Anything You Need

Cataclysm #1

by Jerica MacMillan

Fake relationships never felt so real.

With my parents’ anniversary party looming
and assurances that my douchebag ex will be trying to win me back ...
I need a boyfriend.
Pronto.
And I know just who to ask—
Marcus.
My best friend since high school.
Now the frontman for the hottest band on the planet.

He’s perfect.
Hot. Available. Famous.
And he’s always been there for me no matter what.

But nothing about his kisses feels fake, blurring the line between make believe and reality until it disappears. When he starts talking about forever, it feels so right.

My ex isn’t deterred, though, and he’ll do anything to get what he wants.
Even blackmail me.

Now I’m faced with an impossible decision. What do I choose when I end up destroyed either way?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Music, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Fake Dating

313 pages, ebook

First published August 25, 2018

About the author

Jerica MacMillan has been reading romance since she stumbled into the paperback section of the library as a middle schooler. And it's been an ongoing love affair ever since!

You can frequently find her sipping coffee out of snarky mugs while dreaming up stories and trying to bring them to life on the page. Join her Book Club at www.jericamacmillan.com/book-club and get a free book!

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out pretty good, ending was trash

I haaaaate the miscommunication trope, especially when done like this. Literally all she had to do was have one conversation with her dad, because that’s how it’s all fixed a month later.

Also absolutely hate the fact that Kendra screws Marcus over. They’ve literally been best friends their whole life but the only option is to do the classic ‘I actually hate you goodbye’ instead of just… explaining what was going on? Because he would ‘stop her’… I mean yeah because she was being dumb as hell. Plus after the fact she expects him to be ok with it and take her back and Blaire also agrees with her and they make it seem like Marcus’ fault and because he wants to be with her then he should just forgive her?

No. This is not how normal people act.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/20/2020)! 🎁

[Catherine Bibby (Rochelle's Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy and voluntarily left a review and all opinions are my own.

Jerica MacMillan created a book that hit the reading jackpot in my eyes with Anything You Need. She gives her readers not only a hot as hell rock star but also a best friend romance that is sure to have your heart beating overtime and leave you with stars in your eyes! I couldn't wait to open up Jerica's newest fictional world and get to know this couple who have been in bouts of lust and love with each other for years and years. You just know that kind of sexual tension is going to cause readers to combust and hearts to flutter! After meeting Marcus and Kendra I was immediately swept away in their heat, angst, and matters of the heart. They made me theirs completely and totally! They are sweet, loyal to a fault, and ever so naughty!

Marcus Barnett is the lead singer of the hottest alternative rock band around Cataclysm, but all the fame in the world cannot dim the feelings that he has for his best friend Kendra. Since they met in high school he has loved her silently until she comes up with the crazy scheme to pretend to be together to fool her ex. I adored everything about this delicious man who knows how to sing all the right words both in and out of the bedroom. He shows that he loves Kendra with every loving look, sweet nothing whispered, and sexy groan and dirty word uttered. He had me fangirling early on and ready to buy tickets to his and Kendra's show.

Kendra Strickland is a debutante that is anything but, defies all odds, and doesn't plan on marrying for money instead of love. I fell in love with this rebel born with a silver spoon in her mouth that is fiercely loyal to her family and loves Marcus from afar. She shows what an amazing person she is and her depth by falling for Marcus when he was no more than just a band geek in high school. And lets face it, she has amazing taste in a best friend and a guy to pine for. I couldn't wait to see Kendra find her happiness with her “rock star” best friend. She has a great sense of humor, is super adorable and sexy and Marcus was done for from the moment he met her.

Jerica Macmillan gives us some new rock stars and a new series to obsess over. If you didn't think that romance and music mix, after reading Anything You Need, you most definitely will. Jerica will keep your heart and emotions in a tangled up mess from beginning to ending with Kendra and Marcus and will also leave you begging for more. I have read every one of Jerica's books and have seen her writing grow in leaps and bounds. I am always giddy and left anticipating another read. I cannot wait to get more personal with these rock star hotties and the angst and heat that surrounds them.

[Sweet Spot Sisterhood Book Lover's Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good rockstar romance and this is one of my favorites by Jerica MacMillan. This friends-to-lovers tale had no shortage of chemistry and hot sexy-times between our hero and heroine. As far as writing sexy-time scenes, Jerica is one of my very favorites. I can’t even put my finger on why, but I have to guess it is just choreographed just right to my liking, lol. Anyway, I loved this storyline and the promise of upcoming books. I have a feeling we have some interesting relationships going on between the other band mates and I can’t wait to see what’s going on behind closed doors!

reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood

[♡ Jeri's Book Attic ♡ Jeri the Romance Bibiliophile ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Mary Burrows · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Had to skim through the obligatory dumb drama and lack of communication that could have and should have been easily avoided.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 books in this series, cool cover! i keep finding newbie authors to me lately, so awesome!! loved this read. steamy hot romance between childhood friends Marcus and Kendra. so well written, I really enjoy Jerica writing style. Look forward to more from this author very very soon!! can't wait! ( ;

[Nerdy Dirty & Flirty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything You Need by Jerica MacMillan is the start of what I found to be a promising new series. It features the band Cataclysm and even had mention of other characters I've grown fond of in previous books by this author. This particular story centered around front man of the band Marcus and his best friend Kendra. The two have known each other since childhood and that friendship has held strong over the years. Strong enough that when Kendra needs a date for her parents anniversary party Marcus is all for it. Even when they have to actually pretend to be dating. But when the lines blur between pretend and reality, they have to decide if it's worth risking their friendship. And then when a huge obstacle is thrown in their way, they find that love might not be enough.

I really liked this first story of the series. I liked the dynamic between all the band members. They fought like family and also supported each other like a good family too. There were so many interesting side story lines going on among them that I am excited to read about in future. It didn't take away from this one in fact it only added to it.

Kendra and Marcus were really good characters. I liked their friends to lovers transition and how it all played out, but I also really liked them individually. Especially Kendra. She was smart, independent, but also really loyal even when it wasn't in her best interest.

Overall I just really enjoyed this book and am excited to read more about Cataclysm.

[Sherri Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Jerica MacMillan has done it again. This series is fabulous. I have fallen in love with Marcus and Kendra and all the characters that are in this book. Marcus was so sexy but he was also such a sweet and nice person. He has loved Kendra for a very long time and he always told her that he would do "Anything You Need." Kendra was beautiful and the friendship she had with Marcus was one of the most important things in her life. No matter what he was doing or where he was Marcus was always there for her. Marcus and Kendra both came from different backgrounds but there was something that just drew them together. This book is about two people who are very important to each other. Who have so many obstacles to overcome to be together. It is about love, pain and so many other things. I cannot wait to see what Jerica MacMillan has in store for Danny. All I have left to say is that this book is way beyond a 5 star read and I am sitting on the edge of seat anxiously awaiting book two in this Cataclysm series.I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Kindle Copy for Review

Childhood friends find themselves falling in love with each other.

She needed him as a decoy to stop her parents from throwing her at her ex boyfriend during a weekend away. He would do anything for her and pretend to be her rock star boyfriend. But being in close proximity stirs up more than just friends feelings.

Things heat up between the two of them but when things seem to be going well her ex strikes. He is willing to do anything to get her back even a little blackmail to get what he wants. What will happen when the truth comes out? A fun romance read

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would have given this book a higher rating if I didn't feel the whole reason for angst wasn't a throw-away filler of time, in one paragraph the situation is poof - gone with the antagonist never to be dealt with.

[Jennifer Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing Heroine

It started out fine, but the conflict was just too frustrating. I ended up really hating the heroine because, grow a pair and talk to your family. It’s sad when the best written character is the villain. Just ugh!

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well on track to be a five star read for me. I'm actually in the middle of another book of "friends to lovers" that is just dragging so much with the will they, won't they, that I needed a break.

This was almost perfect.

I loved both Kendra and Marcus individually. Both were good humans, really relatable. However, Kendra was set up to be too much of a people pleaser to stand up against her parents overbearing? expectations. As the book unfolded and we, as readers, saw more interactions with her parents that didn't really come across; they were portrayed as far more sympathetic. As a writer you need to establish things by both telling and showing. This served to give us mixed messages and eroded our ability to relate to the heroine.
At least this set-up gave Kendra something to overcome and seeing her grow and come into her own was enjoyable.

I wish Marcus had a similar minor character flaw or obstacle, other than a mild case of writer's block, to overcome - that would have put them on more equal footing in that regard. It didn't bother me that much but it would have made for a richer story. He was too perfect and that made him a bit hard to swallow, never making a misstep or appearing vulnerable. I would have loved to see more of him as a rock star, performing, interacting with fans that kind of thing.

I enjoyed reading about their common history and wished it was more fleshed out because the glimpses we caught were incredibly sweet and demonstrated how comfortable they were with each other and how they complimented each other so well. I enjoyed seeing them come to the realization that their fake relationship was getting a little too real and embracing it. The spicy sex scenes were well written too, which is an added bonus.

However, the conflict that was created to give them something to overcome was just too much for me. So incredibly unrealistic. It really ruined the book for me and ruined Kendra's character. I would have much preferred a misunderstanding that could have been laid at both of their feet equally. It turned a five-star story into a three, so I compromised and assigned it a four. At the end of the day it was a really good story for like 80% of the book and then it was only okay. That it ended on a low note for me is probably colouring my opinion of the book and most people wouldn't mind quite so much. It was a good read and I would read other stories by the author, but I'm just not in a hurry to do so.

[Tara Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcus and Kendra have been brat friends since that were young children, but secretly, they both have wanted to be more. When Kendra asks him to be her fake boyfriend at a family function, to help keep her ex away, he agrees. As they both start realizing what exactly this will entail, their feelings start to grow.
Their relationship grew and their connection became stronger, but are two best friends really meant to be more? Marcus is all in, after all, he has always wanted Kendra and it liked him to see her with other people. Kendra is also all in, but doesn't know if she should trust the famous musician with her heart. What neither one of them saw coming is Kendra breaking Marcus' heart instead.
When she does the unthinkable, it not only breaks his heart, but also hers. Is there any way Kendra can get Marcus to forgive her and take her back, or did she go too far? How will the unthinkable affect Marcus personally and professionally? This was a great read and I can't wait to read more about the band.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jerica’s new series is amazing. I never wanted Marcus and Kendra’s story to end! Having read all her books all I can say is I can’t get enough. Marcus and Kendra have been friends since high school and even though they each have feelings for the other they never wanted to lose their best friend by crossing a line. These two have always had each others backs and will do anything for one another. She attends his events to keep the crazies away, but now she needs him to keep her crazy away. What they plan as a fake relationship turns into so much more. Their story had me taking breathers from my own heart. I needed to digest what I thought was going to happen good or bad. I swooned, cheered, cried and sometimes wanted to choke someone (no names mentioned) if they were in front of me. Their story gives you all the feels. It’s sweet, sexy and full of love!

[Lynne Cuda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun new rockstar series for me!

Marcus has been in love with his best friend Kendra since they were kids in middle school band. They watched each other date and never said a thing. But Marcus was always there if Kendra needed him. Even when his alt-rock band Catclysm got famous, they stayed in touch. Cataclysm went on a 2 year your that nearly had the guys killing each other. But Marcus was willing to get away from LA for a weekend to play Kendra's fake boyfriend to keep her parents from pushing their family friend's son Mitchell on her again. She tried dating him. No go. Marcus and Kendra had to convince everyone that they moved from friends to lovers. Now we as readers knew they could, but WOULD they open up to each other not knowing what the other felt?? A delightful story with some ups and downs! Enjoy!

[Didi Ps · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars...

Ken & Marcus have to pretend to be bf & gf for the weekend so Kendra’s parents won’t try to force her onto her ex. What they each don’t know, however, is that each one is hot for the other.

This story is very well written. The author makes it very clear why they each kept their feelings for each other secret, & when they finally get together you just want to celebrate with them...

Her ex, Mitchy, Martin, Matthew... whatever... is such a conceited jerk.

This was a well written story with some great descriptions of romantic scenes, along with a bit of drama thrown in.

The only part missing is there’s no closure with the nonsense her ex did at the end. There’s no explanation as to why he was acting this way or what he was trying to achieve.

[Mary Browne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book

Kendra aka Ken and Marcus have been friends for years and in love with each other almost as long. Ken doesn't want to take it further because she's afraid it will ruin their friendship. She was going out with this scumbag and asked Marcus to pretend to be her boyfriend so she could get away from him. They go to her parent's anniversary party as a couple and things work out so that they finally act on their feelings for each other. They have a fine relationship going until the scumbag blackmails her with her father's supposed crimes. After a lot of angst, and finally talking to her father, she dumps the scumbag and goes back to Marcus. They hash things out and get their HEA.

[christyheartsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kendall and Marcus have been best friends for years. When her parents are having an anniversary party and they invite her ex-boyfriend who refuses to believe that they are over, Kendall asks Marcus to be her pretend boyfriend. Marcus has been in love with Kendall for years but she friend zoned him years ago so he has always been content being her best friend. But now that they are pretending neither one can deny their feelings and don't want to pretend anymore.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed both Marcus and Kendall. There wasn't a ton of angst which is exactly what I needed at the time. It was a bit predictable and would have liked to have seen more of his band since it is supposed to be a rock star romance but I still really enjoyed the story.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall good read

I liked Marcus and Kendra for most of the book; they have a great relationship dynamic. I also liked the storyline for the most part. Kendra's actions toward the end made me so mad, though! I don't agree with her decision at all and don't see how everyone was like "oh it was hee only option; I'd have done the same thing." ...no. She needed to grow a backbone and stop acting so childish. Other than that, Marcus was a doll and I enjoyed the storyline. That stupid decision of hers bumps this from a 5 star to a 4.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This was a good story. I didn't know what to think about Kendra at first. Seemed like she gave into her parents to much to be an adult. Setting her up with guys they liked didn't work out so well. Mitchell I would never have gave him the time of day after the first date. He could have jumped off a cliff for all I cared. He is what Marcus called him a douchcanoe. Definitely fits him perfectly. Marcus is such a sweetheart I am just glad he finally told Kendra how he felt. Thank you, I enjoyed this story.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I regret finishing this. FMC Kendra was way too spineless, and by being a doormat, she hurt everyone around her, including herself. MMC Marcus was okay, but honestly, I think I only liked him because he was more realistic and relatable to me since I'm not a trust fund kid, not because he was that much better than Kendra. 🤷🏻‍♀️

There wasn't enough interaction with the rest of the band members for me to be interested in them or care to read their stories.

If you like billionaire rockstar romances, give it a try.

[Ferbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends to to lovers.

It is always difficult to make the decision to change a relationship from friends to lovers because there is always the fear losing the friendship if the romance doesn't work out. I can't believe they took so long to talk about their feelings. They could have talked about it and they would have known what they wanted without all the assumptions and doubts. I enjoyed reading the story and I love the ending.

[annette k · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music calls the heart!

Kendra and Marcus have been friends since childhood. They are each other's everything when it comes to friends. They both hide that they love each other, until one day they face the facts and become one. But can it last or is there someone else?? Read now and find out.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

great plot, believable characters, and plenty of heat!

I really enjoy a good friends to lovers romance. The longing and chemistry between Kendra and Marcus was fantastic! A great plot, believable characters, and plenty of heat! I would love to find out more about the other guys in Cataclysm! Especially Aaron and Mason and Blair!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Start

This was a really great start to this series. I really enjoyed Marcus and Kendra's relationship that progressed from friends to lovers. They were extremely cute together and made me swoon. The story was great and I can't wait to see what comes next for the band, Cataclysm.

[Shelly Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I enjoyed this book. It was my first by this author, and totally worth reading. The characters were well developed and they made you care whether they got together or not. Marcus was lovable and a true hero, not the hugely flawed jerk we’ve gotten used to in many romance novels. Kendra was a bit frustrating at times, but definitely redeemable.

[Trinesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Friends to Lovers

I liked the story, but Kendra kind of got on my nerves. It was like she tried so hard to please her parents by doing everything they wanted at the expense of them knowing who she was and what she wanted. Especially dating someone you truly don't like just to please them.

[Clémence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Marcus a lot and how he treated Kendra as a friend and as a lover. However, I found their relationship to move super fast after the first kiss which defied the purpose of establishing tension in the first place. The "will they, won't they" didn't last nearly as long as it should have and I would've liked to see more of Cataclysm's members too.

[Kirsty McCracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't QUITE a four star read, but it was so so so close to it. Maybe if I hadn't read most of it between 3am and 7am this morning then I'd have a different opinion, but it was just missing a little something for me, I think it was PROBABLY tension because I mean, it's me and I live for that tension.