Just Me

You & Me #1

by Lexy Timms

We all need somewhere where we feel safe… After leaving her abusive husband, Katherine Marshall is out on her own for the first time. She's hopped from city to city to avoid the man who made her life a living hell. When it seems she's finally found a new place where she begins to feel safe, she slowly grows confident that her life is looking up. A chance meeting with Ben O'Leary sets her life on a course and her soul on fire. Ben launched a business that went on to viral success while he was in college, and now as a thriving entrepreneur, he's most interested in maximizing profits. A billionaire living the dream But all that changes when he sets his eyes on Katherine. Things between the two heat up as they fall hard and fast—that is, until she gets an unexpected surprise that will test the strength of their relationship. Can the bully of the past follow her present and destroy her future? You & Me - A Bad Boy Romance Book 1 – Just Me Book 2 – Touch Me Book 3 – Kiss Me

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Amazon, Ebooks, Abuse

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2018

About the author

Lexy Timms is a mom, business woman, dreamer and writer. She finally decided to write her first romance novel and Saving Forever is her debut story.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I this book. Ben is what Katherine deserves. She is such a strong women and I couldn't imagine living a life like she does. I am glad she decided to actually open up to Ben. He obviously cares for her so much. CAUTION major Cliffhanger at the end. It was so bad I immediately had to get book 2 and 3. I really love the story in this book and the characters. Seriously a great book!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally love Lexy’s books but have started seeing more writers doing these short serials more lately. I personally would enjoy reading one long or 2 longer books about 1 couple than 3 small longer novella length books especially if I’m paying regular book prices.
This particular book seemed to drag on in the beginning for me. I understand what the author was trying to do in explaining Katherine’s feelings, state of mind and reasoning for doing the things the way she was but it seems monotonous to me.
Katherine was in an abusive relationship but finally got the courage to leave 2 years ago and has been on the run since. She has moved to San Francisco and has found a place that finally feels like it could be home. Ben is a CEO of a pet accessories company that he owns and is a workaholic. He lives and breathes work and sees nothing wrong with it. You don’t get to really see Katherine and Ben start/ develop their relationship until 65-70% way into the book which is only a little over 200 pages long. I know you need backstory and character development so again combine your books so when the story is finally starting to take off it doesn’t end at 91%.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel went nowhere. I understood at the end, what the author is trying to do, but this is not the way to get it done and certainly not the way to encourage anyone to get into the other novels in this series. The plot was off, although the overarching theme of the novel and series is a very serious topic and the cause of domestic violence pursued in this novel is to be championed. However, there were times while reading (and I read through in one sitting) this novel where the author's distinctive voice and pace were missing and the characters appeared as though they were developed in a vacuum. Reluctantly I'm giving this one 2** and I'm being generous here.

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 💖💖💖💖🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on iBooks today (10/8/18)!💝

Blurb:
We all need somewhere where we feel safe…

After leaving her abusive husband, Katherine Marshall is out on her own for the first time. She's hopped from city to city to avoid the man who made her life a living hell. When it seems she's finally found a new place where she begins to feel safe, she slowly grows confident that her life is looking up. A chance meeting with Ben O'Leary sets her life on a course and her soul on fire.

Ben launched a business that went on to viral success while he was in college, and now as a thriving entrepreneur, he's most interested in maximizing profits. A billionaire living the dream But all that changes when he sets his eyes on Katherine. Things between the two heat up as they fall hard and fast—that is, until she gets an unexpected surprise that will test the strength of their relationship.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katherine is running. She's been on the run for almost two years now. She's jumped from city to city to escape her past, but it always finds her. She's settled this time in San Francisco, and it's not too far from her childhood home in LA. She lands a job at a local bakery and befriends a coworker, Thalia. Thalia is her tour guide for her new city, and even helps her get moved in.

Katherine catches Ben's eye one morning when he stops spontaneously at the bakery to pick up some pastries for the office... He turns up his typical charm and flirts with her while she's behind the counter, but she's not having any of it. She's actually scared of him. Not the typical reaction girls give him, being that he's a billionaire! He owns his own company, making dog accessories and clothes. What is more bad boy than that, amiright? *swoon*

After several more attempts at a date, Ben is starting to feel like he's come on too strong. He's not trying to stalk the woman! So he gives her some space and we wait anxiously for the two to get together. They are both coming out of rough relationships, and this new relationship looks to be very promising when they start to discover all that they have in common.

Found it to be a quick read, and wanted to get to the end to see what would happen between the two... ends with cliffhanger that will smack you in the face. Definitely one of those that leaves you wanting to jump straight into book 2.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 1 out of 5]

!!! THE YELLING BOOK !!!

Just Me is filled with exclamation points and yelling. In fact, each chapter begins with the first few words all in caps. The yelling isn’t in anger or action. Apparently, yelling is cute. It’s not just one character’s personality. Everyone does it and it’s annoying.

I think all the yelling was to get your mind off of the fact there was no story. It went nowhere. Just mindless ramblings on day to day routine filled with yelling.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, so I could give an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 or 3.75 like on the cusp of 4 stars. But I did like it and I want to read the other 2 books, probably because this one ended on a cliff hanger. I still don’t get why it’s the bad boy romance and why the guy on the cover has tattoos that seems like a big disconnect to what I just read... Anyway I like Katherine’s backstory and she seems like an interesting character. I also like Ben and reading from his POV. I would recommend this series so far anyway.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ben is your standard sexy billionaire, CEO tycoon that seems to be the leading man in these books. Ben's difference is he's a sweet man with a crummy dating record who relies on his best friend from grade school/personal assistant to help him in basically every aspect of his life.

Katherine has been on the run from her abusive husband for the last few years. On her latest move she landed in San Fransico and is working as a barista. While I respect the premise that Katherine left an abusive relationship, she comes across as whiny to me.

Book ends on a cliffy, just when her husband catches up with her while she's out with Ben at a swanky fundraiser. This one fell a bit flat for me, and it was also extremely repetitive with descriptors and such.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the 2 main characters, but I wasn't expecting a cliff hanging ending......and we're talking a MAJOR cliff hanger! I love to read series, but hate being left in limbo!~

[Danap1968 · Rating 1 out of 5]

First of all, this book needs an editor. I don't know what all of these five star reviews are raving about. This book goes on and on.... And on for 15 chapters about coffee and her new apartment and we don't even meet the dude until halfway in. I ended up skimming cuz who cares? Just as it starts to get some juice...'the end'. What??? Yes, the couple was cute but the story is absolutely unbelievable. An abused woman running constantly from the abuser world not fall in love again easily and if it's too be believed at all... Maybe at the end of book two. I don't enjoy ripping books apart but it's not fair to the reader to end it just to sell the next one when this could have easily been one book. Actually, if the repetitive, unimportant details were excluded and more character development was added, it would have been awesome as ONE book. And where's 'the bad boy' as claimed in the title.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing ending

I loved reading this book, and would have given it at least 4 stars, had it not been for the ending. I've read many books in a series, but never one with an ending like this. It just just stopped at the what seemed was going to be the pinnacle of the story. This isn't a TV series, but the ending was exactly that. It felt like there should've been an announcer saying, "Stay tuned for next weeks exciting episode!" I really hope the next book picks up where this one left off. Such a disappointing ending.

[Kelly Gregory · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay romance

I managed to finish this but did skip through some parts. The story was good but just not for me. I didn't like Katherines character and can't really explain why. I just think it wasn't for me. It took the whole book to introduce the nasty ex character of Tim...which led to a cliff hanger...the whole book just seemed to go on and on and the moment it got interesting, you have to purchase book 2! Sorry not for me

[Bette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Start to a New Series! Fabulous Audible Listen🎧 4.5 Stars🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Just Me: Bully Romance
You & Me - A Bad Boy Romance, Book 1
By: Lexy Timms
Narrated by: Amber Bray, Tyler Darby

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is the first book of “You & Me - A Bad Boy Romance” series written by Lexy Timms. The story grabs your attention right from the start and holds it straight to the end. The characters are nicely developed, they are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Katherine Marshall has been on the run, hiding from an overpowering abusive husband. She has been trying to stay one step ahead of him, so thinking she can hide in plain sight in her home state, not her home city, Los Angelos, where her husband lives but in San Francisco. She found herself an apartment and a job in a local bakery and tries to live a low key life. Ben O’Leary, a successful businessman and entrepreneur goes into the bakery for some pastries for a work meeting when he sees her, she hardly pays him any mind at all, but he is intrigued by her. He runs into her again and she blows him off, still taken by her but figures she is not interested. Katherine is afraid to make friends or to get involved with anyone since she may have to up and run at anytime. But when she makes a friend at work and finally realizes she has to start living life again she takes a leap and the next time she sees Ben they chat it up. I loved the chemistry between them, while she opens up a bit she does not share the most important part of her life. He senses she is hiding something but has no clue what it is. He takes her to a charity function and while there Katherine sees what she fears most, her husband. The kicker is it is a charity for domestic violence. I loved how everything has played out so far, I hope Katherine gets past her fear and gets even, she is so worried about protecting those around her she leaves herself wide open, so how is going to protect her. I am looking forward to what comes next in Katherine and Ben’s story, will she push him away or will she let him in. Lexy Timms, thank you for another great story!

I listened to the Audible edition, Amber Bray and Tyler Darby are fabulous narrators and voice artists. They do a great job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, giving each their own voice and personality. You could hear how much heart they put into their work as they capture the characters emotions and project them into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen🎧

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katherine Marshall is on the run from her abusive husband, Tim, after putting up with too many years of his emotional and physical abuse. She decided she had to take her life back and, while the police kept him busy at home, she escaped with only her belongings and moved from city to city, always on the look out for the reappearance of Tim.  Now, two years later, but still wary of her surroundings and the people in her midst, she feels comfortable enough to stop moving and slows down enough to find a job. Ben is a self-made billionaire, creating, making and supplying pet owners with the best accessories possible for their furry family. His company is thriving and he believes in giving back to his employees, charities and the people that mean so much to him. When he goes to the pastry shop where Katherine is working, he is drawn in an instant to the beautiful brunette making lattes in the back. Katherine's new friend, Talia, is a firery redhead who waits on Ben and notices that he has his eyes firmly set on Katherine. Before he leaves, he makes a point of talking to her and asking her out to dinner. Katherine responds, as she has so often before, with a firm no. But she sees him again and thinks that he's not so terrifying and maybe she can afford to let him in just a little. One thing leads to the next and they get closer and continue to break through Katherine's fears one by one. Ben has given up on ever finding a woman who wants him for himself, and not his money. He feels right around Katherine and maybe there's hope that she might be the woman he's looking for. Ben asks her to accompany him to a formal charity ball that his best friend, Will, is organizing. Ben is always the main donor at this ball and he's so proud to have Katherine on his arm tonight. Katherine is enjoying herself so much and is really seeing more and more of the special person Ben is, until a familiar sickening feeling comes over her and, the next thing she knows, she spots Tim across the room. This can't end well for any of them. The perfect spot for a cliffhanger, the tension is building as you come to the end. Touch Me, part 2, is out now. Tyler Darby and Amber Bray do an excellent job with the narration. They give their characters a credible and easily identifiable voice with great range and modulation. As I listened, I heard Ben and Katherine's personalities come to life, making for an especially enjoyable experience.

[Cathy Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 4 1/2 Stars.
Katherine Marshall was on the run from an abusive husband, Tim. He was a big time lawyer whose reach went everywhere. She lived in Los Angeles and she went all the way to New York and he still found her. She ended up in San Francisco because she was tired of running and because he found her in New York anyways she wanted to be close to home. She ended up getting a job at a Coffee Shop, where she was the Barista. Her friend Talia ran the pastry display, they became friends and she eventually confessed what made her so secretive.
Then their is Ben who launched a business that was a viral success while he was in college and went on to become an entrepreneur selling dog accessories. He discovered Kathrine one day as he was late and stuck in traffic, he went into the coffee shop and ordered a dozen pastries and ordered some coffee from her. He tried to talk to her because he was drawn to her but she was scared to let her defenses down for fear her ex-husband Tim would come and find her. They fall hard for one another after her turning him down and then they were at the gym together and she saw him an apologized for how she acted and to say thank you for the flowers he had sent to her to apologize for a remark he had made about stalking her. He realized it was inappropriate and he may never get a chance at getting to know her but he wanted her to know he was not a bad guy. Anyways things happened fast and they really fall for each other until. You have to read this book and plan on getting the next one because I sure did because I like a book with a message and a good plot and this had both, abuse and how to get over it after leaving the abuse.

[Ashlight Grayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trigger warning: abusive relationship, domestic violence, abuse

This book focuses on a strong female lead named Katherine who is on the run from her past and just moved to San Francisco. The author does a great job of leaving implicit hints of what the main character is running from. She does a lot of showing instead of telling, and I appreciate that. I like Ben as a character because despite being stereotypically handsome, charming, and rich, he also feels very human and is very cognizant of boundaries. There are moments in the book where Katherine becomes uncomfortable around him (not that it is his fault at all) and he makes sure to back off the moment he read her discomfort. It shows that no matter how much he likes her, he wants everything they do to be on terms that both parties feel comfortable with. There also isn't any insta-love in the story. Ben likes Katherine and she is attracted to him as well, but they have just started dating and the pacing of the relationship doesn't feel rushed. Ben seems like a very understanding person and I'm hoping that any misunderstanding at the end of this book are cleared up quickly in the next installment. A very good romance to pick up, but be wary of the trigger warnings above.

[Scarlet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book via a promo code and this is my voluntary review.

While I did enjoy this book I must stress that it is NOT a bully romance, or even particularly bad boy... Ben is a big old romantic sweetheart, and Katherine is a desperate woman trying to rebuild her life away from an abusive estranged husband. She hops from city to city trying to avoid her omnipotent tormenter leading her to working in a cute lil bakery in San Francisco where she catches the eye of billionaire Ben, whose made his fortune making adorable sweater vests for Yorkies etc... (not particularly bad boy but meh...) Book One pretty much follows the pursuit of Ben charming over the reluctant and battle-weary Katherine with all kinds of reassuring romantic gestures that a healing woman whose been through domestic HELL needed to find her smile again, settled and beginning to trust that life in her new city could be the start of something Real after 2 years on the run, she lets Ben into her heart and makes new friends at work. Vocal performance from the two leads was great and I enjoyed seeing the male POV in this story as he wooed our Kathy.

Ended on a Cliffhanger so time will tell where it goes from there.

[Angela Forshee]

Just Me #1:
Ben is a workaholic "dream boat" who will go after what he wants.....and he usually gets it. Sometimes, there's something money can't buy or someone money can't buy.
His job is swoon worthy! His company makes dog costumes. If you're like me that makes your insides say "awww"
When he sets his sights on the shy barista, she's a little cold towards him. Katherine's past has everything to do with who she is today. When your past is as devastating as hers, you become jaded and build walls. Can Ben show her that it's ok to look towards the future without looking back? After a little patience she starts to realize how good it can be and how bad it was. Even after an embarrassing confrontation with the ex, he stands by her side. Lexy Timms should write a manual titled "What to Expect When You're Dating a Real Man".
This book is a cliffhanger but man, you can't put it down. I'm not normally a fan of cliffhangers but this book is so well written that you really get to know the characters and you appreciate her taking the time for the story to unfold. The books aren't that long so they are quick reads. Highly recommended!
Follow me @ www.chaptersofsanity@wixsite.com/chap... for more reviews!

[Tiffany Copple · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for Just Me by Lexy Timms. This is book 1 in the You and ME series.

“I’m not what happens to me , I am what I choose to become.”
Katherine is running from an abusive husband and Ben is a workaholic. Katherine thought TIm was the perfect guy until he wasn’t. She had eventually realized she had lost herself somewhere along the way. She had become what Tim wanted her to be. She had lost so much to a man she thought she loved and who was supposed to love her.Ben was a workaholic who loved the business he had built from the ground up more than anything . He didn’t think he needed love and hadn’t had a relationship in years.
I loved these two so much. The best part was how hard Ben pushed Katherine until she realized what was happening between them . The problem was getting her to accept it and embrace it.
This book does end in a massive cliffhanger . I personally love a great cliffhanger , but if you don’t then this book may not be for you . The good is though the rest of the series is out so you don’t have to wait to read what happens next.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katharine has been running for two years when she settles in San Francisco, but can she stay? Will her abusive and controlling husband Tim find her again? That's her fear and her reality.

Becoming involved with other people (Talia, Ben) goes against her personal rules, but when she does is she just asking for trouble? Especially when she lets down her guard and finds herself involved with Ben.

Romantic suspense with a cliffhanger ending (and some irony in the ending). Characters are likeable, relatable. Noticed a few What-the-tuck trends (green-eyed main character, smirks to name a few).

Don't understand the cover at all; no tattoos mentioned throughout the story, at least so far. There are far too many typos (misspellings, including one time Ben was Been, his was hi) throwing this reader out of the story, and obviously, another read-through of a proofreader would have caught many of them.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just Me by Lexy Timms is a bully romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Amber Bray and Tyler Darby.

The book was classified as a bully romance due to the nature of Katherine and Tim’s relationship. However, I would classify it more as romantic suspense since the book was based more around Ben and Katherine’s relationship.

This is the first book of Lexy’s that I have read and it definitely won’t be my last. The book had me intrigued from the very beginning. I really like the relationship between Katherine and Ben. The book does end on a cliffhanger but that wasn’t much of a surprise since it’s the first book in the Bad Boy Romance Trilogy. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series Touch Me.

Amber and Tyler did a great job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.

I would recommend this book if you like Bully Romances, Romantic Suspense, or Contemporary Romance.

[Diana Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragedy and happiness

Katherine is on the rn, running away from an abusive husband. She thought marrying Tim was the right thing but once she could no longer take the physical and abusive treatment, she’s seen just how she lost her life and identity to a mad man.

Ben was married to his job but he loved the business he created. He hadn’t been in a relationship in many years but his secretary and longest best friend, told him he needed s social life before he ended up alone forever. Ben stops at a bakery to get donuts to sweeten the fact he was late for work. Ben was never late. In the bakery he is drawn to a barista he’s never seen before and after leaving, something about her has him thinking of her all the time.

I don’t want to give any spoilers but all I will say is there better be a second book. Prepare for a dandy of a cliffhanger.

[C · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's a blatant disconnect between who the main character is portrayed to be and how she acts. While the beginning of the book is slow, it makes sense. The relationship goes from 0 to 100 in a whisper of a breath and makes no sense given the character's situation. We're in the midst of their love story and it's the end--clear money grab. While I want to know what happens I'm not invested enough to buy the next book.
The writer does have a talent for creating a character but she doesn't stay true to the clear motivations she set in the beginning.

[Jocelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the You & Me Series, a Bad Boy Romance. Wow!! Katherine is a lovely woman, and a strong survivor of an abusive husband, a bully from the past. Ben, a billionaire, is handsome, caring, supportive, and protective. They share an instant attraction and a strong and beautiful chemistry. The story ends with a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to listen to the next book in the Series, Touch Me, to know what happens next! Amber Bray and Darby Tyler did an outstanding job with the narration. This is a great team author/narrators. I enjoyed it, and I HIGHLY recommend it.

[Chantelle Bouffanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! I love to read/listen to Lexy Timms stories. This is Katherine and Ben's story. This story is about starting over after a terrible & abusive relationship ends. It's a quick read that has a great storyline and characters. Katherine and Ben draw the reader into their story. They will have you rooting for them, just like me. I feel that Amber and Tyler did a wonderful job with Katerine and Ben. I can't wait to read or listen to their next part. This is a cliffhanger. You won't be disappointed in this one. Keep up the great work!

[Kassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won't lie. I was a little disappointed that the book seemed to have no relation to the cover or the series name. Benjamin O'Leary is definitely not written as a bad boy and there is no mention at all of him having tattoos.
Aside from the above, the story was good. The writing was a little drawn out and repetitive at times but the plot was mostly believable and the characters are relatable. The presence of Tim (Katherine's husband) at the end of the novel was out of character for him based on other information in the book.

[Janel Ganim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm usually a fan of Lexy Timms' books, but not this one. The poor editing made me wonder if she's cranking out too many books. Some characters meet for breakfast, and it mentions the waitress bringing their drinks twice. A few pages later, one of the characters is reflecting on the lunch meeting that was actually breakfast. Fast forward a couple of chapters where at a Greek restaurant they order shrimp linguini and lasagne. You could argue that these are minor things, but there were enough of them for me to skim the rest of the book just to get to the end.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how Ben kept at Katherine until she realized what was happening with him. I wish Katherine would have opened up to Ben after they went back to his house. I'm excited to read book 2. The only thing I didn't like was how repetitive some of the character descriptors were. The vague comments to the reader about Katherine's past when it was already revealed to us I could have done without. But overall I'm intrigued enough to find out what happens next.

[Maz Moderatrix · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where do I begin?? Does she not have an editor?? A friend with a college degree??? The grammatical and factual errors are unforgivable. It's a "bad boy" romance but the hero is a nice guy (not a problem for me), they go to a Greek restaurant and order shrimp linguine and lasagna, yeah, um, NOT Greek!! The plot is full of holes, it was a chore to even skim it!! I can't believe she is not a newbie. Please send her someone with half a bran to fact check and edit her!!!!!!