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Oliver Monroe has never met a woman he couldn’t seduce or a problem he couldn’t talk his way out of. Despite his carefree attitude, he’s reminded of what might have been when his ex-neighbor and best friend, Charlotte Reed, returns to Cherry Grove to look after her grandmother’s estate. No woman has ever gotten under Oliver’s skin like Charlotte did in Senior year of high school. Her abrupt departure left his heart in tatters.

When Charlotte Reed left Cherry Grove, she put that life and Oliver Monroe in her rear-view mirror. He was too selfish to be the man she needed then, and now she has no intention of letting him charm his way back into her life.

But Oliver refuses to let her slip away a second time, and he takes every opportunity to insert himself into her temporary life. As their undeniable connection solidifies once more, Charlotte worries Oliver will discover why she left and the secret she’s been keeping. When Oliver finds out what Charlotte is hiding will it drive a permanent wedge between them, or can they forgive the mistakes of the past to grasp a future together?

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2020

34 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

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Cole Lepley

11 books134 followers

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5 stars
28 (60%)
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12 (26%)
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5 (10%)
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1 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for K. Moore.
Author 4 books161 followers
January 18, 2020
Cole Lepley asked me to beta read her second book in the Cherry Grove series, and wow - it was good. I loved the characters from the first in series, Tragic, and was interested to see where she'd go with Ollie. She doesn't disappoint. This book is on point with the storyline and pacing, and the romance - both past and present - between Oliver and Charlie will keep you guessing.

I know I really suck with these reviews, but I can't say what I want without giving away any spoilers or rehashing the plot. I love diving into books not knowing what's going to happen and experience the ride organically. All you need to know is that I really enjoyed this one, I want to marry Ollie myself, and I can't wait for the next in series. Also, does anyone know the directions to Cherry Grove because I want to move there, lol.

Tamed will be released February 4th.
Profile Image for Tess Hart.
36 reviews
February 4, 2020
Addictive

I read this book in one day.... NO JOKE!!!! Tamed was an emotional roller coaster for me. I loved how you could just feel the moments as you are reading even as you are reading the flashbacks. I really could not put this book down until I finished it. I had to see how Ollie and Charlie’s story ended.
Profile Image for Lane.
1,346 reviews
February 13, 2020
While this is the second book in the Cherry Grove series, it is my first read from Cole Lepley. I didn't realize it was part of a series until I'd already begun reading it. I found that though I had lots of questions, I didn't feel I needed the first book to make sense of it all.

The story is told in dual povs of Oliver (Ollie) and Charlotte (Charlie), who were best friends since their childhood. There is a mixture of past and present povs to give better insight into what was happening and why. As they get older, they find they are drawn to each other, but can't seem to put a label on whatever it is they were doing. Despite being drawn to each other, they both dated other people, but with the understanding that no one would come between them. But apparently, something happened because there is so much hatred and pain between them in the present day..though it seems one-sided.

This is a New Adult read. With that being said, there were lots of parties with drinking in this book and adult language. Oliver was an alcoholic (just by action). It was what he did when he didn't want to deal with things and he did it often (as a teen and as an adult). I was grateful that he used his friends as designated drivers, but not always. I think that was my biggest gripe about the story.

The writing is good, the pacing works, and the story is engaging. Even as adults, Ollie and Charlie reminded me of teenagers (but I've met adults who truly act this way). They had to navigate through feelings and situations that called for courage; courage that they didn't always have. Ollie's character did develop more, but it wasn't without lots of mistakes. Then it just seemed to make sense for him, like a switch was flipped on. There were sweet moments, tense moments, sad moments and happy moments in this book. Though this was Ollie and Charlie's story, there are glimpses of Elliot and Hunter, which is who the first book is about, as well as Judah.

This story was interesting so I would read the next book (Judah's story) and the first book. The people in the story seem like people I went to high school with, but watched from afar cause it just wasn't my scene. I appreciated the flaws of the characters because it made them real. I would hesitate reading the other books due to language and excessive drinking with no consequences. The adults were "ghost". If those things don't bother you, then this would be a good read to pick up. 3.5-4 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
March 8, 2020
I was excited to get my hands on this next book by Cole Lepley, mainly because I always thought that Oliver (Elliot’s brother) was an interesting character. It’s clear back in the first book he’s got his own past that he’s struggling with and whilst he doesn’t want to put the burden on his sister, he tries to remain strong for her so that if she ever does need him then she can go to him. Yet, even though I admire him for doing that, you can’t help but feel worried about him as it’s clear he’s not gotten over something but all does get revealed in this next book and it’s interesting seeing it all play out. I think that Cole did a great job at writing this book and she really did Oliver proud with his story. I honestly couldn’t fault the story, everything was done in a way that truly suited Oliver and it’s such a heart-breaking story. I felt so many emotions when reading this book I wasn’t expecting to feel half of them, but honestly I loved how Cole wrote this story. I am excited to see what she does next as her writing really does intrigue me. I would highly recommend that you give this series a try because it’s honestly well worth the read.

Oliver lives the life of a party guy, he’s not exactly grown up from when he left college but he is a badass coach on the track… Yet there’s a lot beneath his surface that not many people actually experience, the one person who knew the true him doesn’t exactly want to know him anymore. He’s a disappointment to his father so in his eyes he’s got no one or nothing to exactly worry about. But when he sees that there’s cars across the road at the neighbours house he wonders what could be going on, but then it clicks that Charlie is back.
He messed up so badly when it came to Charlie back when they were in high school, but with them both keeping secrets from each other it’s no wonder that things fell apart and hurt each of them deeply. With her being back, will Oliver be able to move on from the past or will everything just hurt worse a second time round?
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,408 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2020
Charlie and Ollie once meant everything to one another, then life got complicated and Charlie thought it was best to walk away. They haven't seen one another in some time, their wounds are still raw, and their hate for one another still strong. When a unexpected death in the family brings Charlie back to Cherry Grove, and puts her staying right across the street from the boy who broke her heart, things are bound to take an interesting turn!

Tamed brings us into the lives of childhood friends, and once teen lovers, Charlie and Ollie, and takes us through their tension filled reunion. These two hold a lot of distaste for one another, things were done in the past that can't be forgiven, and they think it is impossible to find common ground. But their hearts have another plan, one with them together again. This isn't an easy fix second chance romance, it's more of a battle, these two have a lot of demons that they need to conquer, and somewhere along the way they need to find it in themselves to bury the past and forgive... which definitely isn't easy for them! I loved this second chance romance, it's pages held a story line that had just the right amounts of angst, drama, emotion, turmoil, and steam... making it a perfectly weaved literary escape. It's words touched my heart, it's characters were impossible not to love, and the story line was so easy to get wrapped up in! Highly recommend this one, it's bound to leave your heart a little battered from time to time, but happy in the end!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Me_myself_and_romance_ Books.
491 reviews
February 19, 2020
I originally read this beautiful love story between Oliver and Charlotte on wattpad and knew I needed to read it again once published. I loved Ollies character in the first book of the series and wanted to find out more about him. When Charlotte returns from New York to settle her grandmothers house and to put it up for sale there are some things she needs to abide by to be able to sell the home. The house is across the road from her ex best friend and once secret boyfriend Oliver. He had never forgotten Charlotte as she is the only girl he ever loved and shared his life with, he was just immature and didn’t realize what he had until he lost it. The thing I love most is the book goes back and forward from past to present and things are explained and revelations are made. You feel every emotion off every page when your reading the book. There is true feelings for each other that has never gone away. You will cry, be surprised and end it with a massive smile on your face. You see how much Ollie has matured and doesn’t stop fighting for what he want and needs just like air. I received this as an arc to give an honest opinion and I couldn’t put this down, not once. I love the authors writing and I cannot wait to read more from her.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
March 26, 2020
I want to start out by saying that I really really want to move to Cherry Grove to be honest, as I'm in love with it. Now, Charlotte, aka Charlie, & Oliver aka Ollie, were best friends & were secret boyfriend/girlfriend, until she left him. I know it sounds cryptic, but I'm not giving stuff away. Now, she's back to settle some family things, and this time Ollie is determined to not let her go since he never moved on truly. Cole Lepley did a brilliant job at switching from past to present effortlessly in the telling, and I'm so grateful. All of my emotions were pulled out of me while experiencing this story, and even though I really thought these two acted immature at times as adults, it didn't stop me from imprinting on them fully. I definitely felt that fate had a hand in everything, but that's just me because I believe in fate fully in real life. I don't want to keep going with this review, as I'm afraid that I'll give something away, so just hit your one click buttons to experience this amazing piece of goodness for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,231 reviews60 followers
July 4, 2020
'Tamed' is a second chance romance and wonderfully written story! From the first book in the series Tragic when you got a brief look in to Ollie's life you knew that this store was going to be emotional.

This book does flip from the passed to the present as you get behinid the scenes of two bestfriends that had since they were 12 had been in seperateable - Ollie though as they grow up spends so much of his time playing a part of being someone else that he forgets who is expect when he is with Charlie. Every date that she goes on he tries to break up know one is good enugh for her not even him. But when one day Charlie announces her love for Ollie and he says nothing she leaves Cherry Grove to go to college and for 5 years stays away.

Ollie has never forgotten the girl he loves and when she comes back to clear out her grandmothers house all bets are of he is going after Charlotte so she better watch out!
Profile Image for Cassie Ashford.
1,073 reviews10 followers
March 23, 2020
I was very intrigued with Oliver after I read the first book of this series, Tragic. It was very clear that his behavior had a story behind it and I couldn’t wait to see what that was.

We learn that Ollie and Charlotte, childhood best friends fell in love. Ollie made some typical teenage boy decisions that ruined his relationship with Charlotte.

Charlotte didn’t plan to come back home when she did but she had no other choices. Loose ends needed tied. One loose end she didn’t plan to fix was Oliver. Once he sets his eyes on her again he makes it his life mission to get her back.

We jump from past to present to learn what transpired to bring us to now. Oliver’s true colors come through and we get to see truly the man he is now and it’s one you will fall in love with.

He is ready to be tamed and only Charlotte will do.
Profile Image for Brittany Grantham.
165 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2020
It was lots chaos and drama but not really. Emotion was heavy. Charlie and Ollie grew up together and love each other the whole time. Ollie is too immature and selfish to express himself when he should. Charlie wants Ollie to do and say things without having to actually tell him what that is. But in her defense Ollie makes it hard. She comes back to handle family stuff and Ollie uses it as an opportunity for a second chance. There is lots of emotion and issues that it stressed me out haha. You just want to smack them because things could have happened faster if they shut up, manned up and talked like adults. All in all it was a good book. I would recommend giving it a shot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ksenija.
5 reviews
May 15, 2020
I was asked to read and review this book, which I gladly agreed to do. What made Oliver the way he is, and what will future bring to him? - I was curious to find out. Sometimes in the most intense moments, the story switched from present in one chapter to the past in the next one, which sometimes did bother me, but not to ruin the taste of the romance. I like second chance romance books, and in combination with such good writing and character development, I appreciated that I had a chance to read this beautiful love story. Also, an interesting point of view of Hunter and Elliot's relationship was presented, which was fascinating. Hence, I recommend this book to all of you who have read the first one in the series. You will spend some enjoyable and quality time with Oliver and Charlotte.
Profile Image for Deborah Anita Kurniawan.
536 reviews13 followers
July 22, 2020
4 ★★★★

Olliver and Charlotte's story.
~Best-friend turns lovers~

I love this story!
Oliver and Charlotte's story is not easy.
They have been in each other lives for as long as they can remember until one day they cross the line and it changes everything.
Five years later, they reunite and those old feelings are still there, lingering, finally coming in full force once again.
Oliver is really sweet, he shows his vulnerable side and finally be honest with his feelings.
I am so happy they get their HEA.
Profile Image for AND 1515.
1,279 reviews15 followers
February 12, 2020
Five Gold Sparkly Stars...
by and1515

Wow this truly is an emotional driven second chance romance.
Its hard enough navigating through day to day life as an adult let alone two teens.
Both Charlotte and Ollie were perfectly flawed with redeeming qualities they needed to see in themselves and each other before they had any chance as a couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth McDaniel.
2,383 reviews
February 17, 2020
Charlie and Ollie were best friends growing up. Sometimes the lines blurred between friends and more but they secretly loved each other. Until the night he broke her heart and she left. Years later she’s back. Their feelings are still there but can they get past the hurt to discover the love that is there? Fun and interesting

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Delissa McGill.
15 reviews
February 3, 2020
I loved the first book so much that I couldn’t wait to see where the second book would leave Oliver and Charlotte. It was just as good as I expected it to be. Going from present and then back to the past so we can see what has happened between them. I am a sucker for a good bad boy drama filled romance. It’s a must read for sure! I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.
1,594 reviews3 followers
February 17, 2020
A wellwritten and fastpaced book with an intriguing storyline and wonderful characters. Can not wait to read the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,561 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2020
This was a wonderful story. A lot of pain, so if you like sad story, this book is for you. Great storyline, that flew easily. A good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole Bannister.
357 reviews88 followers
March 28, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book. I Like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would gladly reread it again
1 review
March 31, 2020
I've been a fan of Coles from reading her stuff on wattpad and she always delivers. I jumped at the chance to be able to read this book again and it cemented my love for the characters she describes and makes you really feel the emotions displayed. Love this book, love Ollie and love Charlotte.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.1k reviews19 followers
March 12, 2020
I enjoyed Oliver & Charlie's story. Good characters. This was an entertaining read. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Lindsey Kramer.
Author 1 book40 followers
March 20, 2020
I was absolutely hooked on this book! There was never a good stopping point when I had to put it down. This book was definitely worth the wait. I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Tara Micki.
6 reviews
February 16, 2020
I couldn’t put this book down. I was pulled into this series with Tragic and Torn is just as amazing.
I love the growth of the main character.
Kudos to author Cole Lepley.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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