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Mr. Misunderstood
Rule #1: Maintain Control.
You think you know me. The cars, the penthouse, the reputation for delivering women to that “Oh, yes, Gavin” moment… Yeah, I’m the bad boy billionaire who drives your fantasies.
But I’ve traveled a long road to get here. And I played by the rules—the ones I wrote to guarantee I didn’t return to whom I was before.
Until now. The pictures, the story—it’s my past coming back to haunt me. I’ve lost control. And to get it back, I need to change the story.
So I asked my best friend and neighbor for help. Kayla agreed—if I support her growing pack of four-legged misfits.
My life is under control again.
Only I’m falling for my best friend. Now, my New York City apartment is full of rescued pups, my country retreat looks more like an animal sanctuary, and Kayla’s guarding her heart.
And I’m running out of time to prove the girl next door belongs with the billionaire.
You think you know me. The cars, the penthouse, the reputation for delivering women to that “Oh, yes, Gavin” moment… Yeah, I’m the bad boy billionaire who drives your fantasies.
But I’ve traveled a long road to get here. And I played by the rules—the ones I wrote to guarantee I didn’t return to whom I was before.
Until now. The pictures, the story—it’s my past coming back to haunt me. I’ve lost control. And to get it back, I need to change the story.
So I asked my best friend and neighbor for help. Kayla agreed—if I support her growing pack of four-legged misfits.
My life is under control again.
Only I’m falling for my best friend. Now, my New York City apartment is full of rescued pups, my country retreat looks more like an animal sanctuary, and Kayla’s guarding her heart.
And I’m running out of time to prove the girl next door belongs with the billionaire.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2019
114 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Sara Jane Stone
23 books577 followersSara Jane Stone lives near New York's Hudson River with her very supportive real-life hero, two lively young children, a lazy Burmese cat, and a very active dog. When she is not finger painting with the kids, she loves writing sexy stories, staying up past her bedtime reading red-hot romance, and chatting with her readers on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 4, 2019
5 - "...This might have been a mistake…" Stars!
Sara Jane Stone is one of the authors I love that I wish wrote faster, and released books on a more regular basis. Mr. Misunderstood, offered up a great story-line, likeable characters, a plethora of cute canines and reminded me of just how much I love her books!
"We’ve been through so much together… This doesn’t have to change us."
Nothing hugely new or unusual with the tropes used with Millionaire playboy; Gavin and happy at home with her rescue animals; Kayla’s story. Best friends who know pretty much everything about the other, and a fake engagement that ultimately leads to more. This is a book journey that has been told many times before, but Sara has a way of getting you into her characters heads and making you root for them to get their HEA.
"I’m one kiss away from falling in love…"
Moving from the friend-zone to a full blown relationship obviously has its own obstacles to be dealt with, times that by a thousand when you add in the fact it started out as a publicity ploy, and because of that is very much being played out in the public eye, and it is being used as a way to cover up other aspects of Gavin’s life that he doesn’t want to admit to or acknowledge, even though the person putting the information out there is not going away quietly.
I can’t force him to talk about his past… Just like I can’t make him change the way he sees himself…
A well written, sexy read, with a little suspense thrown in, that just leaves you wanting more from the author.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
Sara Jane Stone is one of the authors I love that I wish wrote faster, and released books on a more regular basis. Mr. Misunderstood, offered up a great story-line, likeable characters, a plethora of cute canines and reminded me of just how much I love her books!
"We’ve been through so much together… This doesn’t have to change us."
Nothing hugely new or unusual with the tropes used with Millionaire playboy; Gavin and happy at home with her rescue animals; Kayla’s story. Best friends who know pretty much everything about the other, and a fake engagement that ultimately leads to more. This is a book journey that has been told many times before, but Sara has a way of getting you into her characters heads and making you root for them to get their HEA.
"I’m one kiss away from falling in love…"
Moving from the friend-zone to a full blown relationship obviously has its own obstacles to be dealt with, times that by a thousand when you add in the fact it started out as a publicity ploy, and because of that is very much being played out in the public eye, and it is being used as a way to cover up other aspects of Gavin’s life that he doesn’t want to admit to or acknowledge, even though the person putting the information out there is not going away quietly.
I can’t force him to talk about his past… Just like I can’t make him change the way he sees himself…
A well written, sexy read, with a little suspense thrown in, that just leaves you wanting more from the author.
ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.
February 16, 2019
Gavin and Kayla are two characters that had me laughing, swooning and wanting to throw my kindle across the room at times. The adoptive animals made me fall more in love with the story and how they brought the two closer together. Best friends do anything for one another so when Gavin asks Kayla for a favor she doesn’t hesitate. But what happens next could change everything. This was a great story of best friends to lovers mixed with a second chance romance.
September 15, 2019
While this story has its fun moments with Gavin, Kayla and the four legged friends, it speaks of child abuse, bullying and the aftermath. Not just on kids but adult. This story will have you close to tears if not crying, smiling and mad. Gavin and Kayla’s story is amazing and well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2019
Mr. Misunderstood by Sara Jane Stone is the story of Gavin and Kayla.
Gavin is being blackmailed about his past that he need a fake relationship to help cover what is going on. Kayla has her own sorted past but her and Gavin have been friends, so she steps up to help him. This leads to them looking at each other as more than friends, but can this fake relationship along with the secrets keep them from making it into more?
This was a two for one with the friends to lovers and the fake relationship theme...enjoyed their story.
Gavin is being blackmailed about his past that he need a fake relationship to help cover what is going on. Kayla has her own sorted past but her and Gavin have been friends, so she steps up to help him. This leads to them looking at each other as more than friends, but can this fake relationship along with the secrets keep them from making it into more?
This was a two for one with the friends to lovers and the fake relationship theme...enjoyed their story.
March 17, 2019
Mr. Misunderstood was my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. I was hooked by this story and fell in love with these characters right away.
Gavin and Kayla have been best friends since childhood. They have been through everything together and always have each others backs even though they are now both from two different worlds. When Gavin needs to create a fake relationship ASAP he decides that there is no one better to play the part of his new fiance than Kayla.
Kayla has no desire to be put into the spot light and is content living in the country with her rescue animals. However, she is willing to do whatever it takes to help Gavin out in this situation. When pretend feelings begin feeling too real Kayla realizes that she may have made a mistake helping Gavin out this time.
There is amazing chemistry between these characters and lots of drama that had me hooked trying to figure out what was going on. Full of twists and turns from start to finish you will not be able to put this book down. - By Alisa
Gavin and Kayla have been best friends since childhood. They have been through everything together and always have each others backs even though they are now both from two different worlds. When Gavin needs to create a fake relationship ASAP he decides that there is no one better to play the part of his new fiance than Kayla.
Kayla has no desire to be put into the spot light and is content living in the country with her rescue animals. However, she is willing to do whatever it takes to help Gavin out in this situation. When pretend feelings begin feeling too real Kayla realizes that she may have made a mistake helping Gavin out this time.
There is amazing chemistry between these characters and lots of drama that had me hooked trying to figure out what was going on. Full of twists and turns from start to finish you will not be able to put this book down. - By Alisa
March 6, 2019
Ms. Stone is an expert at writing about real problems people are living through right now. She does an exceptional job of giving her readers characters we learn to love who have or are overcoming issues.
Gavin is a billionaire who has a past he wants to hide. The child he was has nothing to do with the man he has become. Someone wants his past revealed. He'll do anything to prevent that. Even get engaged to his best friend who is one of the only people who know his past.
Kayla loves Gavin. She has for years. He's her bestie and has helped her through the worst time in her life. Reluctantly, she agrees to the engagement with rules--that they break one at a time.
Each of them really cares about the other as well Kayla has her rescue animals and Gavin with his kids who need advice on how to deal with bullying.
Gavin is not only a rich playboy, wearing ridiculously expensive suits, his buddy, Kayla, is also gorgeous in her running shoes and worn jeans and shirts. What a couple. The horde of cats and dogs that get moved to his huge high-end condo are a riot.
You'll love the characters, need a fan for the steam. Can these friends find love and handle their past to forge a future?
Gavin is a billionaire who has a past he wants to hide. The child he was has nothing to do with the man he has become. Someone wants his past revealed. He'll do anything to prevent that. Even get engaged to his best friend who is one of the only people who know his past.
Kayla loves Gavin. She has for years. He's her bestie and has helped her through the worst time in her life. Reluctantly, she agrees to the engagement with rules--that they break one at a time.
Each of them really cares about the other as well Kayla has her rescue animals and Gavin with his kids who need advice on how to deal with bullying.
Gavin is not only a rich playboy, wearing ridiculously expensive suits, his buddy, Kayla, is also gorgeous in her running shoes and worn jeans and shirts. What a couple. The horde of cats and dogs that get moved to his huge high-end condo are a riot.
You'll love the characters, need a fan for the steam. Can these friends find love and handle their past to forge a future?
August 30, 2019
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2019
I was intrigued with this book by the end of chapter one. This wasn’t going to be a straightforward romance but it was going to have a little mystery mixed in. I liked the relationship between Gavin and Kayla, going from best friends since childhood to fake relationship to love. I liked that Gavin and Kayla were great by themselves yet were better together. You could feel the attraction between them as soon as we saw them together even though they both tried to deny it. There was a very long friendship that could be ruined it they acted on the attraction and have it not work out. I love a good fake relationship story and this one did not disappoint. It was bonus that there was a mystery thrown in. You knew who was blackmailing Gavin from the beginning but not the why or the why now. Gavin and Kayla both had issues that affected how they wanted to deal with the blackmail, Gavin’s was his childhood and Kayla’s was her horrible marriage. I liked how in tune with each other that Gavin and Kayla were and they were able to tell the other anything. They were a great couple. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 17, 2019
I love a Sara Jane Stone book, for me; she always has the right balance of character traits, and that’s what makes them completely likable and memorable. And with Mr. Misunderstood it's exactly the same way, but rather than the retired military angle, she has changed tropes and headed in the self-made man angle, and it's one I as a reader appreciate.
In Mr. Misunderstood Gavin is a billionaire tech giant, playboy, and former model, but that was a far cry where he started or where he first met Kayla, and despite how their lives have changed, they are always there for each other! And this time Gavin needs the help and Kayla drops everything to help him.
Now I'm not going to go any more into the story and I would just be giving it all away, but I just have to say that this is one of the best friends to lovers tropes I have ever read, and the twist at the end is perfect!
The characters in this book are ones that I can relate to, invest in, and completely love! And that is what makes this author so remarkable, as her characters are all like that, and they leave an impression on your life, and it doesn’t even matter that they are fictional!
In Mr. Misunderstood Gavin is a billionaire tech giant, playboy, and former model, but that was a far cry where he started or where he first met Kayla, and despite how their lives have changed, they are always there for each other! And this time Gavin needs the help and Kayla drops everything to help him.
Now I'm not going to go any more into the story and I would just be giving it all away, but I just have to say that this is one of the best friends to lovers tropes I have ever read, and the twist at the end is perfect!
The characters in this book are ones that I can relate to, invest in, and completely love! And that is what makes this author so remarkable, as her characters are all like that, and they leave an impression on your life, and it doesn’t even matter that they are fictional!
March 5, 2019
It's been so worth the wait to be able to read another awesome book from Sara Jane Stone. I am a fan her stories and love her style of writing. Mr. Misunderstood did not disappoint.
The story of Gavin living his best life and then out of the blue having someone blackmail you makes you feel like all your hard work is for nothing.
Gavin confides in is best friend Kayla to help him. She agrees as long as he agrees to help her cause as well. Why make it benefit her rescued furbabies as well?
Gavin and Kayla have deep feelings that have not been discovered yet, will this situation bring them to the surface for them to explore or will they not act on them? After all it's just for show... Right?
This had me from chapter one and kept the pages turning since the suspense was there too. You don't want to miss this!
The story of Gavin living his best life and then out of the blue having someone blackmail you makes you feel like all your hard work is for nothing.
Gavin confides in is best friend Kayla to help him. She agrees as long as he agrees to help her cause as well. Why make it benefit her rescued furbabies as well?
Gavin and Kayla have deep feelings that have not been discovered yet, will this situation bring them to the surface for them to explore or will they not act on them? After all it's just for show... Right?
This had me from chapter one and kept the pages turning since the suspense was there too. You don't want to miss this!
March 3, 2019
Gavin and Kayla captured my attention and heart right from the start. Their story is an amazing fake relationship/friends to lovers story. Gavin fears his past coming to light after he's worked so hard to put it behind him and become successful. To keep that from happening he needs to be in a committed relationship. Who else would he turn to other than the one person he knows he can trust. Soon Kayla and all her misfit pups have taken over his home as well as his heart. Convincing Kayla he wants some true and permanent might be his toughest challenge yet.
Put this on the must read list, I highly recommend it.
Put this on the must read list, I highly recommend it.
March 14, 2019
Mr. Misunderstood by Sara Jane Stone
Getting to know him is only half the battle. Gavin shows what he wants people to see, not the man hie truly is. Whether he's breaking hearts, stirring hormones or falling in love, it's hard to figure him out. Kayla thinks she knows him, but she's in for the surprise of her life. Stone is a master of disguise. Her characters are the best kept secret, until she reveals all in the end. Mr. Misunderstood is a perfect slight of hand as cryptic as it is unforgettable.
Getting to know him is only half the battle. Gavin shows what he wants people to see, not the man hie truly is. Whether he's breaking hearts, stirring hormones or falling in love, it's hard to figure him out. Kayla thinks she knows him, but she's in for the surprise of her life. Stone is a master of disguise. Her characters are the best kept secret, until she reveals all in the end. Mr. Misunderstood is a perfect slight of hand as cryptic as it is unforgettable.
March 14, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author***
Gavin and Kayla are friends and, when things go wrong for Gavin, she is the first person he wants to talk to and the first person he goes to for support. It's a great friendship, and it is a great foundation for a relationship...it just takes them a little time to figure this out.
I enjoyed the evolution of the relationship, watching both of them make concessions to make their lives, and expectations, fit into the life of the other. Friends to lovers stories are some of my favorites, as the connection with the characters is already there, they are already friends, and are adding an element and a dimension to the relationship. The author handled this well and wrote compelling and interesting characters who had excellent chemistry, which is what is the most important part of a romance.
I enjoyed this title overall and I recommend it.
Gavin and Kayla are friends and, when things go wrong for Gavin, she is the first person he wants to talk to and the first person he goes to for support. It's a great friendship, and it is a great foundation for a relationship...it just takes them a little time to figure this out.
I enjoyed the evolution of the relationship, watching both of them make concessions to make their lives, and expectations, fit into the life of the other. Friends to lovers stories are some of my favorites, as the connection with the characters is already there, they are already friends, and are adding an element and a dimension to the relationship. The author handled this well and wrote compelling and interesting characters who had excellent chemistry, which is what is the most important part of a romance.
I enjoyed this title overall and I recommend it.
March 12, 2019
I was given an ARC for this one by the publisher/author for an honest review:
Ahhhh, if you can't guess by the excerpt the book is hot, the writing is quick witted and it's total swoon worthy. I was hooked from the first page. I wanted to know what was going to happen, when it was going to happen and how soon we were going to get there. Everything came in perfect timing. I can't wait to read more by this author!
Ahhhh, if you can't guess by the excerpt the book is hot, the writing is quick witted and it's total swoon worthy. I was hooked from the first page. I wanted to know what was going to happen, when it was going to happen and how soon we were going to get there. Everything came in perfect timing. I can't wait to read more by this author!
February 21, 2019
I love a good fake engagement story, and this one has a bonus of also being a BFFs to lovers story! Gavin and Kayla have great chemistry and banter. She's a strong woman who loves Gavin for the little kid he used to be, and I loved that about her. Throw in a little mystery and a cast of adorable furry characters, and we have a winner!
March 13, 2019
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 3/14/19.
So much fun!
I really enjoyed Gavin and Kayla's fake relationship/friends-to-lovers story. It was sweet and sexy, with many LOL-moments (often helped along by a member or two of Kayla's menagerie) and capped off with the most appropriate-for-this-couple proposal ever! Seriously, it's brilliant--that alone is worth the price of admission. ;) (Do yourself a favor and read the rest of the book too, though, because it's just too entertaining not to.)
The revenge plot(s) are a bit much at times, but all of the Kayla-Gavin-Ava-Ginger-Luna-Cleveland-(insert other animals' names that I'm missing here) moments more than make up for it. I can't wait to see what Ms. Stone come up with next...sign me up for it!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
So much fun!
I really enjoyed Gavin and Kayla's fake relationship/friends-to-lovers story. It was sweet and sexy, with many LOL-moments (often helped along by a member or two of Kayla's menagerie) and capped off with the most appropriate-for-this-couple proposal ever! Seriously, it's brilliant--that alone is worth the price of admission. ;) (Do yourself a favor and read the rest of the book too, though, because it's just too entertaining not to.)
The revenge plot(s) are a bit much at times, but all of the Kayla-Gavin-Ava-Ginger-Luna-Cleveland-(insert other animals' names that I'm missing here) moments more than make up for it. I can't wait to see what Ms. Stone come up with next...sign me up for it!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 3, 2019
Really enjoyed Gavin & Kayla's story. Good characters. It was an intriguing book I didn't want to put down. Glad I tool a chance on this new author for me. Am voluntarily leaving my honest review for a free copy of the book via booksprout.
September 1, 2019
This is a rags to riches story.
Gavin erased his whole childhood so no one can find out who he really is, Not the guy who created an Eempire but a young bullied abused child. Now this is being threatened. The only person that can save him is his best friend since childhood Kayla. She knows all his secrets and holds them close to her heart. Will this game they're playing turn in to the real thing?
This was an ok book for me. I had a hard time liking Gavin until the end of the book, however I did finish the book because I did want to know who was starting all the trouble.
** I received a copy of this book from Booksprout in exchange for a honest review**
Gavin erased his whole childhood so no one can find out who he really is, Not the guy who created an Eempire but a young bullied abused child. Now this is being threatened. The only person that can save him is his best friend since childhood Kayla. She knows all his secrets and holds them close to her heart. Will this game they're playing turn in to the real thing?
This was an ok book for me. I had a hard time liking Gavin until the end of the book, however I did finish the book because I did want to know who was starting all the trouble.
** I received a copy of this book from Booksprout in exchange for a honest review**
March 14, 2019
I have to say I really enjoyed this book! Friends to lovers starting with a fake relationship starting out. Sometimes when you are friends, you step up a little extra to help them....AND, sometimes something extra can form from it.
Loved this book from start to finish!
Loved this book from start to finish!
March 12, 2019
I loved it!!!!
Just the perfect blend of cute and funny. Gavin and Kayla were adorable. Bought the book instantly. And that’s saying a lot. Thanks for a great story that made me smile.
Just the perfect blend of cute and funny. Gavin and Kayla were adorable. Bought the book instantly. And that’s saying a lot. Thanks for a great story that made me smile.
March 16, 2019
Good story
Loved that the dogs were such a big part of the story. The "Diamond" Gavin got Kayla shows how far he grew beyond his fears.
Loved that the dogs were such a big part of the story. The "Diamond" Gavin got Kayla shows how far he grew beyond his fears.
October 2, 2019
KU*
I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn’t feel the connection between the main characters. Gavin and Kayla have been fiends for practically their whole lives and have went through some tragic events especially Gavin. Gavin is now a successful billionaire who desperate to keep his tragic past from the public which unfortunately may not be so simple. This is where Kayla and Gavin come up with a plan to take down Alexandra.
Spoilers:
I liked that Gavin and Kayla were able to depend on each other for anything, but some of the events that took place just didn’t feel quite so believable. Gavin seemed like an immature successful manwhore and Kayla was a grown woman who hide away from the world after a terrible marriage. I didn’t really understand how the whole fake Fíance situation was supposed to help with Gavin’s problem, if the problem was the truth being revealed regardless of what he did, what was the point of dragging Kayla into it. Alexandra was obviously crazy and out for revenge (still not sure how it was Gavin’s vault for what happened to her mother) and yet he believed denying her story and getting engaged to Kayla a few hours after breaking up with Alexandra was going to fix all the problems.
Although I understand Kayla was still healing from her marriage to a rich self absorbed man, who never abused her in any way but did participate in helping Kayla lose her true self. But she basically lived off her divorce settlement and didn’t work, but had to plans to open animal sanctuary eventually. She essentially planned to hide from the world and her loved ones basically allowed her to do that.
I didn’t understand Kayla’s mom who apparently fought for Gavin as a child, but once she heard about the engagement she didn’t have anything nice to say about him.
Just nothing about this book truly made sense in helping with Gavin’s problem and let’s not forget the late night shooting that almost killed a dog and Kayla; it was “resolved” and brushed off like almost killing someone was ok because the man was very old even though he knew better. Also all this takes place within a week and I just couldn’t fully get into, the best way to describe this book for me was choppy; we don’t get a real sense of a background on who they are, who they were or how they met and what made them stick together. Kayla lost all her friends when she married Jason, but she managed to keep Gavin, who apparently was so busy with his business and woman didn’t realize his best friend was suffering until it was too late. Why did the town allow Gavin to be abused for so long? Also how long was Gavin with the Masters’ because it said 2 years and then was 10 years? And how was this secret kept if everything happened in a small town that gossiped a lot?
There was just too much over the top reactions and not a lot of logical resolutions for this book; someone blackmails you and your answer is to get engaged to your best friend who just went through a traumatic experience that same night. Also Kayla said she loved Gavin so much, but she was so focused on what she needed Gavin to do in order for her to know his love was real that she didn’t understand how terrified he was and not ready to reveal his truth to the world.
I loved the dogs and the dates that they went on as they explored their feelings for each other.
I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn’t feel the connection between the main characters. Gavin and Kayla have been fiends for practically their whole lives and have went through some tragic events especially Gavin. Gavin is now a successful billionaire who desperate to keep his tragic past from the public which unfortunately may not be so simple. This is where Kayla and Gavin come up with a plan to take down Alexandra.
Spoilers:
I liked that Gavin and Kayla were able to depend on each other for anything, but some of the events that took place just didn’t feel quite so believable. Gavin seemed like an immature successful manwhore and Kayla was a grown woman who hide away from the world after a terrible marriage. I didn’t really understand how the whole fake Fíance situation was supposed to help with Gavin’s problem, if the problem was the truth being revealed regardless of what he did, what was the point of dragging Kayla into it. Alexandra was obviously crazy and out for revenge (still not sure how it was Gavin’s vault for what happened to her mother) and yet he believed denying her story and getting engaged to Kayla a few hours after breaking up with Alexandra was going to fix all the problems.
Although I understand Kayla was still healing from her marriage to a rich self absorbed man, who never abused her in any way but did participate in helping Kayla lose her true self. But she basically lived off her divorce settlement and didn’t work, but had to plans to open animal sanctuary eventually. She essentially planned to hide from the world and her loved ones basically allowed her to do that.
I didn’t understand Kayla’s mom who apparently fought for Gavin as a child, but once she heard about the engagement she didn’t have anything nice to say about him.
Just nothing about this book truly made sense in helping with Gavin’s problem and let’s not forget the late night shooting that almost killed a dog and Kayla; it was “resolved” and brushed off like almost killing someone was ok because the man was very old even though he knew better. Also all this takes place within a week and I just couldn’t fully get into, the best way to describe this book for me was choppy; we don’t get a real sense of a background on who they are, who they were or how they met and what made them stick together. Kayla lost all her friends when she married Jason, but she managed to keep Gavin, who apparently was so busy with his business and woman didn’t realize his best friend was suffering until it was too late. Why did the town allow Gavin to be abused for so long? Also how long was Gavin with the Masters’ because it said 2 years and then was 10 years? And how was this secret kept if everything happened in a small town that gossiped a lot?
There was just too much over the top reactions and not a lot of logical resolutions for this book; someone blackmails you and your answer is to get engaged to your best friend who just went through a traumatic experience that same night. Also Kayla said she loved Gavin so much, but she was so focused on what she needed Gavin to do in order for her to know his love was real that she didn’t understand how terrified he was and not ready to reveal his truth to the world.
I loved the dogs and the dates that they went on as they explored their feelings for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2019
I loved Sara's books for Harlequin. I have to admit it was Kayla and her animal sanctuary that made me really want to read this one. I'm always a sucker for a character that loves animals as much as I do.
Gavin is a sexy billionaire being blackmailed. (Where are all these guys and why can't I find them?) Kayla is the neighbor/bff. The two of them have been friends for a long time. I'm also sucker for friends to lovers stories.
The billionaire trope is not usually my thing, but Gavin, oh Gavin, I absolutely loved him, while at times wanted to throttle him. He was an alpha, but not in the overbearing obnoxious way that most Alpha's in series romance are. He's controlling, but of his own destiny and his past. That past will break your heart too. So he's strong, but he's also soft
Kayla was his childhood friend from another life. Their friendship to romance just transitioned beautifully, especially with her failed marriage. Can you say, butthead ex husband? I like that she was strong and fought for her identity.
The fake engagement = fabulousness. This is another trope I don't always go in for, but the characters win the day for me. I love Gavin and Kayla. I love Kayla's love for food. Seriously, I want to be friends with her so we can just sit around, play with animals and eat take out! Oh and the relationship and sex = spicy goodness.
The blackmail and the blackmailer were interesting. Sara sort of gives away the connection before its revealed if you have good antenna for these things. The drama involving Alexandra and why she was set to destroy Gavin was really good. Even though she's nasty, part of you will feel sorry for her.
I loved the way Sara tied things up with the blackmail and Gavin and Kayla. The ending couldn't have been more perfect.
Gavin is a sexy billionaire being blackmailed. (Where are all these guys and why can't I find them?) Kayla is the neighbor/bff. The two of them have been friends for a long time. I'm also sucker for friends to lovers stories.
The billionaire trope is not usually my thing, but Gavin, oh Gavin, I absolutely loved him, while at times wanted to throttle him. He was an alpha, but not in the overbearing obnoxious way that most Alpha's in series romance are. He's controlling, but of his own destiny and his past. That past will break your heart too. So he's strong, but he's also soft
Kayla was his childhood friend from another life. Their friendship to romance just transitioned beautifully, especially with her failed marriage. Can you say, butthead ex husband? I like that she was strong and fought for her identity.
The fake engagement = fabulousness. This is another trope I don't always go in for, but the characters win the day for me. I love Gavin and Kayla. I love Kayla's love for food. Seriously, I want to be friends with her so we can just sit around, play with animals and eat take out! Oh and the relationship and sex = spicy goodness.
The blackmail and the blackmailer were interesting. Sara sort of gives away the connection before its revealed if you have good antenna for these things. The drama involving Alexandra and why she was set to destroy Gavin was really good. Even though she's nasty, part of you will feel sorry for her.
I loved the way Sara tied things up with the blackmail and Gavin and Kayla. The ending couldn't have been more perfect.
March 21, 2019
I am totally in love with Mr. Misunderstood! Sara Jane Stone gives us a completely believable storyline with engaging characters and a bevy of fun K-9's to boot!
The best friends to lovers troupe is one I enjoy, but this story was so much more than the norm. Told from both Gavin and Kayla's POV, we get the whole inside story! I like to know what is going on inside their heads, because I feel it gives a much more fleshed out character.
Gavin and Kayla have been best friends and have known each other for what seems like forever. They know each other's successes and secrets. When Gavin is being blackmailed by an ex, Kayla steps in as the fiancee. There are a lot of logistics as well as feelings to work through. Not only the ex factors-(Gavin and Kayla too), but they have to navigate their growing feelings for each other. Gavin is a billionaire very much in the public eye. He uses that to his advantage to keep those closely guarded secrets hidden. Only this time, this ex isn't going away.
This is a story I dove right into. I liked Kayla and Gavin and how they would be as a couple. They had the chemistry in spades! I also loved how Kayla's animals played an intragal part in this romance! Sara gave us characters that were real and have flaws of their own. They had to figure out how to overcome the obstacles and live with things that could never be changed. The book has some mystery and drama, but I loved the humorous side with the animals!
I voluntarily chose to review a gifted copy of this book from the author. The rating and review are my opinion.
The best friends to lovers troupe is one I enjoy, but this story was so much more than the norm. Told from both Gavin and Kayla's POV, we get the whole inside story! I like to know what is going on inside their heads, because I feel it gives a much more fleshed out character.
Gavin and Kayla have been best friends and have known each other for what seems like forever. They know each other's successes and secrets. When Gavin is being blackmailed by an ex, Kayla steps in as the fiancee. There are a lot of logistics as well as feelings to work through. Not only the ex factors-(Gavin and Kayla too), but they have to navigate their growing feelings for each other. Gavin is a billionaire very much in the public eye. He uses that to his advantage to keep those closely guarded secrets hidden. Only this time, this ex isn't going away.
This is a story I dove right into. I liked Kayla and Gavin and how they would be as a couple. They had the chemistry in spades! I also loved how Kayla's animals played an intragal part in this romance! Sara gave us characters that were real and have flaws of their own. They had to figure out how to overcome the obstacles and live with things that could never be changed. The book has some mystery and drama, but I loved the humorous side with the animals!
I voluntarily chose to review a gifted copy of this book from the author. The rating and review are my opinion.
March 19, 2019
Posted on What I'm Reading
It has been a little while since we have seen a book from Sara Jane Stone, but that's okay; we have have Mr. Misunderstood. I enjoyed this story, but I'm not going to lie I had a rough start. I had an extremely hard time getting into the story. However, it does pick up within the next few chapters.
Gavin has an image to maintain, but someone is trying to destroy his image. He enlist his best friend Kayla to help him keep his image. Who else would be the perfect person for the job, after all that's what best friends are for. Anyway, the story starts to pickup when they are trying to protect Gavin's hard earn image. He has a pass that he doesn't want to remember.
Mr. Misunderstood was a pretty good read, because Gavin has this deep dark secret that he was ashamed of, yet Kayla is trying to tell him why don't you be honest. By the way, would have been easier from the get go, but Gavin is a bit stubborn. Kayla is sweet and her pack of misfit animals are a wonderful crew. Overall, this friends-to-lover read will have you cheering for Gavin and Kayla, and going whoa that's hot. If you are in search of a friends-to-lovers read, you might want to checkout Mr. Misunderstood.
Copy provided by author via Author's Pal
It has been a little while since we have seen a book from Sara Jane Stone, but that's okay; we have have Mr. Misunderstood. I enjoyed this story, but I'm not going to lie I had a rough start. I had an extremely hard time getting into the story. However, it does pick up within the next few chapters.
Gavin has an image to maintain, but someone is trying to destroy his image. He enlist his best friend Kayla to help him keep his image. Who else would be the perfect person for the job, after all that's what best friends are for. Anyway, the story starts to pickup when they are trying to protect Gavin's hard earn image. He has a pass that he doesn't want to remember.
Mr. Misunderstood was a pretty good read, because Gavin has this deep dark secret that he was ashamed of, yet Kayla is trying to tell him why don't you be honest. By the way, would have been easier from the get go, but Gavin is a bit stubborn. Kayla is sweet and her pack of misfit animals are a wonderful crew. Overall, this friends-to-lover read will have you cheering for Gavin and Kayla, and going whoa that's hot. If you are in search of a friends-to-lovers read, you might want to checkout Mr. Misunderstood.
Copy provided by author via Author's Pal
March 9, 2019
Gut-wrenching, hopeful, sexy, captivating romance. Gavin is a successful billionaire, always working hard for the next big thing at his software company and enjoying the many woman that frequent his life. When his latest fling suddenly turns the tables and brings up deep, dark memories from his past that he thought he had buried, he finds his life spiraling without being able to control it. He needs to change the focus in the media so he enlists his best friend Kayla’s help. Kayla has always loved Gavin and would do anything for him but after her failed marriage, she has had to work to rebuild and find herself. As she agrees to a fake engagement with Gavin, she knows she has to not lose herself even if her heart gets broken. This journey forces Gavin to face all the parts of what makes him who he is, not just what he built and shows the world. Can he embrace the pain from his childhood to let love in? Or will he continue to hide? I was surprised by this story and the true depth to what Gavin had endured and how Kayla had always been the light in his dark world. The mystery about the photos kept me guessing and I loved Kayla’s passion for rescuing dogs. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
September 2, 2019
Brilliant novel you won't want to put down. I absolutely loved this book, the story, the idea, the characters. I was captivated right from the start. The story had everything. Friendship, heartache, success, blackmail, wonderful dialogues, hunky billionaire with a six pack, lovely animal-loving girl. The heart-warming storyline of Gavin and Kayla is a joy to read. Gavin's reluctance to allow the outside world to find out his desperately unhappy past is baffling but is crucial to the plot. The deep commitment and love that these best friends and soul mates have for one another is amazing. They embark on a fake relationship and our couple soon realise that they feel so much more than friendship for one another, even though they may not be able to put those feelings into the correct emotional slot. Even though it doesn't look possible almost to the last couple of chapters, we get -what all romance-readers' hearts' desire, as the only acceptable resolution to any love story - the HEA . I can not recommend this novel highly enough.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2019
There was a lot to like about this book, but at the same time it's not a book I'll revisit and, occasionally, I skimmed through scenes because they felt a bit repetitive. I loved Kayla. Seeing her stick to the things she needed and believed in to make herself feel confident after her previous relationship was interesting. I also thought Gavin's backstory was really interesting, too, but it felt a bit overshadowed by the blackmail itself and the repercussions of that. I think, perhaps, my issue was that there was a lot going on in terms of tropes (revenge, fake engagement, friends to lovers) so I didn't quite get wholly invested in any of them. I also wasn't entirely convinced by the developing feelings between Gavin and Kayla, although by the end I was happy to see them get a HEA and I loved Gavin's proposal (it was so perfect for this couple). Overall, this was a good read, and I'll definitely continue reading more from this author, but it didn't quite hit the sweet spot for me.
March 13, 2019
I really enjoyed reading Gavin & Kayla’s story. It was an easy, breezy read. This book isn’t filled with a sex scene every other page. Although, the sex scenes were tasteful and fitting for their story. I have a couple of favorite parts. One, Gavin with the dogs, anytime. It cracked me up. Another would be how reckless Gavin and Kayla were. I know, it’s probably not normal. But in other books, the MC’s are at a constant battle on why they shouldn’t be doing certain things, and they can take too long to decide and a reader loses interest, well, no so with these two. They knew the repercussions but they’ll let their future selves deal with that later. I, personally, LOVED it!! What I took away from this book, is that you can’t dwell on the past. Take it and own it. I think readers should purchase this book because it’s a different story of a billionaire you haven’t read and it’s fun and sexy!!
August 31, 2019
This was my first book by this author and she did not disappoint! It grabbed me in chapter one and I couldn't stop reading. I LOVED Gavin and Kayla's story. The authors plot, characters and word building make you feel a part of her story and makes you love her characters. Gavin had an abusive childhood and Kayla and her parents were the only positive in his childhood. He is being blackmailed and asks Kayla to help, she agrees but only if he helps her cause, her animal rescue. There is drama, suspense, twists and turns, mystery, alpha male, cute cuddly dogs,BFF's, a fake engagement and a hot steamy romance. I found my self lol a lot of the time, Gavin with the dogs! Grab your copy today to find out if they get their HEA!!! I will definitely be reading more from this author! I highly recommend this book!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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