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Should've Been Us

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It’s a destination wedding, Fate, Texas style, and the thermostat isn’t the only thing about to hit its boiling point.

Lulu Nichols has lost the love of her life.

Her best friend, Derek, proposed to someone else. He’s marrying someone else. And oblivious to her feelings, he’s asked her to play best man at his wedding. She can’t say no, not without admitting her secret and ruining everything, so she pastes on a smile and heads to Mexico to watch the man of her dreams get his happily ever after, even if it isn’t with her.

Connor Shaw is finally ready to claim the love of his life.

He wants Lulu. He’s always wanted her. Even though she’s slightly crazy and seriously delusional about her relationship with Derek. Connor is the one that brings out her fire and matches it with his own. He’s the one that drives her just as crazy as she drives him and it’s way past time for her to admit that all their fighting is really just foreplay.

Together they’re like gasoline and a match; a powder keg destined to blow, but oh how satisfying an explosion it will be.

But is their spark the kind that burns fast and then out? Is the heat going to Lulu’s head or is there more to Connor than she’s ever realized? Could they possibly be meant for forever or are they destined to always be a should’ve been?

240 pages, ebook

First published March 20, 2019

42 people are currently reading
359 people want to read

About the author

Jess Bryant

42 books585 followers
Jess Bryant is an avid indoorswoman. A city girl trapped in a country girl's life, her heart resides in Dallas but her soul and roots are in small town Oklahoma. She enjoys manicures, the color pink, and her completely impractical for country life stilettos. She believes that hair color is a legitimate form of therapy, as is reading and writing romance. She started writing as a little girl but her life changed forever when she stole a book from her aunt's Harlequin collection and she's been creating love stories with happily ever afters ever since.

Jess holds a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma and is a lifetime supporter of her school and athletic teams. And why not? They have a ton of National Championships! She may be a girlie girl but she knows her sports stats and isn't afraid to tell you that your school isn't as cool as hers... or that your sports romance got it all wrong.

For more information on Jess and upcoming releases, contact her at JessBryantBooks@gmail.com or follow her on her many social media accounts for news and shenanigans.

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5 stars
132 (52%)
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76 (30%)
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29 (11%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle Krystel .
2,047 reviews52 followers
March 21, 2019
I was given an advance readers copy of this book and have decided to write a voluntary honest review. This tile fits this book 100%, I have to say this and I've said this before many times. I don't think it possible to be best friends with guy and girl because they there almost always feelings. I mean if he's gay it would work or if one moved away. It's just easy. And Lucy knew that this was gonna be hard. But fate works in funny ways.
Profile Image for Michelle Claypot_Reads.
2,511 reviews61 followers
March 10, 2019
WOW!!! I absolutely adored this one. Sooo much. I cried. I laughed. I got seriously squirmy - Jess Bryant's best book to date and straight into my 2019 Top Reads.

This one tells the story of Lulu who has been in love with her best friend for 20 years and now has to be Best Woman at his destination wedding - Awkward!! Having to deal with her unrequited love's best friend Connor is the last thing she needs!

I really felt for Lulu and her unrequited love. There were moments that I got quite teary reading this one - those feelings of rejection & why not me poured from the page. She's not a push over but she is definitely damaged by thinking she's missed out on the love of her life. Now Connor - let's talk about him - he's all kinds of delicious. I freaking LOVED him. He's the perfect blend of bossy, cheeky and dirty & if Lulu can open her eyes he just might mend her broken heart.

Lots of genuine LOL moments, some teary moments and some swoony moments made this one a perfect read for me. Definitely recommend.

I received an arc of this book.
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,523 reviews180 followers
March 21, 2019
This story is amazing and I am so glad I read it. I have been taking a break from my normal reads and I am so happy to have read this romance that had me on the edge of my seat because there was so much going on.

Lulu has been in love with Derek since they were kids. She always thought they would end up together and have their happily ever after. But that is not the case because Derek never shows any interest except for friendship with Lulu and she is hurt by that but still has hope for them as they get older only Derek shocks her by asking someone else to marry him and for her to be the best man in his wedding. Shocked and hurt she agrees to do it.

Then Connor comes in the picture and he loves Lulu and wants to be with her. He has always loved her but he knew that she loved Derek so he stayed away not wanting to get hurt but now that Derek is married he is ready to make his move. And when he does there is fireworks because they have a push and pull at first then bam their chemistry is so combustible they are about to blow.

Will Lulu let Connor in or will she keep him in the friend zone because she is still hooked on Derek?
Profile Image for Chay Charita Reads.
581 reviews13 followers
March 10, 2019
I really loved this story! There was Lulu dealing with unrequited love oblivious to what was right there in her life. She and Connor sparred verbally, and Lulu convinced herself that he got on her last nerve, but sometimes what you think you want is really not what you really need. This story had me tearing up, swooning and enthralled with the steaminess!! Connor is the perfect book boyfriend! Thank you Jess Bryant for such a heartfelt story!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,300 reviews
October 30, 2022
The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my favorites because, when done right, all that animosity leads to heavily charged banter and I love me some clever banter with steamy subtext.

Should've Been Us has that delicious wordplay in spades. It's a joy to read (even when it's a little bit sad). Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Tarrah Anders.
Author 63 books359 followers
March 23, 2019
I mean, c'mon.
Can Jess Bryant write a book or what!
Should've Been Us is one of my top reads of this year and I just can't put it into words really why, other than I loved the book. Sure, Lulu came off mean at the beginning, but who wouldn't be in her position.
I need me a little Fate.
I highly suggest this book for people wanting a little escape and some hotness at the same time.
207 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2019
I wish I could give Should've Been Us an unlimited amount of stars. This story gives you ALL the feels. Connor and Lulu are magic together even Lulu doesn't recognize Connor as her soul mate. The feelings of unrequited love for both Lulu and Connor, the eye opening feelings once Lulu was willing to admit she didn't really hate Connor, the emotional gut wrenching love scenes and the pure bliss once their souls were awakened and recognized their forever.

You NEED to read this book! I can't express how much in love I am with Connor and Lulu. Oh and let's not forget the surprise visit from some of the characters in Maren Lee's Bounty County Series.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,903 reviews101 followers
March 22, 2019
This story was so good! Poor Lulu. I felt for her. She wanted someone she couldn't have and it was hard to read. Connor is everything she didn't know she needed. Together they are perfect. This story won't be easy on the feels. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll swoon. If I could, I would give it more than 5 stars. I highly recommend it! Andrea


"I absolutely loved this book. It had me alternately laughing and teary eyed from the beginning. Lulu has had feelings for her best friend since they were little and now she has to be his “best woman” in his destination wedding.

Lulu figures she will drink through the wedding festivities, but Derek’s best friend Connor has other ideas. Lulu and Connor can’t be in the same room together without arguing. But could Lulu have things all wrong? It takes some hard truths and opening her eyes to what is really going on, but could Lulu get her happily ever after? I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for the next one!
" Natalie
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,990 reviews60 followers
March 9, 2019
Should’ve Been Us is one of those books that has you enraptured from the start and has you glued to the pages as the story unfolds. Connor and Lulu’s story is one that will steal your heart as you witness the discovery of a lifetime of love, hurt and shared secrets. A love story that will take you on a ride of anger, confusion, sadness and finally the enlightenment of what has always been right there. This trip with these two will have you overcome with adoration, have you feeling the heat and passion and at times smiling so big your face will ache. For some of us their was a couple of surprise characters that just added a little extra to an already beautiful book. My bags are packed and I am ready to jump on a plane and head to Fate, Texas because I just didn’t want this book to end.
Profile Image for Kristen Johnson.
1,173 reviews48 followers
March 21, 2019
Lulu And Connor's story delivers and unexpected journey to love and I loved every step of it.

As if standing in as best man at the man you love's wedding isn't awkward enough, she's got to deal with his best friend Connor on top of it, but as fate is wont to do, it steps in and turn things around.

I loved Lulu's character, she evoked a lot of emotions from me, emotions of solidarity and understanding and so much more. She's been through a lot, and feels like she's lost so much, but she could never expect what she finds in Connor. Connor was also a great character, a man who was everything a woman could be looking for and the best match for Lulu.

Should've been us delivers humor, sincerity, pain, secrets and so much more delivering feels and swoons and the perfect touches to bring the romance and love between Connor and Lulu to the reader and make the story stand out.
Profile Image for Ari Reavis.
Author 20 books163 followers
April 22, 2019
Lulu and Connor came together to begin a romance that had been years in the making... Even if Lulu hadn't known that.
Although Lulu was mourning the lose of Derek, Connor was planning, in every possible, to finally make her his and he wasn't going to let anything stand in his way. Not even Lulu trying to push him away or doubting his feelings.
Finding out throughout the story just how in love with her he really was was my favorite part. All the things he'd done for her without her even knowing, all the things he'd imagined for them.
And I liked seeing Lulu realize all that. Realize what she had to let go and see what she could have, if she only let herself.
The ending was great and the epilogue wrapped everything up in such a satisfactory way. (Plus I loved seeing Lance and Trent again.)
Profile Image for Payton Box.
1,457 reviews22 followers
July 13, 2019
Oh my goodness, I loved this book! I literally did not put it down till I stopped reading it, even in class! Conner and Lulu’s story was amazing. I loved watching Lulu realize who she was really in love with. She learned that what we want isn’t always what we need and how to find the person that fits you, instead of changing yourself to fit them. I loved how Connor always pulled her back into reality anyway her knew how, and how well he understood her. All in all this book was amazing!

I recived and ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Annette Brignac.
203 reviews54 followers
March 21, 2019
I love this story from this amazing author! Connor and Lulu’s story kept me intrigued from the beginning. There were so many emotions in this one, but you could feel the love over everything else. One of the things I love about this author’s stories is the fact that she creates a world that you never want to leave. This story is no different, You will adore this story so much! I looked forward to reading the rest of The Fate, Texas Series!

I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Tamara Harrington.
529 reviews29 followers
March 22, 2019
Ok, so it is not a secret that I love Jess's writing and I think I can say that this might just be her best book to date!
She has absolutely smashed this enemies to lovers story that had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation.
Lulu thought she was in love with Dare and it could only take a strong alpha man to show her what real true love is! She is such a strong woman who just needs some proper love and guidance and hopefully she comes to realise that too. Conner is never freaking level amazing!!!! I literally could not have loved this man more than if I had created him myself. He is just such an alpha male who had me next level swooning and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
The entire way through this book I was all over the place with the feels, I laughed and cried and had to have chocolate regularly to help me cope! I love a trip to Fate and will be rereading this book very soon because I honestly just loved it so much!
I look forward to what Jess will be giving us next!
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,071 reviews13 followers
March 19, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.

What do you do when the person you are in love with is in love with someone else? In Lulu's case, you sit by and watch that person's love story unfold. You also agree to be the best woman in his wedding. In Connor's case you bide your time until it is the right moment to confess your true feelings. And if that happens to be at the wedding of the man Lulu is pining after, then so be it.

On the surface Connor and Lulu are like oil and water. They have known each other for years and all they have ever done is fight. Most of the time Lulu can't even stand to be around Connor, but she starts to realize that what she thought was him being annoying was just Connor trying to make Lulu see reason. For years she loved a man who didn't love her back and there was someone else right in front of her who was more than willing to be the man she needed. Once she started to realize that, this book got really interesting.

We need to talk about Connor for a second. Oh my god. I love me a good dirty talking/take charge man, especially when it's a surprise. The first time that side of him was unleashed, my interest in him was amplified and I needed more. Kind of like Lulu. Her stubborn side gave him more than one chance to take charge and after a few times it just became a part of their relationship. All the sexiness.

But Connor was also a giant sweetheart and he had these moments when he would express his feelings to Lulu that were just perfect. He always knew the right thing to say to her at the right time and if that's not something that people want in their life, then I don't know what is.

And I've said it before when reviewing a Jess Bryant book and I will say it again...good banter can be a form of foreplay and these two had it in spades. I should have known just from their back and forth that when they finally got together that it would be good, but it was way better than I thought it would be! Keep a fan handy. Just saying.

Profile Image for Janice  M .
Author 5 books359 followers
March 22, 2019
Should've Been Us is a rollercoaster of emotions that you won't want to put down until you have nothing left to read. Literally. And then, you'll spend a whole day in book hangover mode thinking that nothing will ever fill it's shoes. I laughed. I cried ugly tears. I got angry and then I smiled again and again at these two enemies to lovers.

Lulu and Connor are fire and ice. Two people whose lives would be forever changed over one week spent in Mexico. Lulu was about to watch the love of her life marry another woman. Connor was about to see the love of his life's heart shatter again for the umpteenth time.

Jess Bryant gives you a story jam packed with emotion, hilarious banter, and sexy Connor Shaw. My first book by Jess Bryant was the Fated Mates Duet, her shifter series. I'm sad that I didn't find her books earlier, I would've been hooked a lot faster. I promise you, once you pick Should've Been Us up you won't be able to put it down. You'll be drawn in from page one. I read it in one sitting because I just couldn't get enough of these two, Lulu and Connor. You WANT to read this book, you just didn't know it yet! Highly recommend Should've Been Us! Pick up your copy on March 20th!
Profile Image for A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog.
2,816 reviews171 followers
March 16, 2019
Should’ve Been Us is sort of a frenemy to lovers story. It was fun, mostly lighthearted, and sexy. The premise is good, but, in my opinion, the execution could have been better.

Lulu is strong, stubborn, and fiery. I generally like strong and independent women, but Lulu was a bit over the top for me. She went from drinking to drown her sorrows over one man, to being in love with a completely different man in something like two days. Yes, she knew him, but it still gave me whiplash.

Connor is equally strong, but also very patient and possessive. I liked his devotion to Lulu, but again his possessiveness and need for control were a bit over the top. He did seem very devoted to Lulu, though, which is admirable.

The plot was steady with a buildup that was explosive. I do think the writing would have been stronger in first person dual POV rather than third person. Also, that the chemistry would have been more believable if Lulu hadn’t been so hateful at the beginning.

This was my first book by Jess Bryant. I think her writing has potential, and I am very interested in Lulu’s brother and his love story. Overall, the book was good but didn’t quite make it to great.
1,473 reviews6 followers
March 20, 2019
Liked it, but NOT a fan of Derek, the BFF.

So while I was sympathetic to Lulu's plight, it eventually became annoying. Derek has never been hers and seriously he's engaged and you are at his destination wedding spot. Time to face reality. "...wanting what she could never have wasn't love. It was idiocy."

Connor was scrumptious and had the patience of a saint, IMO. "He was going to play it cool and make it through today with her without kissing her. Or killing her. With Lulu,...those two things seemed to go hand in hand." Derek is just an a**.

So there were parts that I absolutely loved about the story, but parts that I really didn't. When Connor and Lulu are sparring and witty and then the chemistry - YES. When Lulu was pining or Derek was in the picture - not so much.

But the epilogue made up for everything! So sweet!!

I voluntarily requested and read an uncorrected advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Passionately  Plotted.
26 reviews
March 21, 2019
Should've been us is an absolutely breathtaking story, that begins as one of unrequited love. This was my introduction to Jess Bryant, and I don't believe I could have picked a better book for it.

Lulu is a extremely relatable character, possibly one of the most relatable that I've read. I can close my eyes and remember a time when my own thought process was very much like hers. I began this book fairly blind, I'm not even sure I read the blurb. So let me tell you how hard my eyes rolled when I thought this was going to be 250 pages of unrequited love....

Boy how wrong was I!!!

As soon as Connor appeared on the pages, the chemistry between he and Lulu was absolutely palpable. Jess takes you through each characters past, and drags you through every single heartbreaking emotion. Having known each other since childhood, both Lulu and Connor have their own misconceptions to work through about the other.... but when they finally get to the other side their love is undeniable!
Profile Image for Gemma.
Author 7 books112 followers
March 12, 2019
I was hooked on this story from the first chapter. I could not put this book down and devoured it in one day. You can feel LuLu's emotions pouring out of this book.

LuLu and Connor are both dealing with feelings of unrequited love. LuLu thinks she's in love with her best friend Derek. Connor knows he is in love with LuLu. While attending Derek's destination wedding, the circumstances help LuLu realize once and for all who has been there for her after all this time. I loved the story between Connor and LuLu, especially how he truly always put her first even though she swore they hated each other.

I 100% recommend reading this book. I think is is probably one of my favorite Jess Bryant books. It's full of everything - swoons, love, laughs and even a couple tears.

*I received an ARC of this book*
Profile Image for Stefanie.
694 reviews
March 23, 2019
Should Have Been Us by Jess Bryant is a brilliant frenemies to lovers read!
Starting the book you get caught up in LuLu's misery as having to accept her long time love interest is getting married. Little does she know that Dereks best friend was always there for her Connor has had the same feelings for LuLu.
Oh man.. I loved every second of this book, tbe back and forth, the jabs and the connection they shared. The more I read the more I loved Connor! The love scenes were freaking hot! And I really loved the way Connor made her feel wanted and important.
The conversation that was between Derek and Connor just plain ticked me off.. What could have been and I had so many emotions running through me.
But everything at it's time... And the ending was perfect, I absolutely loved, loved it!!
Profile Image for Erica.
1,311 reviews32 followers
March 18, 2019
If you love enemies to lovers this book is for you.
But it's so much more.
We have Lulu who thinks she's head over heels for her best friend, the best friend who's wedding she's attending. He doesn't see her, not in a way other than his best friend.
Connor on the other hand is the third in the equation. He's the other best friend, the man who drives Lulu absolutely nuts. The bicker and fight constantly.
Until they don't.
The realizations Lulu comes to are important to the story, the fact that shes treating someone as the same way another is treating her truly opens her eyes to things she never thought possible.
I loved this book from the beginning. Just a few short chapters and I was intrigued. I read this in one day and it's going on my list to reread!
Profile Image for Nicole Chu.
213 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2019
Hot damn this book was good! At first I wasn’t sure where this book was gonna go. Would Lulu really ruin a wedding???
I mean come on the answer is no! But Damn Connor was the fire she needed. He took care of her and the sparks were amazing!!!

I love how he brought out her feisty side! She knew he good sides and bad sides and took it all
I was worried there might be some major drama and there was but nothing too crazy!

Also hello Bounty County! And if you don’t know what that is go read the series by Maren Lee

Jess did Sierra proud!
I loved this book from the first page and it sucked me right in! I also really need to go lay on a beach as I am inspired lol!!!!
Profile Image for Natalie Johnson.
283 reviews5 followers
March 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. It had me alternately laughing and teary eyed from the beginning. Lulu has had feelings for her best friend since they were little and now she has to be his “best woman” in his destination wedding.

Lulu figures she will drink through the wedding festivities, but Derek’s best friend Connor has other ideas. Lulu and Connor can’t be in the same room together without arguing. But could Lulu have things all wrong? It takes some hard truths and opening her eyes to what is really going on, but could Lulu get her happily ever after? I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for the next one!
502 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2019
Wow. Just Wow!
When I started this book, I didn't like it much. Lulu seemed hell bent on ruining her best friend's wedding, but...
The story took a hard left turn and I fell in love! Connor has loved Lulu forever but she has never seen him. He KNOWS her. He is able to pull her back when she gets in her head, usually by making her mad. Connor is determined to show Lulu that they belong together. Watching Lulu discover that she loves Connor too was so sweet and soooo sexy!
This is my favorite Jess Bryant book so far!
Profile Image for Amazeballs Book Addicts.
2,811 reviews243 followers
March 19, 2019
Should've Been Us is a good read. Lulu and Connor are frustrating at times. Lulu is in love with her best friend Derek but he's getting married to someone else. Connor has had a crush on Lulu for a while but she doesn't know. Lulu and Connor fight a lot. Connor comes off at as a jerk at sometimes but he's just really honestly blunt. When Lulu comes to terms with letting her dreams of Derek go, Connor is there letting her know how he really feels about her. These two have great chemistry even when they are fighting. I was rooting for these two to get a HEA.
177 reviews
March 9, 2019
I fell into this story and didn't want to put it down. Lulu and Con captivated me from the start. Lulu's emotions were so strong and powerful that I truly felt everything she experienced. These two were paired during their best friends wedding, who Lulu believes she's in love with, and Con is determined to help Lulu through the week no matter the consequences. Con is steadfast in breaking down her barriers and making her see him as the man who truly loves her and wants her.
Profile Image for V. Theia.
Author 47 books557 followers
April 14, 2019
This enemies to lovers is the perfect weekend read when you want to spend a few hours in the pages of something delicious. I've loved Jess Bryant's work from the first book I picked up and Should've Been Us is now one of my favorites. I love those stories you can fall hard for the characters instantly, especially a hero that knows what he wants after waiting for so long. So dreamy. A must read for all romance fans.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,285 reviews
March 18, 2019
This story was so good! Poor Lulu. I felt for her. She wanted someone she couldn't have and it was hard to read. Connor is everything she didn't know she needed. Together they are perfect. This story won't be easy on the feels. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll swoon. If I could, I would give it more than 5 stars. I highly recommend it!
1,087 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2019
Wow! Loved loved loved Lulu and Connor's story! Frenemies to lovers with blazing chemistry. Lulu thinks she is in love with Derek, who is marrying someone else, but the connection she has with Connor proves to her that she was wrong. I'm fairly new to Jess Bryant's books but I am loving her writing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews

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