills series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

Pulled Under pulled me in from the very first page and follows the story of Rhett and Sydney. Rhett Morgan is the guy that mom always warned you about. He’s what you call a man-whore. He’s probably slept with most of the women in town. However, on the night of Sydney’s 16th birthday, fate intervenes and their two lives come crashing together. Two years go by, and Sydney decides to finally look for Rhett. Sydney knows what kind of man Rhett is and has no intention of changing his ways. She needs him to make her forget. See, a guy that Sydney was friends with and had a major crush on, passed away, so now she’s looking for a distraction. Both of them were in agreement that this was just supposed to be a one night stand. However, once again, fate had plans of her own. Sydney proves to be a game changer for Rhett. She has him questioning everything that he’s ever known or wanted. Will Rhett finally change his man-whore ways??

I absolutely adored this book. It was a great romance; perfect for summer reading. The plot was fun and entertaining. I loved Sarah Darlington’s writing style. Her characters were well-written and felt very real. It was almost as if you had a friend sitting with you telling you this story.

I loved Rhett. He was sexy and had this bad boy, man-whore reputation when he was first introduced. I knew there had to more to him, so I couldn’t wait to learn more about him. It’s amazing what the right woman can do to a man. The chemistry between Rhett and Sydney was intense and intoxicating. I loved the push and pull between the two of them.

My one and only complaint about this story was the epilogue. I really, really wanted more of Rhett and Sydney. I felt like the current epilogue should have actually been another chapter in the book. It introduced a little conflict and even though it was resolved, I would have liked to have basked in the glow of how things ended for just a little longer.—That’s just my opinion.

Pulled Under was a quick and easy read for me. I finished it in one sitting and was not able to put it down. I loved the romance and drama. This book has a really great twist that I wasn’t expecting, so it was fun watching it all play out. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to checking out the first two books in this series.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
104 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2015
***Received an ARC copy by the author, Sarah Darlington, as part of the Sarah Darling Street Team in exchange for an honest review***

4.5 Princess Stars

I have been a huge fan of this series from the start and have been dying to get Rhett and Sydney’s story since I’ve read Kill Devil Hills. I can’t help but fall for the asshole manwhores who changed their ways to with that one special girl they never knew they were waiting for.

Sydney met Rhett on her 16th birthday when she was crying over her first heartbreak. Rhett gives Sydney the only thing that could make her birthday a little better, her first kiss. Because of the four year age difference Rhett leaves Sydney a note telling her to find him when she is legal.

Fast forward two years, Sydney decides to take Rhett up on his note and goes looking for him so he can take another one of her firsts. She is devastated over the death of the boy she loves and is hoping Rhett can help take away her pain, like he did on her birthday, but neither of them are prepared for the feelings they share during there one night together. Sydney knows what type of man Rhett is and decides to leave before he has a chance to break what little heart she has left.

Rhett has never felt for anyone the way he feels about Sydney and he is not willing to just give her up.

“Damn,” I whispered n her ear, praising her like I should have a minute ago. “I’ve never felt so lucky in my life. I’ve never been so hopeful about whatever tomorrow’s going to bring. I’ve never had a day better than this. You’ve got me by the balls, princess. And I mean that in the best possible way. I am yours. Period.”

I absolutely loved Rhett! He never strayed from his feelings for Sydney and was willing to do what it take to prove to her that she was it for him, even when her pushing him away was tearing his heart in two.

“You’re my girlfriend,” he stressed. “At least, for a moment, that’s how it felt. And I missed my girlfriend.”

I loved Rhett and Sydney’s story, I just wished we got more of them in the end and a glimpse of them together in the future. Pulled Under and the Kill Devil Hills series is definitely one I would recommend and I can’t wait to read the next one (Please be Ben’s story!!!!!).
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,750 reviews224 followers
August 28, 2016

Goodreads needs emoticons. When it comes to Rhett I really want to use the heart eyes for him. I seriously had no clue I would feel this way about him when I started this book. In the previous 2 he was just on the periphery...that kind of friend who'd show up once in awhile, make his mark and then leave. How was I supposed to know he'd worm his way into my heart like he did and make me love him?!?

Rhett is one of those characters who completely catches you off guard...you expect certain things from him and you expect him to act a certain way, and it's such a delight when you begin to realize there is so much more to him than your preconceived expectations. His first interaction with Sydney was so sweet and I think right then is where I started to fall for him.

Sydney and Rhett's relationship is a bit of a complicated one...it starts out with Sydney just trying to get over her grief for Ben, but slowly morphs into so much more than that, for both of them. Rhett falls hard for Sydney, which for him is so out of character! But I loved it! I loved how absolutely sweet and caring he is, how his whole persona changes as he gets to know her and gets pulled under her spell. I admit Sydney can be a little frustrating at times, but she's young and has had a lot to deal with in her life.

Pulled Under kind of runs parallel to/overlaps Kill Devil Hills and also a bit with Changing Tides. But this is Rhett and Sydney's story so you get an entirely new viewpoint of things that happened in the previous books, as well as totally new content between these 2. It would be helpful to read the other books first, so that you're not lost when it comes to certain parts. And I completely loved them so I'd highly recommend it!

Profile Image for Jade Simcox.
836 reviews72 followers
August 24, 2015
Rhett couldn't be more wrong for Sydeny. He drinks beer in the shower, he's older then her, and he's a manwhore.
At school Sydney was the geeky, quiet girl. She kept to herself. She has been in love with Ben Turner from afar for years. He doesn't notice her. But then one day things change. Ben dies. It changes everything for Sydney, she feels like she is falling apart. So she seeks out Rhett for a one night stand, something to help her forget the pain for a while. But feelings start to develop on both sides. Is Rhett only good for a one night stand or is he capable of more?
I loved the synopsis for this book and couldn't wait to jump in. The characters are relatable and I connected with them straight away. I felt like I could be best friends with them all.
This is a story of player wants good girl. But Sydney isn't a push over, she maybe innocent but she stands up to Rhett when needed.
Rhett is your hot bad boy. He's a player, he doesn't want to settle down. But he remembers the green eyed beauty from a few years ago.
The story line was gripping and kept me guessing. There were some things that happened that were "what the f*ck did I just read" moments and "omg did that really just happen". I loved the book and I'm going to check out the rest of the series. Even though it's the third in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything by not reading them.
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
November 5, 2015
*** 3 Cranky Stars ***



Rhett Morgan is a known man whore. He likes his uncomplicated life and doesn't want to change.



Sydney Michaels has been in love with Ben Turner since her freshman year. During a summer school class they became friends and Ben confided in her that he was taking the summer classes to graduate early, so he could join the coast guard. They continued their friendship through emails until she found out that he died while trying to save someone's life. Lost at sea and no body recovered, she attended his funeral and shut down.



Knowing that she needs to get back to her life and get over Ben, Sydney decides to initiate a one night stand with confirmed man whore Rhett. After all, he was her first kiss and told her to find him when she was no longer jail bait.



Sparks fly but she is unsure of her feelings towards Rhett.



Rhett falls head over heals for Sydney, yet he doesn't even know her name. He's never felt this before and knows, without a doubt, that she's the One.



This series is one of my favorites. Sarah Darlington writes amazing relatable characters that you instantly fall for. Hot men and sassy women steal your heart and leave you wanting more.

Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,680 reviews341 followers
September 7, 2015

I haven't read Book #2 yet, but in Book #1 we meet the Turner family as their younger brother Ben had just died and then the sister Georgie tried to commit suicide which is who the book was based on, her older sister Ellie and best friend Noah found her and saved her and then eventually Noah and Georgie got together as readers discovered that Ellie was in fact a lesbian. I had to start with that little recap, so that readers would understand Book #3. In Book #3 we meet Sydney who is in love with Ben Turner, she had a major crush on him until the day of her sixteenth birthday when she walked in on him and his current girlfriend having sex in the girls gym locker room. Heartbroken, she is outside crying at the resturant that her brother has taken her too for her birthday where she meets Rhett Morgan- the bartender. The pair share a moment and her first kiss. He leaves her a note to come find him when she is no longer jail-bait. Fast forward two years and Ben has died and Georgie has had a unsuccessful suicide attempt and Sydney is now 18 years old and so for old times sake , she seeks out Rhett Morgan who can't believe she is back. The pair despite the hate from her older brother John, they start dating and eventually become close but what will happen when the news that Ben isn't actually dead but he's alive and well do to their relationship. Is this a sign for Sydney to give it another go with Ben or will spending all this time with Rhett and getting to know the "real him" is where she is supposed to be ?
Find out in Book #3 of Kill Devil Hills "Pulled Under" by Sarah Darlington today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf.
483 reviews85 followers
September 3, 2015
I really loved Rhett. He’s funny, sweet, charming and adorable. He also has a bit of a reputation. However, there’s something about Syndey though that makes him stop and completely change course. Right after he meets Sydney (for the second time…the time that counts) he immediately stops his manwhoring ways, falls into a vat of love and tracks down Sydney, who legit just used him for sex since he’s known as the town manslut. *awwwwww*

I loved that Sydney calls him on his bullshit and I really really loved the hotel ice machine room scene. HOLY HELL. I also adored that Sydney began to stand up for herself when it counted the most. Of course, there are times where she’s an idiot and I wanted to shake her, but when it came down to it – she showed up.

While I found the plot somewhat predictable and it really could have really benefited from an epilogue (I needed just a bit more to come down off of the climactic high), there’s a lot to love about this book. The characters are likable, the sex is outstanding, and the player-turned-whipped-puppy-dog gets me every time. This is a New Adult manwhore redemption story that put a smile on my face. 3.75 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
Profile Image for Laken.
40 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2015
I was gifted an ARC of this book in exchange for honest review. Thanks to Sarah Darlington for letting me read it!

I enjoyed this book, as I have all of the books in the Kill Devil Hills series. Despite being an ARC, I thought this book was much better edited in general than the previous two books. The pacing was a little better as far as plot goes, but there were large passages of time that were completely missing, with little explanation of what was going on during that time. On a positive note, there was definitely more conflict this time around than in the first two books, which made it more interesting.

While I enjoy the writer's voice and some of the characters that she creates, I didn't feel like Sydney and Rhett's relationship was very believable. It was hard for me to connect or really care about their relationship when there was no clear reason why they SHOULD be together. Aside from a physical attraction, and a sore ego on Rhett's part, It didn't make sense to me why he fell so hard, so fast for her. I have no idea what led them to believe they loved each other, other than a lot of lust. So, for me, this book kind of missed the mark as a romance, but it was a passable companion to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Nina.
54 reviews
August 25, 2015
Okay well let me start of by saying that this book had great potential, the characters were well thought out, the scene was great.... BUT the story line wasn't so great.
I felt that it ended a bit too quickly. The turmoil I was expecting to experience with such great characters did not happen. Its not a bad read at all but it is a short one where I was left thinking is that it ?
Why did Ben pull a disappearing act ?
Why did Rhett fall so easily for Sydney ?
Why did Luce not throw a hissy fit ?

I just felt that I expected more from this book, It looked very promising but it sort of left me with a whole bunch of what ifs and whys, if that makes any sense.

writing 4/5
characters 5/5
plot 2/5
scene 3/5
errors/grammar 5/5
I would recommend this to my friends who prefer a light read and nothing to intense.

**I was graciously provided with a ARC from the author through a RIRI group for a honest review.
Profile Image for Renee Entress.
5,589 reviews77 followers
June 2, 2017
4.5 star

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

Before reading this story please read the below books first
Kill Devil Hills (Kill Devil Hills, #1)
Changing Tides (Kill Devil Hills, #2)

This is Syndey and Rhett’s story. Syndey lost her love but what she needs is someone like Rhett to help her get over it. She can use him as he is a manwhore. But what happens when a meeting of two people so different turns out the best thing for both. He wants her for more than one night and she is only looking for one night. It will take everything he can do to convince her he wants her just for herself. She is going to be the reason he changes his bad ways. Can he convince her? Will she really want him after his past ways?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
2,155 reviews109 followers
September 9, 2015
4 secret stars


I'm so torn with this book. I love Rhett in the last one but I think it got too overdone in the romance department with Sydney ... I'm going to have to think on it

More review to come
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,727 reviews83 followers
March 31, 2017
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Rhett is your typical man whore, however a second encounter with shy a first Sydney has him changing his ways as he o-so-fast falls in love with her wanting to change his ways and have his first proper girlfriend.

Sydney has always had a crush on Ben Turner and twice in a row she has used Rhett to help get over the feeling. At the end you certainly think that Ben is a tool and needs to sort himself out.

Rhett sometimes acts a little wet or a little too emotional and a little immature for his age, Sydney however does not give him enough credit.

Glad they end up together, but i can't wait for Ben's story and to find out why he did what he did and who he falls in love with to turn his life around for.
Profile Image for Lisa.
677 reviews20 followers
September 24, 2018
Sydney and Rhett. Yup. So far, they’re my favorite. Talk about swoon and omg hot. So so very hot. I can’t get enough these characters and of this series. I’m highly addicted.
On to book 4...
Profile Image for Fhina.
342 reviews84 followers
August 29, 2015
I would recommend to only read this review if you have read the 2 other books because it's impossible not to spoil, although I did hide the spoilers!

I loved the first 2 books, Kill Devil Hills and Changing Tides, in the Kill Devil Hills - Series, so that the third installment in the series was one of my anticipated books this fall.

This book tells the story of Rhett and Sydney, whom we both know from the former books.

It starts off 2 and a half years ago on Sydney's 16. birthday. Back then she was the ugly duckling and the nerdy girl and no guy would really notice or look at her. While she cries her eyes out next to the dumpsters of the restaurant her brother took her out to, she encounters Rhett for the first time. She knows who he is and know his reputation.

Rhett is older than her. He enjoys meaningless sex and earns his monkey being a barkeeper. So he definitely isn't the right guy for a girl like Sydney. When he see's there crying he starts a conversation and she opens up to him and tells him that she's never been kissed before while she just walked in on her crush having sex with his girlfriend.

He can't quite believe it that a beautiful girl with so pretty green eyes has never been kissed. That compliment makes Sydney brave enough to lean in and kiss Rhett. They both enjoy it until her brother John shows up and ruins it. He takes her and tells her to never see Rhett again because he simply isn't the right guy for her.

At some point, Sydney decided it's time to move on and she goes out to that bar where she knows she can meet that boy she met there 2 years ago on her 16. birthday. She wants to forget everything, move on and just get over it.

When she approaches Rhett and he noticed her, it's like magic between them and you can feel that as a reader. Sydney get's exactly what she wants - a one night stand with Rhett. But is this really all there is? Because Rhett doesn't feel that way.

Sarah definitely knows how to write good and gripping stories, that soak you in and won't let loose until you finish.
Profile Image for Carra.
1,733 reviews31 followers
September 1, 2015
I really, really love this series. While Pulled Under can be read as a standalone, I really recommend reading the stories in order as it will enhance your enjoyment of the entire series. One of the interesting things from this installment is that some events overlap with things that occur in the previous story, Changing Tides, so it's neat that we get to see things that are happening in the overall series from different characters' perspectives.

We were introduced to Rhett in the first book of the series, and when we meet him again here in Pulled Under, it's a total *swoon* moment...and I kept on swooning the whole way through the story. Yes he's a man-whore. But really, it's kind of past tense now, setting the stage for something more.

Though Sydney knew of Rhett from his reputation in town, she has her first personal encounter with him when she's sixteen (yup, that first swoon moment), then not again until she's become an adult. Sydney comes across as a mature young woman compared to many new adult romance characters I've read, which is quite welcome in a genre where lead characters many times come across as immature and childish (a big thank you to the author for writing her character so well!).

Pulled Under gives us a wonderful playboy-finds-the-one story that kind of has a tiny dose of second chance romance to it (very tiny, but the promise is there from Sydney and Rhett's first scene together), entwined with Sydney trying to get over a perceived lost love. This all makes for an intriguing storyline with a nice shot of drama, and Sydney and Rhett's chemistry give us a nice bit of spice as well.

Rhett turns out to be a wonderfully sweet, romantic man (okay, yes, hot and sexy as well--that's a given), and this story would not be the same without his charming pursuit of Sydney...after all, when you see a playboy character find the one-especially one like Rhett who you just can't help but fall for-the journey from that point on as you read is one that puts a smile on your face and the end result when you're done is a book you know you'll be re-reading again and again.

5 sweet, lovable stars for Pulled Under, and this series is one of my top recommendations for those who love any kind of romance story. For 18+ due to adult language and adult intimate scenes.
Profile Image for Twinsie Talk Angie J.
1,809 reviews
August 28, 2015
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Pulled Under by Sarah Darlington
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.

I am a huge fan of this series and loved how this book evolved. This book was kinda of a time travel back to before Georgie and Noah were together and when Ellie and Nate were meeting. We finally get the story of Syd and Ben. We know there is a girl who Rhett is really rude to while everyone is traveling to meet up with Ben after they discover he is alive. I thought it was a fun way to remember scenes (IE Noah and the Rat in the apartment or the Disney trip) while learning about new important scenes.

Syd is the invisible girl in High School who loved Ben but of course he had zero clue who she was. In school they took a couple classes together and formed a friendship when there was no one else they both knew in this math class. Syd always “Loved” Ben from afar and thought there might be a future but then he “died”. She is grieving him when she goes to find Rhett. He is the man who helped her forget her sadness about Ben at 16 by being her first kiss. Now at 18 she goes to find him to be her first something else….wink wink

Rhett is floored by the beautiful woman who plays his game totally and completely on him. She used him for a one night stand and he doesn’t even know her name. He does remember her but no clue her name. He goes crazy and is sending out search parties to find this amazing woman. Syd and Rhett fight it but their chemistry is just there. They end up dating in secret. Rhett is sooo scared of the day when he finds out Ben is alive. He knows his chances with Syd are over. She loves Ben and will dump him for Ben. I loved Rhett. In every book I loved him but to see this yellowed snow man whore reformed over the love of a snow white princess……It just made my heart happy. I loved how he loved with his entire heart. I loved him taking risks to be with his girl even though he thought Syd was going to be breaking up with him. He still followed his heart and fought for his girl.
Profile Image for Laura.
758 reviews104 followers
September 6, 2015
Thank you to the author, Sarah Darlington, for gifting me with a copy of this book as well as the previous two in the series in exchange for an honest review!

Just like the cover implies, I was immediately pulled into this book. I would suggest reading the first two books in the series just because they give a little more background on the characters in the story. This book takes place during the time that the first two do (it arches over both) so of course, like any book that comes later in the series, there is less information presented about the characters. However, after reading both of the previous books as well, I would like a little more background on their high school days (including Sydney's crush on Ben). It just seemed like that was all stated and it never really connected with me.

Other than that minor detail, I felt totally connected with the story. All of the conflicts felt realistic and the character's stayed true to themselves. They really felt like real people. The romance scenes were perfectly placed and spaced so it didn't feel rushed or awkward. Just in general, this books struck a great balance between romance, hilarious lines, and crazy plot twists (the Ben thing was just... WHOA).

While we're on the Ben subject, without saying too much, I can tell you that I didn't like him AT ALL. What he did was so so selfish. I actually would like to read a book from his POV just to know what on EARTH he was thinking!

The last thing I wanted to mention was the multiple POV's. They helped the story so much and I'm so glad the author decided to allocate POV scenes whenever it seemed necessary, not just alternating between two or three characters. Most of the time, that's what happened, but when a particular scene happened, there'd be another character that got their own POV. I could always pick the different voices apart and I was never confused who was speaking at the moment.

The Final Verdict:
An excellent modern romance with very realistic characters that jumped off the page. I would have liked a little more background on Ben because as it stands right now, he's just a terrible person to me and I don't really connect with his actions.
4 stars
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews363 followers
September 5, 2015
description

"Come find me when you're no longer jail-bait."

Little did us Kills Devil Hills readers know that Sydney and Rhett had history beyond that one night that left the man-whore himself broken and searching. A few years prior Rhett made an impression on a young girl and now he is the only one Sydney can think of to help take away her torment, even if just for one night.

"It felt like I was stuck in a nightmare from which I couldn't wake up. Alive but not fully alive. Aware but not fully aware. Breathing but only just barely-each breath more difficult to manage than the one before it."

Rhett is the town's make you feel good for a second kind of guy. He is known for his bed post notches. He doesn't date, he doesn't do names or numbers, he only does what feels good for the time being. He has come to be known as that guy who makes you laugh because he's not that serious. He's comes out with great lines but little depth until he cannot get this green-eyed girl out his mind. Just like that, Rhett unfolds into a more dynamic character than I expected. He has insecurities and worries and is not always just the life of the party.

"I've never been so hopeful about whatever tomorrow's going to bring. I've never had a day better than this. You've got me by the balls princess."

This was a great continuation to this series and while it could be read as a standalone I would recommend reading it as part of the whole. Without the other two books I feel like you would miss a whole other level to what is happening around Rhett and Sydney. This was a sweet story, it made me giggle and flowed nicely. Sydney is a fun and strong character and Rhett is just fun to love. There was definitely some predictability in the story line, but it was enjoyable just the same. I do hope that there is one more story in the works for this series because while we have moved forward in time ever so slightly there is still a story left untold.
Profile Image for Kelly (the book hussy).
1,770 reviews71 followers
February 28, 2023
RE-READ FEBRUARY 2023

Knocking off a star since my initial read. I forgot just how big of a manwhore Rhett actually was. There are a couple scenes and things that are mentioned that are just gross. For instance, when he finds out her older brother took her to the clinic to get tested for STD’s after he took her virginity, his response is “wow”. Like he couldn’t believe it. Dude, she’s in your bed the night you take her virginity and you tell her she needs to get off so you can change the sheets because you just had sex with some random chick there 2 days ago and they were dirty!! Eww🤢

*************************************
Original review 9/4/15

- Virgin heroine
- Manwhore hero

Where do I begin? I absolutely loved Rhett! He's funny and outgoing. We see the confident, cocky exterior, but with Sydney (who has no trouble calling out his bullshit), we see the super sweet, gentle, insecure Rhett.

They first meet when Sydney is at the awkward age of 16. This is when Rhett begins giving Sydney her "first" experiences.

Fast forward 2 years later. and they meet again. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. It was a bit of insta-love on Rhett's side, but I got over it. Lots of push and pull (mostly from Sydney) so it kept the story interesting. Sometimes annoying, but still interesting.

I recommend reading the first two books in the series before this one. The story about Ben will make more sense.

”We loved each other.
The end.
The rest of the world could go fuck themselves.”
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