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The Boy I Grew Up With
I have loved Channing Monroe all my life.
In first grade, he asked for my Trapper Keeper.
I hit him in the head with it.
Third grade, we were best friends. We kissed in seventh grade.
Eighth grade, he turned into a bad boy and the rest was a tumultuous storm.
Growing up, the problem was never love for us.
Bad times. Good times. There were times when I felt our love in every inch of my body, vibrating, making me feel like it could bring me back to life.
The problem was us.
The problem is that we’re living in two different worlds now.
Fallen Crest and its millionaires for me. Roussou and their criminals for him. I was thriving in mine and he was running his.
But…
But there were nights I felt we couldn’t be further apart than we were, and there were nights I felt we shared the same heartbeat.
When was it time?
When was it time to either sacrifice, make a change, or walk away from the boy I grew up with?
In first grade, he asked for my Trapper Keeper.
I hit him in the head with it.
Third grade, we were best friends. We kissed in seventh grade.
Eighth grade, he turned into a bad boy and the rest was a tumultuous storm.
Growing up, the problem was never love for us.
Bad times. Good times. There were times when I felt our love in every inch of my body, vibrating, making me feel like it could bring me back to life.
The problem was us.
The problem is that we’re living in two different worlds now.
Fallen Crest and its millionaires for me. Roussou and their criminals for him. I was thriving in mine and he was running his.
But…
But there were nights I felt we couldn’t be further apart than we were, and there were nights I felt we shared the same heartbeat.
When was it time?
When was it time to either sacrifice, make a change, or walk away from the boy I grew up with?
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First published October 29, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 662 reviews
October 27, 2018
This is Channing and Heather's story.
When Heather says she has loved Channing all her life, she literally means just that, these two go way back to a time when they didn’t know how important of a role the other would play in their life.
He'd worked his way under my skin in the first grade. He'd declared us best friends in third. we'd held hands in fifth. We shared our first kiss in seventh, and he'd been a headache ever since.
Though they do have a toxic, whiplash relationship always beating away in the background the one constant is their love for the other, where one ends the other begins, they were destined to be together, undeniable soul mates which started over a Trapper Keeper which we see in the 'Flash backs' the author has added.
Their road is not clean sailing, it's full of many ups and downs that break them many times with undivided loyalties, he has his own crew which he's leader of and is tangled up in some underhanded dealings, then with stepping up and taking care of his sister these two things seem to be his main priority which leaves Heather last, she knows how it is but it does drive a wedge between them which is the main cause for their on and off again status.
One would walk, the other would them them, they would go their separate ways, but then missing the other would sink in and they would find themselves back together again, not resolving their issues, and this was their pattern.
I protect my town. I protect my crew. I try to protect my sister, and I am putting them all above you, and I am a complete asshole because of that.
This was one of my most highly anticipated books of October so to say I was super excited to start it was an understatement, and Tijan did not disappoint, this was like a double loaded shotgun, everything came in double the dose to 'Crew' more drama, more angst, more heartbreak, more feels, more of everything, the author did not hold back!! Just a shame the cover was so hideous to look at!! 🤪
January 30, 2019
I have been a "Heather & Channing" fan, ever since I've read the "Fallen Crest High" series. Heather was actually the only female character, besides Sam, that I really truly liked. Sure Taylor wasn't so bad either, but she was no Heather or Sam....at least not to me ;) These two have balls of steel....especially Heather it seems !!
What I didn't know from reading the "Fallen Crest High" series was how far back Channing and Heather really go... They have been a "twosome fearsome", as Logan would say it, since first grade. They have shared all of their first together and they have had many of ups and downs....
We've found out about "Crews", and what they are exactly, in "Crew", which is the story about Channing's sister Bren. I strongly advice everyone to read that book first. It explains so much about what it means to be in a "Crew". It will definitely help you understand more about Channing and his lifestyle.... It will also help you understand more about his relationship with his sister..
This book takes us back to the beginning and we get glimpses of a much younger Heather and Channing.. It also takes us to the present, where these two are struggeling a bit...not with their love...but definitely with their priorities...
Time to shit...or get of the pot ;)
I really enjoyed getting to know Heather and Channing... They were an awesome couple !! Samantha and Mason will always be my nr 1 "Tijan couple", but these two come in at a close second. Can't wait to see what's next. Oh....and I also loved the little extra bonus we got !!
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August 14, 2021
Channing Monroe!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: ❤️💙💜💚💛
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📘📔
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😌🤓😬😯🤗
The heroine: Heather Jax - Lives in Fallen Crest, owns a popular bar/diner called Manny’s. Heather is strong and stands up for herself and she loves Channing but won’t put up with crap so they are on again, off again.
The Hero(es): Channing Monroe - The Godfather of the Crew system in Roussou. He left home while in high school when his Mom was sick and Dad became abusive. Now his Mom is dead, his father in prison and he has custody of his teenage sister Bren, who has her own crew and is resentful of him. He owns a bar in Roussou called Tuesday Tits.
The Story: Channing and Heather met in grammar school, she lived in Roussou at the time and he stole her trapper keeper. Ever since then is has been those two. Though now she lives in the wealthier town of Fallen Crest and he remains in Roussou. He still has his crew and his bar and has guardianship of his teenage sister.
Channing doesn’t think he is good enough for Heather. In addition to that, his crew activities have put her in danger more than once. It isn’t as if crew does illegal activities like running drugs or anything but his crew protects their own and their town. His crew keeps the local motorcycle club from running drugs through Roussou. Though the president of the MC, Richter has been fighting this lately.
I liked the storyline of the MC and Channing’s crew, it tied in perfectly with Channing’s worries that his love for Heather will put her at risk. It also showed how he was a really great guy just trying to do the right things. Channing was an awesome Hero. He is sizzling hot and tough as nails. What more could you want. I certainly wouldn’t kick him out of bed when he sneaked in during the night. Heather doesn’t either despite their on again off again status.
The narration on this one was terrific. Unlike Crew, this one was told in dual POV and I loved it. The male voice was soft, yet deep and the female was perfect. Bravo!!!
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Romance: ❤️💙💜💚💛
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📙📕📗📘📔
World building: 🌎🌏🌍🌎🌍
Character development: 😌🤓😬😯🤗
The heroine: Heather Jax - Lives in Fallen Crest, owns a popular bar/diner called Manny’s. Heather is strong and stands up for herself and she loves Channing but won’t put up with crap so they are on again, off again.
The Hero(es): Channing Monroe - The Godfather of the Crew system in Roussou. He left home while in high school when his Mom was sick and Dad became abusive. Now his Mom is dead, his father in prison and he has custody of his teenage sister Bren, who has her own crew and is resentful of him. He owns a bar in Roussou called Tuesday Tits.
The Story: Channing and Heather met in grammar school, she lived in Roussou at the time and he stole her trapper keeper. Ever since then is has been those two. Though now she lives in the wealthier town of Fallen Crest and he remains in Roussou. He still has his crew and his bar and has guardianship of his teenage sister.
Channing doesn’t think he is good enough for Heather. In addition to that, his crew activities have put her in danger more than once. It isn’t as if crew does illegal activities like running drugs or anything but his crew protects their own and their town. His crew keeps the local motorcycle club from running drugs through Roussou. Though the president of the MC, Richter has been fighting this lately.
I liked the storyline of the MC and Channing’s crew, it tied in perfectly with Channing’s worries that his love for Heather will put her at risk. It also showed how he was a really great guy just trying to do the right things. Channing was an awesome Hero. He is sizzling hot and tough as nails. What more could you want. I certainly wouldn’t kick him out of bed when he sneaked in during the night. Heather doesn’t either despite their on again off again status.
The narration on this one was terrific. Unlike Crew, this one was told in dual POV and I loved it. The male voice was soft, yet deep and the female was perfect. Bravo!!!
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October 22, 2018
4.5 stars
WOWZER!!!
This was an emotional read!
And as always TIJAN delivered a spellbinding and thrilling novel.
I must admit, Channing and Heather are one of my favorite couples ever since reading FCH. Channing is such a charismatic and mysterious guy. And Heather is KICK ASS!!!! She is a true bad ass woman. One that stands her ground and gives as good as she gets. I always wanted to know more about their backstory, and THE BOY I GREW UP WITH answered all of my questions. I'm so glad the author finally gave them their own story.
Heather and Channing's love story was EPIC.
Emotional. Heartbreaking. And beautiful. But most of all it was never-ending. They fell in love in elementary school and that love never wavered. Not for her or him. And that's what I love about a romance. When love endures all kinds of hurtles, endures changes and years of growing up and becoming adults. Theirs was a deep and profound love. A once in a lifetime kind of love.
Throughout the entire novel, the one thing that was constant was the friendship between Heather and Changing. They knew each other better than anyone else. Their relationship went through up and downs. It wasn't perfect, for from it, but it never was less than all consuming. They were like magnets, pulled towards each other, if they wanted it or not.
The flashbacks had me laughing out loud. Those flashbacks were some of my most favorite parts of the story. Heather and Channing were hilarious as kids. Vibrant, and so very much like I would have imagined their younger selves to act around each other.
Besides it being about their relationship, THE BOY I GREW UP WITH also felt like an amazing MC novel, without the bikes. But it had everything that I love about a MC novel. I really enjoyed that, because I haven't read a MC novel in a long time.
And OMG the epilogue was wonderful - I hope the author will write future books about the next generation.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵
If you want to chat with me about books, find me on Instagram
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Twitter
Subscribe to Blog
WOWZER!!!
This was an emotional read!
And as always TIJAN delivered a spellbinding and thrilling novel.
I must admit, Channing and Heather are one of my favorite couples ever since reading FCH. Channing is such a charismatic and mysterious guy. And Heather is KICK ASS!!!! She is a true bad ass woman. One that stands her ground and gives as good as she gets. I always wanted to know more about their backstory, and THE BOY I GREW UP WITH answered all of my questions. I'm so glad the author finally gave them their own story.
Heather and Channing's love story was EPIC.
Emotional. Heartbreaking. And beautiful. But most of all it was never-ending. They fell in love in elementary school and that love never wavered. Not for her or him. And that's what I love about a romance. When love endures all kinds of hurtles, endures changes and years of growing up and becoming adults. Theirs was a deep and profound love. A once in a lifetime kind of love.
Throughout the entire novel, the one thing that was constant was the friendship between Heather and Changing. They knew each other better than anyone else. Their relationship went through up and downs. It wasn't perfect, for from it, but it never was less than all consuming. They were like magnets, pulled towards each other, if they wanted it or not.
The flashbacks had me laughing out loud. Those flashbacks were some of my most favorite parts of the story. Heather and Channing were hilarious as kids. Vibrant, and so very much like I would have imagined their younger selves to act around each other.
Besides it being about their relationship, THE BOY I GREW UP WITH also felt like an amazing MC novel, without the bikes. But it had everything that I love about a MC novel. I really enjoyed that, because I haven't read a MC novel in a long time.
And OMG the epilogue was wonderful - I hope the author will write future books about the next generation.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵ ✦ ✷ ✫ ✷ ✦ ✧ ✵ ✧ ✵
If you want to chat with me about books, find me on Instagram
For more of my reviews:
My Blog: Book Twins Reviews
Facebook Blog Page
Subscribe to Blog
August 3, 2023
4 stars
After reading all the ‘Fallen Crest’ and ‘Crew’ books, I was excited to get to Heather and Channing’s story. They are both characters I really liked from the previous books. I loved getting to see their long time romance from when they were kids to adults. It was on again off again at times, but finding out the reason made a lot of sense. I thought the ending was great and loved that they were both willing to make sacrifices/compromises for one another and their love.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Blake Richards & Summer Morton
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Romance
Length: 12h 4m
October 31, 2018
Wow! Anyone that follows me knows that Tijan is one of my FAVORITE authors! October has become my all time favorite month because I get new books from them all and I'm lagging a bit from reading all the new books BUT...this has been my favorite so far.
I have wanted this storyline for soooooooo long! Heather has always been my favorite kickass sidekick and she finally has her chance to shine! Of course mysterious Channing has always interested me but Heather is obviously the one I relate to. ;) I will say this, DO NOT READ this book if you have read the Fallen Crest Series! Do not enter, do not pass go! You cannot fully appreciate the book otherwise. Truth! I would not lie to you.
Now, this book is truly epic (in the words of my son). So many questions are answered and if you read Crew you get a little insight at what is to come. That's all I'm giving you. You have to buy the book to find out more! Till next time!
I have wanted this storyline for soooooooo long! Heather has always been my favorite kickass sidekick and she finally has her chance to shine! Of course mysterious Channing has always interested me but Heather is obviously the one I relate to. ;) I will say this, DO NOT READ this book if you have read the Fallen Crest Series! Do not enter, do not pass go! You cannot fully appreciate the book otherwise. Truth! I would not lie to you.
Now, this book is truly epic (in the words of my son). So many questions are answered and if you read Crew you get a little insight at what is to come. That's all I'm giving you. You have to buy the book to find out more! Till next time!
November 24, 2018
3, Not a true standalone book.
I can see why people loved this book. If you are a fan of the Fallen Crest series and have read The Crew then you follow this “world”.
I stopped reading Fallen Crest after the 3 book (the love triangle wasn’t my cuppa and it was kind of ansty). So after reading The boy I grew up with, it made me sad. I love Tijan’s books, but I hate it when her standalones aren’t true standalones.
There are a lot of moving parts to this book and a lot of characters. I’ve never been fond of many characters in books if I don’t know the history of the world. I did read The Crew, which I found okay, but it wasn’t my favorite (only because the concept of the Crew is still confusing to me).
In this world it’s Heather and Channing’s story. I did remember who they were after reading The Crew, lucky me, because I usually don’t remember everything I read. I was excited for Channing and Heather’s story because they have an on and off again relationship.
I liked that the story was mild and there was little to no angst, that’s my kind of read, BUT there was so much back story and secondary characters and side story that I started to find the story boring.
I wanted to read an epic love story and get the heart and history of the couple. I loved the flashbacks and wanted more of that. Remember the book starts off with Heather and Channing with this intense relationship, so I wasn’t there from the beginning to get all the feels. I wanted the feels.
Usually I don’t need the love story to be the main focal point of the book, but when I didn’t care for the Crew politics and all the moving parts, I found myself not being interested.
A part of me wants to finish the Fallen Crest series only so I can understand Tijan’s future books. I was sad to hear there would be Crew 2. I didn’t really want another Bren story, but maybe it will be better than the first.
I can see why people loved this book. If you are a fan of the Fallen Crest series and have read The Crew then you follow this “world”.
I stopped reading Fallen Crest after the 3 book (the love triangle wasn’t my cuppa and it was kind of ansty). So after reading The boy I grew up with, it made me sad. I love Tijan’s books, but I hate it when her standalones aren’t true standalones.
There are a lot of moving parts to this book and a lot of characters. I’ve never been fond of many characters in books if I don’t know the history of the world. I did read The Crew, which I found okay, but it wasn’t my favorite (only because the concept of the Crew is still confusing to me).
In this world it’s Heather and Channing’s story. I did remember who they were after reading The Crew, lucky me, because I usually don’t remember everything I read. I was excited for Channing and Heather’s story because they have an on and off again relationship.
I liked that the story was mild and there was little to no angst, that’s my kind of read, BUT there was so much back story and secondary characters and side story that I started to find the story boring.
I wanted to read an epic love story and get the heart and history of the couple. I loved the flashbacks and wanted more of that. Remember the book starts off with Heather and Channing with this intense relationship, so I wasn’t there from the beginning to get all the feels. I wanted the feels.
Usually I don’t need the love story to be the main focal point of the book, but when I didn’t care for the Crew politics and all the moving parts, I found myself not being interested.
A part of me wants to finish the Fallen Crest series only so I can understand Tijan’s future books. I was sad to hear there would be Crew 2. I didn’t really want another Bren story, but maybe it will be better than the first.
Read
March 12, 2019can't get through this one for some reason.
abandon-dnf
October 11, 2018Finally!! Heather and Channing’s book! I feel like I’ve waited forever BUT I am petrified that I’m gonna hate it.
I don’t trust Tijan anymore and her OTT melodrama is just too much for me....I’ll be waiting for some honest reviews. I already know Channing cheated in high school and Heather was with Logan so I’m doubting this will be safe....
I don’t trust Tijan anymore and her OTT melodrama is just too much for me....I’ll be waiting for some honest reviews. I already know Channing cheated in high school and Heather was with Logan so I’m doubting this will be safe....
Want to read
October 3, 2019The Boy I Grew Up With is on sale for $1.49 (regular price $3.99) on Amazon U.S. today (10/3/2019)💞
February 22, 2019
4 stars!!!
“I will never be worthy of you, but one day, I hope to be better. One day, I will give you everything. I promise.”
Ahhh- its always fun getting a book about a side character. And if I am being completely honest... I prefer Heather to Samantha! So when I heard she was getting her own book... I was thrilled!!
This story follows Channing and Heather from the Fallen Crest series. It goes through their whole life from past to present. These two have grown up together and have a very long past together. It was fun and also very emotional to go down memory lane with them.
I really enjoy Tijans writing style. She has a way of pulling you in and giving you all the feels. She writes dialogue so well for the types of books that she writes. The pacing was great and it kind of reminded me a little bit of the atmosphere that was in her last book- Crew.
If you have not read all of the Fallen Crest Series- I highly recommend that you read them before you read this one. Then read Crew- and then, follow it up with this one. I guess it could be read as a stand alone- but I feel like it would be so much better if you know all of the backstory from the Fallen Crest Series.
Overall, I loved getting to read all about Heather and Channing. I adored the ending- it was almost like a little Easter Egg, to what I hope is to come in her future books! So exciting- Totally Recommend - especially if you are a Fallen Crest fan!!
“I will never be worthy of you, but one day, I hope to be better. One day, I will give you everything. I promise.”
Ahhh- its always fun getting a book about a side character. And if I am being completely honest... I prefer Heather to Samantha! So when I heard she was getting her own book... I was thrilled!!
This story follows Channing and Heather from the Fallen Crest series. It goes through their whole life from past to present. These two have grown up together and have a very long past together. It was fun and also very emotional to go down memory lane with them.
I really enjoy Tijans writing style. She has a way of pulling you in and giving you all the feels. She writes dialogue so well for the types of books that she writes. The pacing was great and it kind of reminded me a little bit of the atmosphere that was in her last book- Crew.
If you have not read all of the Fallen Crest Series- I highly recommend that you read them before you read this one. Then read Crew- and then, follow it up with this one. I guess it could be read as a stand alone- but I feel like it would be so much better if you know all of the backstory from the Fallen Crest Series.
Overall, I loved getting to read all about Heather and Channing. I adored the ending- it was almost like a little Easter Egg, to what I hope is to come in her future books! So exciting- Totally Recommend - especially if you are a Fallen Crest fan!!
October 18, 2018
To say I devoured this book is a gross understatement. I'm a huge fan of this series already.
I love books that have storylines depicting relationships over time and this one does that. Heather and Channing first appeared in the ever popular FCH series by Tijan and in The Boy I Grew Up With we get their story.
A coming of age relationship these two definitely have their ups and downs and I was all over it. The drama of a relationship that essentially starts when they are kids and goes through hardships and sweet moments and everything else that comes with time. Some may have a preconceived notion going into this book thinking they know a bit of what happens with these two but not everything is as it seems. I will leave it at that.
I loved both of these characters. Both were strong when they needed to be, both also showed vulnerability and as the storyline progressed and they grew older you could see that. I felt their feelings towards one another that unbreakable bond that they just couldn't ignore. Their connection was palpable.
I can't wait for more from this series and I'm excited to see what's next.
I love books that have storylines depicting relationships over time and this one does that. Heather and Channing first appeared in the ever popular FCH series by Tijan and in The Boy I Grew Up With we get their story.
A coming of age relationship these two definitely have their ups and downs and I was all over it. The drama of a relationship that essentially starts when they are kids and goes through hardships and sweet moments and everything else that comes with time. Some may have a preconceived notion going into this book thinking they know a bit of what happens with these two but not everything is as it seems. I will leave it at that.
I loved both of these characters. Both were strong when they needed to be, both also showed vulnerability and as the storyline progressed and they grew older you could see that. I felt their feelings towards one another that unbreakable bond that they just couldn't ignore. Their connection was palpable.
I can't wait for more from this series and I'm excited to see what's next.
October 25, 2018
A best friends, childhood to adult - coming of age love story.
Oh I do love these kind of romance's at times, I love the journey, the firsts, the self-discovery's, the swoon-worthy moments that make you go all gooey inside.
Heather and Channing aren't without their issues and live in a world of Crew's where there's bloodshed, gang wars, territory wars and this is something Channing battles with, should he have heather, the girl he loves in the middle of it all? but at the end of the day their souls are tied and that's one thing they never win the fight against.
Both Channing and Heather know they should be better apart, safer apart, but they have the kind of relationship were they are just meant to be, can't fight it, can't deny it.
The story is told in the present then gives you a look into the past from the young age were Heather hated the boy who picked on her at school but she gave him a trapper keeper, from there their like hate/relationship blossomed.
Trapper Keeper?, now this I had to look up, and good old Google enlightened me, I didn't have a clue what it was so I discovered in English terms its a file you put your school work in.
This is a love story that spans over the years, the defined moments to the present.
I have only read a few of the fallen Crest High series but believe Channing and Heather are mentioned or are a part of these books. Also Bren who is Channing's sister is also a big part of this story due to her being in Channing's care, Bren has her own story in the book Crew and having now read this I really want to read that too.
In a nutshell once I got past all the Crew stuff which I didn't have a full understanding of and reading between the lines discovered they are a group of people who have each other, they are family and protect those around them also the town they live in, well Channing's Crew does anyway, so yes I couldn't get my head around this at first and it took me a bit to get into the book but once I did and once I focused mainly on the characters and their love story I loved it.
The Boy I Grew up with is an epic love story, emotional, contains danger, has that MC romance feel about it, has highs and low's and it is so sizzling hot, Channing and Heather had burning chemistry between them.
Great story that at times made my stomach flip.
Can be read as a standalone, told in first person dual pov, leads to a heartwarming hea.
RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 29TH
ARC RECEIVED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
Oh I do love these kind of romance's at times, I love the journey, the firsts, the self-discovery's, the swoon-worthy moments that make you go all gooey inside.
Heather and Channing aren't without their issues and live in a world of Crew's where there's bloodshed, gang wars, territory wars and this is something Channing battles with, should he have heather, the girl he loves in the middle of it all? but at the end of the day their souls are tied and that's one thing they never win the fight against.
Both Channing and Heather know they should be better apart, safer apart, but they have the kind of relationship were they are just meant to be, can't fight it, can't deny it.
The story is told in the present then gives you a look into the past from the young age were Heather hated the boy who picked on her at school but she gave him a trapper keeper, from there their like hate/relationship blossomed.
Trapper Keeper?, now this I had to look up, and good old Google enlightened me, I didn't have a clue what it was so I discovered in English terms its a file you put your school work in.
This is a love story that spans over the years, the defined moments to the present.
I have only read a few of the fallen Crest High series but believe Channing and Heather are mentioned or are a part of these books. Also Bren who is Channing's sister is also a big part of this story due to her being in Channing's care, Bren has her own story in the book Crew and having now read this I really want to read that too.
In a nutshell once I got past all the Crew stuff which I didn't have a full understanding of and reading between the lines discovered they are a group of people who have each other, they are family and protect those around them also the town they live in, well Channing's Crew does anyway, so yes I couldn't get my head around this at first and it took me a bit to get into the book but once I did and once I focused mainly on the characters and their love story I loved it.
The Boy I Grew up with is an epic love story, emotional, contains danger, has that MC romance feel about it, has highs and low's and it is so sizzling hot, Channing and Heather had burning chemistry between them.
Great story that at times made my stomach flip.
Can be read as a standalone, told in first person dual pov, leads to a heartwarming hea.
RELEASE DATE OCTOBER 29TH
ARC RECEIVED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES
http://www.bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
August 11, 2021
Note to self: avoid,
heard Channing cheated during high school( or he made her think he did for many years. Even if he didn’t cheat, the h still went back to him showing that she’s a spineless doormat for taking back a cheater🙄. We’re told that Heather is this strong, kickass female but her actions - hopping into bed with a cheating BF - certainly showed that she’s a weak, no self respecting female who only acts like a bitch).
-from reading the FC series, he slept with her ex bestfriend Tate. In this book he says nothing happened but reviews didn’t believe this from the way he looked. If he lied before about cheating/not cheating why wouldn’t he lie again?
heard Channing cheated during high school( or he made her think he did for many years. Even if he didn’t cheat, the h still went back to him showing that she’s a spineless doormat for taking back a cheater🙄. We’re told that Heather is this strong, kickass female but her actions - hopping into bed with a cheating BF - certainly showed that she’s a weak, no self respecting female who only acts like a bitch).
-from reading the FC series, he slept with her ex bestfriend Tate. In this book he says nothing happened but reviews didn’t believe this from the way he looked. If he lied before about cheating/not cheating why wouldn’t he lie again?
November 4, 2018
Another good NA read from Tijan. Very similar feel to Crew but with more violence and sex. I do like Crew better but prefer the romance side of The Boy I Grew Up With. There was some angst but again it wasn’t as full on as I expected which I was happy about.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Medium to High
Heat Level: High
Triggers:
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Medium to High
Heat Level: High
Triggers:
August 3, 2023
Heather & Channing have their own book. Yay.
THE BOY I GREW UP WITH
● Heather & Channing
● owns a bar in Fallen Crest called Manny’s / owns a bar in Roussou called Tuesday Tits
● childhood friends
● a motorcycle club wants to run drugs through town and Channing is against that
● dual pov
I'm convinced that Tijan is a fan of Gilmore Girls because in this book there's a character named Sookie who is similar to Sookie in the GG show. 😊
Heather & Channing first appear in Fallen Crest which is from The Crew Series
Channing is Bren’s brother and her caretaker. Founder of the Crew system. Now owns his father’s bar: Tuesday’s Tits
Heather is Channing’s girlfriend and she owns a bar in Fallen Crest.
THE BOY I GREW UP WITH
● Heather & Channing
● owns a bar in Fallen Crest called Manny’s / owns a bar in Roussou called Tuesday Tits
● childhood friends
● a motorcycle club wants to run drugs through town and Channing is against that
● dual pov
I'm convinced that Tijan is a fan of Gilmore Girls because in this book there's a character named Sookie who is similar to Sookie in the GG show. 😊
Heather & Channing first appear in Fallen Crest which is from The Crew Series
Channing is Bren’s brother and her caretaker. Founder of the Crew system. Now owns his father’s bar: Tuesday’s Tits
Heather is Channing’s girlfriend and she owns a bar in Fallen Crest.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Blake Richards & Summer Morton
Length: 12H 04M
November 1, 2018
Sigh...loved it
April 16, 2024
I was surprised by this one, as I really had low expectations for this book, but I really enjoyed it! Unlike many people I am not a fan of Heather, ‘Jax’. I don’t dislike her, but she is not my favourite character. Everyone seems to think she is the feisty hard ass, when in reality she is a lot of talk, I like that she has a smart mouth, and she is a pretty loyal friend to Sam. However, I find Heather says a lot, but when it comes to it she doesn’t really back it up. For example she takes no shit, but she lets Channing Cheat on her, and stills go with him. As we know in this book he didn’t really cheat, but she did not know that before she let him back in her bed. In Book 3 of Fallen Crest when Kate and her gross groupies where threatening Sam and turned it on Heather, she was scared and didn’t really have anything to throw at them. This really confused me, as after reading Crew we know how dangerous Channing and his Crew were, and the lengths he would go to to protect Heather, so I was lost as to why Heather would be so worried, and in reality Kate would be to worried to target her. But then again it was not that believable that Kate would attack Sam and think there would be no comeback, so all a bit crazy. Also, for a strong woman Heather gave into Logan easily enough. I also didn’t really like that her and Logan hooked up at Sam’s fathers wedding. I get they can do what they want, but out of respect for Mason and Sam, when asked they could have kept it in their pants for one day, but no apparently they couldn’t manage that. So my opinion of Heather has never been massively high. Channing always came across a bit of a tool to me as well. But, I really liked their relationship and their characters in this book. I could understand Heather and Channing’s connection more and how they were always somehow tethered to each other. Heather was more relatable, and Channing was shown tor really love her and be a good guy at the core, who had his own issues. I also liked the fact they were in each other’s lives from so young, it created a great history. I was not really a fan of the twist, that Channing never cheated and it just looked like that to keep Heather away and protect her. I have seen this done too many times in books, and was really shocked Tijan used it as a storyline. Mainly, because it was not really likely. Heather saw Channing coming out of a room with a girl, looking sexed up, apparently that was staged, maybe I could buy that. But I for not one minute buy thar Channing and Tate never happened. Why would Kate say it? Why would Tate not put her in her place and deny it? The excuse that Tate thought Heather would not believer her was weak. It just seemed like something Tijan wrote to be true, but realised for readers to invest in Channing and Heather as a couple, she could not have him as a cheat. If I am honest I hated him because he cheated, so I was glad he did not actually betray Heather, but I think the explanation was not believable. But there was a lot more good about this than bad. Channing and Heather grew on me, and I love them together. This book was a good addition which added depth to their characters. I cannot wait for Nate’s book! I just hope his love interest is more exciting thank Taylor. I think his book will be great though, Tijan can really work her magic!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2018
So after reading “Crew”I was very curious to read about Channing and Heather. Channing is Bren’s older brother. The story alternated between past and present and we got both of their points of views. I enjoy being able to be in their heads and feel what they felt. Channing and Heather have a LONG history and if I’m being honest they both annoyed me to no end. They constantly kept repeating the same things over and over and over. I get that they are young but at some point you HAVE to grow up. Clearly they are meant for each other but they just couldn’t make it work at times. As the story progressed we get a revelation that shocked me and made me want Channing and Heather to figure things out even more. I also loved how this story gives you more of a back story on how the Crew’s got started. There were some intense moments and I’m finding this series to be very intriguing with a colorful cast of characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series.
*ARC Review*
*ARC Review*
November 19, 2018
I was so looking forward to Heather her story! But also a tid bit scared. It was amazing!
There was a moment that I felt sad and bad, but it turned around when it came out!
I enjoy Tijan her writing style very much, she always manages to pull me in and keep me captivated. Which in all honesty is rare these days..
I loved Channings crew also they are all so fun! I love what they stand for and the loyalty! What again is hard to find these days.
Why not 5stars if I loved it so much? I don't know I'm becoming harder with my ratings. I love to give 5stars but only on books that I loved so much that they will remain with me for such a long time. This will remain with me for a long time, but I missed a bit I guess.
There was a moment that I felt sad and bad, but it turned around when it came out!
I enjoy Tijan her writing style very much, she always manages to pull me in and keep me captivated. Which in all honesty is rare these days..
I loved Channings crew also they are all so fun! I love what they stand for and the loyalty! What again is hard to find these days.
Why not 5stars if I loved it so much? I don't know I'm becoming harder with my ratings. I love to give 5stars but only on books that I loved so much that they will remain with me for such a long time. This will remain with me for a long time, but I missed a bit I guess.
October 22, 2018
Finally we get Heather and Channing's story j was happy excited and slightly nervous to start this as Tijan and the Fallen Crest characters are some of my most loved in the book world.
Although we know most of their story we get to see it from another angle. So many hidden truths and secrets are laid bare for the readers to pick over. I felt quite emotional at times which I didn't really expect to be honest. Together they have been through so much but as a couple they are fantastic together, they know each other inside out. We see small snippets into the past which helped to explain so much. I don't want to say too much but if you loved Heather and Channing this book won't disappoint it certainly exceeded all my expectations.
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Although we know most of their story we get to see it from another angle. So many hidden truths and secrets are laid bare for the readers to pick over. I felt quite emotional at times which I didn't really expect to be honest. Together they have been through so much but as a couple they are fantastic together, they know each other inside out. We see small snippets into the past which helped to explain so much. I don't want to say too much but if you loved Heather and Channing this book won't disappoint it certainly exceeded all my expectations.
reviewed by Sweet Spot Sisterhood
October 27, 2018
The Boy I Grew Up With (TBIGUW) was another Tijan masterpiece. I swear just when I thought she couldn't surpass Crew, Tijan legit made my head spin with Heather and Channing and their love for each other and their families. This book spanned years and she could not have done a better job. This book was magnificent!
I absolutely DIED for Channing during the Fallen Crest books and then when we got a closer glimpse in Crew, I thought it was heaven. But NOTHING compares to this story. NOTHING. I absolutely fell in love with the banter, love and just all around amazingness of this story. I was totally surprised that Heather's book would be a Crew book in a way, but it all ties in to Rousseau. But Tijan could never have prepared me for the thorough breakdown of all things Heather and Channing like she did with TBIGUW. This novel was absolutely perfect and was almost saga like. We get glimpses of pivotal moments in their lives and how they became "Channing and Heather" through flashbacks while also progressing their story from what we saw in Bren's book (Crew.) This book really was so amazing and I am sad to see it end. It hurts to say it but Channing Monroe rivals Mason Kade and them be fighting words for sure.
I truly truly loved this book and will continue reading everything and anything from Tijan's fountain of kindle crack. Bravo! 6 stars!! ~Ratula
I absolutely DIED for Channing during the Fallen Crest books and then when we got a closer glimpse in Crew, I thought it was heaven. But NOTHING compares to this story. NOTHING. I absolutely fell in love with the banter, love and just all around amazingness of this story. I was totally surprised that Heather's book would be a Crew book in a way, but it all ties in to Rousseau. But Tijan could never have prepared me for the thorough breakdown of all things Heather and Channing like she did with TBIGUW. This novel was absolutely perfect and was almost saga like. We get glimpses of pivotal moments in their lives and how they became "Channing and Heather" through flashbacks while also progressing their story from what we saw in Bren's book (Crew.) This book really was so amazing and I am sad to see it end. It hurts to say it but Channing Monroe rivals Mason Kade and them be fighting words for sure.
I truly truly loved this book and will continue reading everything and anything from Tijan's fountain of kindle crack. Bravo! 6 stars!! ~Ratula
January 12, 2024
Finally! I’m glad to finally see Heather and Channing all in and living happily ever after. I worried about reading this book only because in Sam and Mason’s book, Heather and Channing’s relationship seemed rocky. Let’s just say there was more to the story, and it was worth finally reading the book focused on it.
November 13, 2018
3,5 *aleluia * estrelas
Finalmente um livro que prendeu do inicio ao fim. Amei os personagens TODOS, principalmente a personagem feminina (ela é incrível, adorey) .
Eu realmente não vejo muitos defeitos nesse livro, eu realmente gostei dele.
Yeaaahhhh
Finalmente um livro que prendeu do inicio ao fim. Amei os personagens TODOS, principalmente a personagem feminina (ela é incrível, adorey) .
Eu realmente não vejo muitos defeitos nesse livro, eu realmente gostei dele.
Yeaaahhhh
May 2, 2019
This was a good book overall, I just thought it was too long. There were a couple times it seemed like it was wrapping up and then I look and I still have 12 chapters to go. It didn't have great pacing so it felt like it dragged on some parts, then lots of action in others. I didn't realize it was the same characters from Crew, so that was an interesting surprise. The crew idea is different, I feel like they're pretty much gangs, just with less criminal activity. Heather and Channing's relationship was pretty toxic and if this were real life, I wouldn't want them to be together. They did have a lot of chemistry, but the fighting all time and constant breaking up would really wear you down. Not a bad read, but it could have been 100 pages shorter. And the male narrator was not good. He sounded like he was trying to make his voice deeper and gravelly and it came across really fake.
January 5, 2019
“I have loved you almost all my life. And I don’t see myself loving anyone else.”
The Boy I Grew Up With. An ordinary name for one extraordinary story. A story that is so special. A story of soulmates that spans time. A story that stuck my soul like a storm, clenching my heart, as it hit me with a force of feels I never saw coming. A story that made me feel everything. A story that is EVERYTHING.
This love story morphs from childhood into adulthood, so full of depth and breadth, one that transcends time. Tijan Meyer brings a depth and realism to these characters that come to life in the most meaningful of ways. Heather and Channings’ romance is so stunning and special, on a deep level of love that many dream about. I MELTED for this hero and heroine! I really felt their love story. I felt so close to them and these Crew characters. Tijan made me part of the Crew. Or at least it felt that way.
What an explosive romance with all the edge and emotion! This tale is as tender as it is thrilling. I was enraptured!!! I was so drunk on this book!!! An adrenaline rush of a roller coaster with highs and lows, this love story made me shatter and swoon. A love story that is extraordinary and unexpected but satisfies in every way. This is not just a second-chance romance; it’s a forever romance, one that I felt so deeply from heart to soul. Broken beauty at its best and I LOVED every bit.
💋💋💋💋💋 tender and thrilling kisses
———> https://amzn.to/2SGGfxY
The Boy I Grew Up With. An ordinary name for one extraordinary story. A story that is so special. A story of soulmates that spans time. A story that stuck my soul like a storm, clenching my heart, as it hit me with a force of feels I never saw coming. A story that made me feel everything. A story that is EVERYTHING.
This love story morphs from childhood into adulthood, so full of depth and breadth, one that transcends time. Tijan Meyer brings a depth and realism to these characters that come to life in the most meaningful of ways. Heather and Channings’ romance is so stunning and special, on a deep level of love that many dream about. I MELTED for this hero and heroine! I really felt their love story. I felt so close to them and these Crew characters. Tijan made me part of the Crew. Or at least it felt that way.
What an explosive romance with all the edge and emotion! This tale is as tender as it is thrilling. I was enraptured!!! I was so drunk on this book!!! An adrenaline rush of a roller coaster with highs and lows, this love story made me shatter and swoon. A love story that is extraordinary and unexpected but satisfies in every way. This is not just a second-chance romance; it’s a forever romance, one that I felt so deeply from heart to soul. Broken beauty at its best and I LOVED every bit.
💋💋💋💋💋 tender and thrilling kisses
———> https://amzn.to/2SGGfxY
May 15, 2019
Another gem given to us from the amazing Tijan. I love all words by Tijan but this book hit me right in the FEELS. I fell hard for both Heather and Channing. They hook, lined and sunk me with there push...pull, back and forth that all compiled at once with a love that couldn't be broken or outdone. I adored this story. One of my very favorites of the year. TIjan writes, I read is still going strong.
October 3, 2019
DNF @ 15%
October 20, 2018
Wrongly or rightly, as one of favourite authors, I tend to hold Tijan to high standards. I also feel like this story has been a long time coming.
So I was scared that maybe the story would lack some vital magic and out of all the books I've been waiting for, I really didn't want Heather's book to disappoint. My concern came from feeling like I knew these characters already and maybe Tijan wouldn't capture all the things I had hoped for.
I'm so pleased to say my worries were all for nothing.
Heather and Channing's story was a journey I lived completely through them. They told me their secrets, their lies, their lives and I felt raw throughout the whole book.
This story was full to bursting with answers, understanding, passion and ferocity. If I explain the characters then I explain the story. Some books you read and love, feeling connected and all the good stuff that comes with a five star read, this was different. It was like this story WAS the characters... so you say 'well isn't every story the characters' simply, the answer is no.
Some stories add perspective, give depth, manage a timeline. This story WAS them. It was raw, gritty, dirty, love, honesty, fear, selfishness, selflessness... this story WAS Heather and Channing. To truly understand what I mean you'll have to read it for yourselves.
The story runs in the present, but dips into their past. The slight detours into their history were fantastically written. None of the snippets were overplayed or drawn out, we were only given just enough to explain a part of them which helped us to understand how entwined Heather and Channing truly are.
I'm not going to say much more because you'll want to experience this yourselves, especially those Fallen Crest fans, who, like me, have probably been desperate for this book.
I wish I could give this more than five stars.
So I was scared that maybe the story would lack some vital magic and out of all the books I've been waiting for, I really didn't want Heather's book to disappoint. My concern came from feeling like I knew these characters already and maybe Tijan wouldn't capture all the things I had hoped for.
I'm so pleased to say my worries were all for nothing.
Heather and Channing's story was a journey I lived completely through them. They told me their secrets, their lies, their lives and I felt raw throughout the whole book.
This story was full to bursting with answers, understanding, passion and ferocity. If I explain the characters then I explain the story. Some books you read and love, feeling connected and all the good stuff that comes with a five star read, this was different. It was like this story WAS the characters... so you say 'well isn't every story the characters' simply, the answer is no.
Some stories add perspective, give depth, manage a timeline. This story WAS them. It was raw, gritty, dirty, love, honesty, fear, selfishness, selflessness... this story WAS Heather and Channing. To truly understand what I mean you'll have to read it for yourselves.
The story runs in the present, but dips into their past. The slight detours into their history were fantastically written. None of the snippets were overplayed or drawn out, we were only given just enough to explain a part of them which helped us to understand how entwined Heather and Channing truly are.
I'm not going to say much more because you'll want to experience this yourselves, especially those Fallen Crest fans, who, like me, have probably been desperate for this book.
I wish I could give this more than five stars.
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