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Trying to Be Good

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Every time I start to fall in love, my past gets in the way.

But a new beauty in my life threatens to wake up a hot passion deep inside of me.

One I've stifled for years.

She needs my help, so things start as they always do - innocent and simple.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Love has a way of bringing out the best and worst in people.

Good or bad, a casual fling will never do. She'd be the one that got away, and I can't let that happen.

It would haunt me forever.

Being a bad boy is easy. This time I’m working hard on trying to be good.

Every good girl deserves a bad boy. ~ Weston

442 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2018

365 people are currently reading
256 people want to read

About the author

Weston Parker

220 books1,768 followers
Hey there. I'm Weston.

Have we met? No? Well it's time to end that tragedy.

I'm a former firefighter/EMS guy who's picked up the proverbial pen and started writing bad boy romance stories. I co-write with my sister, Ali Parker, but live in Texas with my wife, my two little boys, my daughter, two dogs, three cats, and a turtle.

Yep. A turtle. You read that right. Don't be jealous.

You're going to find Billionaires, Bad Boys, Military Guys and loads of sexiness.

Something for everyone, hopefully. I'd love to connect with you. Check out the links below and come find me.

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5 stars
129 (52%)
4 stars
58 (23%)
3 stars
41 (16%)
2 stars
9 (3%)
1 star
9 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
July 2, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/2/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Laila Viking.
4,090 reviews30 followers
January 15, 2019
A very well written story with great storyline and plot. My opinion is that it is too long. But it is an amazing read with likeable characters that have a great chemistry and both are passionate. I like the story is written in dual POV which gives the reader a lot more of the thoughts and feelings of the main characters. This brings the story closer and makes it more real.
A story filled with lies, secrets, deceit, past issues, mystery, twists, emotions, strong characters and drama. The heroin is strong and when she meets Reese she has to use that a lot. He has a past filled with issues he has to handle before he can get his HEA.
A sweet, hot, romantic story about finding yourself and take your HEA.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,251 reviews13 followers
December 11, 2018
This one doesn't try it exceeds!

Paige, owner of a NYC financial investment firm, has trouble getting people to take her dream seriously until Reese, an architecture professor at Cornell, gets involved. As the story progresses secrets divide them, danger comes calling and hard choices are made. Weston Parker has given the reader an exhilarating romance read to occupy their weekend with. Between the antics Reese and Chance get into, Paige and Allison's office space woes and the secrets kept and revealed you are hooked from the very beginning. Trying To Be Good doesn't have to try it exceeds.

I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
2,607 reviews10 followers
December 10, 2018
Reese is hiding from his past and what a past it is. Paige has an investment firm and would like to build her own building but she keeps getting turned down. There is no architect in New York that will help her build her building, why would that be?? When her assistant suggests Reese who was a previous professor of hers, she's not too sure he is good enough to help her. Will he help her?? Can you truly run from your past or can you really fight the men of a mafia world?? You'll have to read the book to find out what happens...
Profile Image for Modern.
1,338 reviews6 followers
December 13, 2018
Trying To Be Good is your typical love story- NOT!
layers upon layers of lies and deceit are never a good foundation for real love. But Paige, the amazing and strong woman that she is, will fight for what she believes in. Reese is full on a mystery that keeps you glued to each page. It was difficult to not keep turning pages to find out more and more. A definite page turner. I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,829 reviews6 followers
December 14, 2018
Paige is trying to get her investment business up and running and is meeting dead end after dead end in getting her building built. Allison her assistant goes to her former architecture professor and asks for help when he says no she asks him to just meet Paige and hear her out.. Reese is hiding from his past but when he meets Paige something in him changes and he will do anything to not only help but protect her. How far is Reese willing to go and will his past ruin any chance with Paige.

Merged review:

Paige is trying to get her investment business up and running and is meeting dead end after dead end in getting her building built. Allison her assistant goes to her former architecture professor and asks for help when he says no she asks him to just meet Paige and hear her out.. Reese is hiding from his past but when he meets Paige something in him changes and he will do anything to not only help but protect her. How far is Reese willing to go and will his past ruin any chance with Paige.
81 reviews
December 13, 2018
I voluntarily reviewed this arc.

So far I think this is one of my favourite books by Weston Parker. Great story with marvellous characters, it was a great read.

Paige and Reese meet when she needs an architect to build a skyscraper and is turned down by everyone else. From the moment they met sparks seemed to fly, and this doesn’t stop. Of course things aren’t straight forward, lots of plot twists and secrets make this read a thoroughly enjoyable one. Loved it.

Merged review:

I voluntarily reviewed this arc.

So far I think this is one of my favourite books by Weston Parker. Great story with marvellous characters, it was a great read.

Paige and Reese meet when she needs an architect to build a skyscraper and is turned down by everyone else. From the moment they met sparks seemed to fly, and this doesn’t stop. Of course things aren’t straight forward, lots of plot twists and secrets make this read a thoroughly enjoyable one. Loved it.
1,576 reviews10 followers
December 15, 2018
Weston Parker's latest novel is a must have read! Our H/h are Reese and Paige and she needs his help. Paige & Reese are destined to be together after Paige is encouraged to use him as the architect on her building as he's the best even though his 'real' job is a professor. However, to get her business to the next level she has stepped on the toes of a mob boss who 'owns' the city. Sparks sizzled between Paige and Reece but could it lead to more with this business woman and the bad boy? The writing flows beautifully and he paints a picture of the characters so it's almost as if I 'know' them. It's just such a wonderful story with angst, suspense and, of course, red hot passion [Warning: have your fans/ac in fully working order as the s@xy scenes are red HOT]. Simply put : it's a MUST HAVE READ! I received a reader's copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest opinion of it here. Most DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED!!!!!
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
December 10, 2018
There is so much going on in this book, and so many layers of secrets. Heroines tend to be really hit or miss for me, and I’m so pleased to report that I adored Paige. She’s strong and independent and so wonderfully fierce. And while she’s not about to take any crap from anyone, she has the rare ability to forgive. An ability that Reese should be very grateful for. Reese is drowning in secret. To the point where he can’t be his real self around anyone he knows because he has to hide who he’s been. That past wasn’t pretty, and it has the potential to destroy everything he’s been working towards. I spent most of this book flipping like a madwoman, desperate to find out what would happen next. The story pulled me along and wouldn’t let me set it down.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
767 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2018
Paige has an investment firm and is in need of an architect to build her a captivating skyscraper, unfortunately she keeps getting turned down. Reese has been teaching architecture to keep himself busy. When Paige's assistant suggests Reese might be able to help her with the building, Paige has her doubts. Will these two be able to work together? Why did every architect Paige contacted turn her down? This story was an emotional rollercoaster ride. It was well written with great characters and a engaging storyline. The book had suspense, twists/turns, plenty of angst, hot chemistry and love. A fantastic read that I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
28 reviews
December 15, 2018
How come an architect is hiding at a college, working as a professor? Reese’s past is dark and dangerous and he has the scars to prove it. He tries really hard to keep away from it and live a quiet life instead, and to be a good person. Paige is running her own investment business but is having a hard time getting her own building. She convinces Reese to help her. He agrees, knowing the decision will put him in a bad spot. Working together, Reese and Paige discovers that they have great chemistry and they start a relationship. Their relationship is great but the secrets that Reese is keeping is what finally tears them apart. Is it somehow possible for them to find their way back together after all the lies?
This is a great book with fantastic characters.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
December 12, 2018
ONE AMAZING TALE!!!
Wow! Talk about fireworks. This is one exciting, fast paced, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, smooth flowing, page turning wonder that grabs your attention and holds it until the last word. A whirlwind of emotions and events really pulls those heartstrings. All the drama, angst, fear, gut wretching suspense rolls hard and the tension soars as the tale unfolds. Twists and turns abound with unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises that make for one incredible experience. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this little jewel together beautiful. Weston did an amazing job bringing this read to life.
672 reviews3 followers
December 17, 2018
A fantastic, captivating, dangerously thrilling, soul searching story. Reese is an architecture professor with former ties to the mob and Paige is an architect trying to start her own business. A must read that will have readers enthralled from beginning to end. Filled with dangerously suspenseful twists, angst, an alpha male learning to be legit and trying to protect the woman he loves. A great story with so much detailed description that readers can imagine these characters and their situations. I absolutely loved this new novel from Weston Parker.
"I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this novel."
6,140 reviews17 followers
December 10, 2018
This is a wonderful and captivating story that I loved! I think Weston Parker's stories just keep getting better and better!! The story is well written with great characters. It has some interesting twists and turns with some intriguing suspense. I loved Paige and Reese! The chemistry between the amazing. Really good character build. ! It's a bit of an emotional roller coaster story but it is a nicely developed story.
Profile Image for Pamela Lunder.
1,741 reviews
December 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book but it is really long! I thought Paige was a independent working woman who was determined to get her building built. She was not going to give up even after all the threats she received. She was determined to build her business up for her and all her employees future. Reese was just trying to stay in the background and not get involved in the stuff from his past. This book did have a good build up and great character build up. I always love Weston Parkers books!
Profile Image for Tianna McPherson (Anna Lee).
880 reviews11 followers
December 12, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. This one was so intriguing and had us wanting more that you had to read it. I couldn't put it down.  The characters made us see things in a whole new ligjt. I can't wait to see what you bring us next. I'm such a fan that each story to me feels like I'm right there. Thank you for another amazing read. I give it 5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy.
5,573 reviews
December 17, 2018
I am volunteering to leave a review of this ARC book. This book caught me at the beginning of the book, when Paige, after trying and trying to get help, walks out on Reese! The rest of the story unfolded with amazing speed, and was so very difficult to put down. Steaminess, great main, and supporting characters (Chance, you know who you are). This is another Must Read by this excellent writer!
Profile Image for Gladys Mills.
1,963 reviews8 followers
December 18, 2018
Trying to be good. What a story! This book was exciting! It was a for sure bad boy falling for a sweet and innocent girl romance novel. Reese has a bad past he was hiding from the world. Into his life walks Paige. She turns his life around but not for long because his past comes back to haunt him. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Profile Image for Ramona.
856 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2018
Another Exceptional book by Weston Parker! Professor Reese Baker is hiding a big secret, living his no descript life. Doing nothing that will bring attention to himself. That is until he meets the ever persistent Paige Ackryn.
There story is one of selflessness and giving.
I know you will enjoy this book as I did.
Profile Image for Linda Kam.
680 reviews
December 30, 2018
Brilliant yet again.

Another brilliant story by Weston.
Loved the storyline and loved the characters.
Loved the connection between them all.
Fell in love with Reese and Paige from the onset.
New they were going to make an exceptional couple eventually.
They had their ups and downs but got there in the end. Would like to have seen a date or something happening between Allison and Chase. Another book maybe.
Well done again Weston.
Profile Image for Carole Mckee.
335 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2019
A Wonderful Story

People are not always who they seem to be. When Reese is coerced into designing a building for Paige, he agrees to do it reluctantly. As a college professor, he is coming and doesn't want to go back to the life he led before. When Paige is threatened, he steps in, and that could lead him right back into his old life. Great story. Some intrigue and a few surprises. Very interesting and well developed characters. Loved it.
203 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2019
Too good for own good.

Enjoyed the book. New wrinkle about building. Sort of Mike Hammerish. It drew me in but then seemed to summarize. Perhaps more backstory would help. Or more description of buildings or
land to be to be built on. Could bring in prohibition possibly. I love old buildings and atmosphere. Will be watching for further developments. Gave rating as a pay it forward.
Profile Image for Janet Simmons.
734 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2023
This is the story of Professor Reese who teaches architecture at Cornell University then we have Paige who started her own investment firm two years ago. Simple standalone easy to read HEA.... you might think so but Weston Parker really let his imagination fly away on this one.. if you like stories with mobsters and their connections then this story is for you
. It gets exciting at times. I 😍 loved the story and the characters
Profile Image for Jodi.
835 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2018
Loved it

I just loved Reese and Paige story!! He would do anything for her. Ever if that meant doing something to take him away from her!! But in the end they got there happy ending!! I would recommend this book to anyone!
20 reviews
January 14, 2019
Trying To Be Good was GREAT.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book! The cover picture was even spot on. Once you begin this book you will lock onto the characters and want to know what is going to happen to then next.
83 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2019
Enjoyable

Mr. Parker writes extremely well and the love scenes are hot. Characters are fairly well developed. I would have given it 5 stars except for one large plot hole and a few other small glitches. Well worth reading.
2,237 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2019
Part of a series

She’s an investor, new in town, but she’s caught the eye of the mob. He’s a professor but used to be an architect. They met to discuss a project that he should run from but she is really intriguing
Profile Image for Jennifer Alvarez.
1,072 reviews42 followers
September 22, 2019
Paige and Reese

She needs help. The kind of help he can give her though perhaps not from the shadows where he hides from his past. This is a good story. Short. The cliffhanger definitely leaves you asking for more.
Profile Image for PollyAnna Joy.
Author 4 books27 followers
August 18, 2024
Reese and Paige

I've always thought that the first rule of the mob is not to mention the mob...in any way, shape, form, or fashion. No? Anyway, the picture chosen for the cover of this book drew me in more than anything else about it! The guy on the cover is Gorgeous!
Profile Image for Emma Roberts.
1,007 reviews14 followers
December 12, 2018
Another fab book from Weston! His books never disappoint... they just get better.
Really enjoyable read with great characters and fab storyline. Highly recommended
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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