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Donovan Monroe is successful, handsome and single. And he intends on keeping it that way. There’s only been one woman in his life that wouldn’t give him the time of day—and even now, it still bothers him.

Liza Dooley was the most popular girl in high school. She’s beautiful with a magnetic personality. Now, fifteen years later, she needs Donovan more than ever.

When Liza’s loan application passes Donovan’s desk, he sees it as a way to finally prove to Liza what she missed out on all those years ago. And when they come face to face, he knows what he’s got to do…Make her fall for him. Not because he wants a relationship. No, he wants revenge.

This should be easy, and maybe, he’ll have fun in the process. Getting involved with Liza again brings back all the feelings he had for her in high school, except now, she’s reciprocating them. But he knows what he’s doing is all in good fun…Or is it?

This book is intended for a mature audience. 18+

Other titles by USA Today Bestselling Author Emma Tharp:

1. What About Her (The Bluff Harbor Series Book One)

2. What About Us (The Bluff Harbor Series Book Two)

3. Drawn to Dark

4. Keeping It Casual

5. Moving On (McLoughlin Brothers Series Book One)

6. All In (McLoughlin Brothers Series Book Two)

7. Alive Again (McLoughlin Brother Series Book Three)

8. Crashing Christmas: A Billionaire Office Romance

9. Always Just Us (Just Us Book One)

10. Forever Just Us (Just Us Book Two)

11. Scoring Chance (Rules of the Game Book One)

12. Defending Your Heart (Rules of the Game Book Two)

13. Goal on the Rebound (Rules of the Game Book Three)

14. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Rules of the Game Book Four)

15. Playing Dirty (Rules of the Game Book Five)

16. A New Season (Rules of the Game Six)

17. Winter Wonderland (A Second Chance Holiday Romance)

18. The Trade (The Monroe Series Book One)

104 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2020

129 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

About the author

Emma Tharp

38 books222 followers
Emma Tharp is the USA Today Bestselling Author of The Bluff Harbor Series, Keeping It Casual, Drawn to Dark, and the McLoughlin Brother Series. She was raised in upstate New York. Being an only child, she spent a great deal of time alone, dreaming up characters who would keep her company on long family road trips. Putting her writing on the back burner, she went to college and became a chiropractor. After spending twelve years healing patients, Emma decided—with the help of her amazingly supportive husband—to use the creative side of her brain and let her characters come to the page.
If she’s not writing, Emma can be found at the gym, one of her kids sporting events, Starbucks, or a live music event.
A perfect day for Emma would be spent at her lake house with her husband, two ginger-haired children, and Vizsla, reading a book and drinking a large cup of coffee (or wine) with music playing in the background.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
April 19, 2021
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2021)! 🎁
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
February 23, 2020
This story has a little of everything, sweet romance, sexy overbearing and frustrating alpha males and a beautiful woman who has the right heart and spirit. Thoroughly enjoying and entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,794 reviews40 followers
February 3, 2020
Indebted (The Monroe Series Book 2) by Emma Tharp Indebted: A Billionaire Second Chance Romance (The Monroe Series Book 2) By: Emma Tharp
"Indebted" Is A Great Read With An Awesome Balance Between Drama & S€X¥ Times!!
Once Upon A Time...
He wanted Her, but She wouldn't give Him the Time of DAY,
As She Always kept Him on I.C.E.~
Frozen OUT in the Friend's Zone...
Where desires don't Ever come OUT & PLAY!
Now, The Time's have Changed...
And He's NOT a PushOVER any more!
In fact, He's decided He'd like gett'n a Li'l Revenge on Miss Friend Zone,
And see how She likes the Feel'n!
Only He NEVER calculated His OWN feelings into the Equation...
And once more He's Fall'n for Her,
But She's found Him OUT, & She's NOT happy with His Revenge...
Can He make it up to Her...
Or IS He gonna loose EveryThing!?!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Emma Tharp's "Indebted: A Billionaire Second Chance Romance (The Monroe Series Book 2)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own recommendations. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
My Rating Sytem:
4🌟: I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
If My Review is helpful to you, please check the box below~ Thank You.
Profile Image for Andrea.
178 reviews20 followers
January 31, 2020
This book just fell flat for me. I enjoyed the first book of this series but there seems like something is missing in this one.
2,161 reviews14 followers
January 29, 2020
Venture capitalist Donovan Monroe hasn't spoken to his beautiful high school crush Liza Dooley since graduation. Donovan had been a puny, acne-prone poor kid but a lot has changed in fifteen years ... Donovan has put on thirty pounds of muscle, his skin has cleared up, and he's successful. Liza needs a loan for her business, and Donovan gets to be a hero, and in the process, he also gets a chance to make make her fall for him so that she can feel what it feels like to be friend zoned. But what happens when Donovan realises his feelings for Liza never went away?

Indebted is a drama-filled, vengeful, sweet and steamy story
11.6k reviews49 followers
February 2, 2020
Years after high school and the roles have reversed................now what does he do???

Donovan and Liza were best of friends in high school but they were quiet opposite in many ways. They first met in Home Ec when Liza chose to sit and become his partner for the class. She captured his heart immediately and never let it go. She was the most popular girl and dated the star football player and others. He was a geeky, gangly boy who ended up put in the "friend zone". Liza was aware of Donovan's crush on her but did not acknowledge it as she was not sure how to deal with it. After high school they lost touch when she would not answer his messages. It turns out that Liza's first year of college was not a success and she flunked as she was too concerned with partying. Because of this her parents cut her off financially and she was left to make it on her own. She moved to NYC and worked in the restaurant business in a number of different positions. What she dreams of doing is going to the Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America and opening her own catering company. What she lacks is the funds to do any of this as she keeps getting turned down for every loan application she submits. That is until her loan application comes across Donovan's desk at his private equity fund.
Donovan spent the fifteen years since high school getting an education and then starting and building his business. He is rich, has a penthouse and is enjoying his bachelor life with a different woman when he wants. He has also worked on his body, putting on thirty pounds of muscle. But he has kept his heart under lock and key. When he sees Liza's application he comes up with a plan for revenge. He will loan her the money and when she comes back to renegotiate the repayment terms, which he knows she will have to, then he will charm her into falling for him and walk away from her. Thus making her feel like he did in high school by breaking her heart. But not all goes according to plan as once he realizes what has happened to Liza and they spend more time together his heart starts to do a pitter-patter. He also has some foreign thoughts in regards to wanting to take care of her, make her his and have a family with her................Oh boy is Donovan in over his head with this one as his plan takes a sharp left into unknown and frightening territory.
I really liked this low angst but well written story. The emotions are there, the characters are nicely developed and written, the story-line is very believable and there is some nice heat and chemistry but it is not the entire focus of the book. Really this story is about what can happen when roles are reversed with your high school crush and how what you think you want can leave to something very beautifully unexpected.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,701 reviews111 followers
May 1, 2021
The couple: Donovan and Liza

Romance genre: second-chance
Part of a series: Yes (The Monroe series)
Length: 104 pages

Plot: Donovan was a bit of a nerd in high school, and his crush Liza definitely friend-zoned him. But he's rich, handsome, and successful now, and she's the one who needs help. She needs a business loan and the banks are not forthcoming. Donovan will help her out though, and she's happy to see her old friend. He has revenge on his mind though, and towards the end of the book, he'll have to decide what's more important - his burgeoning feelings or his "revenge."

Character development: Donovan may be older, but I don't think he actually grew up. He treats women badly, and sees it as his due. In fact, that's the problem - he sees women as his due, and he always has, even back in high school, which is what leads to this scenario.

I’ve had feelings for Liza since high school, but back then she didn’t want me as more than a friend. When she came back into my life, I was a smug asshole who thought I could somehow exact revenge on her by making her fall for me and then walking away.” I let out a humorless laugh. “It was thoughtless and stupid.”
“That was a pretty dumb idea.”
“It was. I never should’ve played with my heart or hers. And I realized quickly that I wasn’t going to be able to turn my back on her.

You wanted revenge because she didn't like you in high school? You never even told her that you liked her that way, but you wanted her - a teenage girl - to read your mind and know that you liked her and she should automatically like you just because that's what you wanted. And when that didn't happen, you wanted revenge (as an adult)? Gentlefolk, I'd like to call this art installation: Prelude to femicide, pt. 1. What a dick.

I can read a book where the heroine suffers abuse at the hands of her kidnapper, and be perfectly fine with her falling in love with him. But this jerk - nah. Nope. No. Too close to real life. Except for the millionaire part. *Where* is my millionaire?

Would I read more from this author/in this series: no, I don't think so
Next book in the series: Between Us
3,221 reviews4 followers
January 29, 2020
Donovan loved her in high school. Liza was insanely popular, and he was there for her every time some boy broke up with her. And he was very clearly in her friend zone. Now he's gorgeous, built and rich. She needs a loan to get her catering business going, and has less-than-stellar credit. And now he's out for revenge. Oh, he gives her the loan. But when it takes longer than expected to get her catering company up and running, she needs to renegotiate the terms of the loan. And he's planning a little seduction, to be followed with her heading straight for his friend zone. But seriously, who is falling for whom? Until a couple of months ago, I had only read the hockey series books from this author. And as much as I love those books, Ms. Tharp writes books with so much more depth and feeling. The characters are likable, and have terrific chemistry. I really enjoyed this story, and am looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
January 28, 2020
This was an enjoyable quick read.
Back in high school Liza Dooley was the cool head cheerleader. Donovan Monroe was the nerdy best friend with a major crush on her. Years later Donovan is the wealthy gorgeous owner of a venture capital firm when Liza's loan application for her catering business crosses his desk. He decides to fund her loan and when she cannot make her payments on time he gets involved with promoting her business so she will fall for him and he can walk away unscathed thus getting his revenge for high school. The problem occurs when he falls as fast for her as she does for him. After they spend the night together, he realizes his revenge was foolish and decides he wants a future with her. Liza finds out about his revenge plan and is heartbroken. Donovan works with her best friend Spencer to make a grand gesture so she will forgive him. It works and they get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Latecia Jennings.
2,342 reviews10 followers
January 29, 2020
This was an interesting story on how revenge can end up backfiring. Donovan and Liza was high school buddies who grew apart during their adult lives. Donovan isn't that shy pushover guy any longer. So when he sees Liza after all these years he thinks he can have a little revenge on his buddy he had a crush on in high school. He hated being in the friend zone and he wants to make Liza fall for him and let her experience the feeling of not having your feelings return in kind. Well things didn't go as plan, and Donovan fell even harder for Liza. Their chemistry was off the charts and looks like everything was on track for a great relationship until Liza accidentally finds out about that asinine plan. Heartache ensues but of course things works out and the two have a great ending/beginning. The set up for the next book was great...can't wait to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ksarak Kent.
91 reviews
February 6, 2020
As soon as I got to the party in chapter 10 and Giselle was there, I was hoping she would get her own story. So I was over-the-moon when I read the epilogue.
Just pre-ordered Between Us, so excited and I can't wait to meet Dean. I'm really enjoying these Monroe siblings and their partners.
Garrett and Camille kicked this series off and Donovan and Liza truly did not disappoint. Donovan really could have read as a jerk. But kudos on the writing because even though Donovan was acting like a first class jerk, I found him quite likable. I'm also quite fond of Liza, she just may be my favorite character in the series thus far. Though I do have a feeling Giselle may end up taking the top spot. All of the characters in this series are fantastic and really looking forward to the finally book. 4.5 Stars
2,200 reviews
January 29, 2020
This is book two in the Monroe series, another great cover. This is Donovan and Liza's story. These two characters have a past in that Liza was the popular girl in school and would not give Donovan a second look. This bothers Donovan and he sees the chance to get a little revenge on Liza when her loan application crosses his desk. He may think he has a fool proof plan but once she walks through his office door, his plan slowly falls apart and his heart gets back in the game. Can Donovan convince Liza to see him now? A great short story, perfect for a quick getaway from life and a relaxing, sexy reset to your day. Enjoy!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
672 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2020
This was a sensational friends-to-lovers second chance romance with a little secret revenge thrown into the mix. Donovan is a successful business man who always had a crush on his friend Liza but was too shy to say anything. Liza wants to open her own catering business but needs financial support in order to accomplish her dream. What begins as a way to teach Liza a lesson, soon becomes something more that neither expected. Indebted is a fantastically well written story filled with secrets, revenge, heartache, friendship, passion, forgiveness, and love. Readers won't want to put this new book from Emma Tharp down. I can't wait for the release of Between Us.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,542 reviews27 followers
January 30, 2020
This is well written book that flows well and keeps you engaged The characters are people you could have as friends flaws and all

Donnovan and Liza where school friends she was the popular girl that everyone loved he was the one who picked her up when things went wrong always friend zoned no matter how he tried to be more. Now she needs a loan to build her catering business and guess whose desk that loan application crossed. He sees it as his chance at revenge get her to fall for him and then friend zone her Only thing is this could back fire in a big way when emotions become involved on both sides.
3,421 reviews19 followers
February 9, 2020
This is the second book in The Monroe series by EmmaThorp. It is the story of CEO Garrett Monroe and Camille, his PA. Garrett never had an interest in Camille until he noticed his brother’s interest in her. It was then that he realized she needed money for surgery. He offers her a large sum of money to spend the weekend with him without any limits. After the weekend and her surgery, Camille ends up recuperating from her surgery at Garrett’s home. During that time, their relationship changes and becomes more personal. This is a great quick read with a romance which ends in a happy ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Keema Osborne.
836 reviews11 followers
January 31, 2020
Donovan, oh Donovan this is to the same name who helped his brother find the woman of his heart. Donovan is full of surprises, hurt feelings and unrequited love. I knew their was a reason I was looking forward to his and Liza story. I find it amazing of how Donovan ends up caught up in his own plans only to realize he was falling for Liza as she was him. I am glad that Liza owned up to being selfish back in high school so that she can move forward. Most of all their love has transcended through time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for L Powers (Bookish_Mum).
857 reviews30 followers
October 13, 2022
2.5 of 5 Stars

I found this book to be a bit of a let down compared to the previous in the series. It lacked something, although I can't quite pinpoint it, but whatever it was, it caused me to flip through pages because of boredom. I will read the next in the series, only because I'm now invested in the family. But honestly, this wasn't that great and really lacked the wow, steamy, intriguing factor that I normally associate with Emma Tharp.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,701 reviews75 followers
January 24, 2020
3.5
This book felt a bit trite. I couldn’t point to any one thing, it was more the predictibleness of it all. I know the general flow of HEA romances are a certain way, but I just felt like this one was missing the wow factor to grab my attention. The characters were good. I didn’t have an issue with the story. It just didn’t hit me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,365 reviews4 followers
January 27, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book, I liked Donovan in the first book and was looking forward to reading his story and I wasn’t disappointed, great storyline with a lovely ending, the only thing I have felt with both books is that felt a little unfinished but seeing as we have Giselle book next, I am hoping we get the finish for all 3 books, really enjoying the series though 😁


I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,565 reviews19 followers
January 29, 2020
This was a wonderful read. Donovan was a great character to read about, I loved the fact that the story is told from the first point of view. Donovan and Liza were friends in high school. She was popular, he wasn't, but had a thing for her. Now, she is calling him in his office because she wants his help. What's a guy to do? A very good read. 5 stars. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,700 reviews25 followers
January 15, 2020
3 1/2*
Liza needs help shes desperate for a loan applies to banks & is eventually accepted by an old school friend Donovan.
He was smitten with her then but she didn't feel the same.
He sets out with a plan but things don't go as he expected.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Nice story
2,978 reviews11 followers
January 27, 2020
Donovan's plan to get Liza to fall for him and then leve her comes falling down around him. He finds himself falling deeper in love with her then he imagines. But when she over hears a conversation he might of lost her for good.
Can he get her to listen to the truth?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews35 followers
February 5, 2020
This amazing second chance romance will draw you in from the first page and hold your interest until the end! It is well written, emotionally deep, fast pace, witty, funny, and enjoyable. The characters you will love and root for; the chemistry between them is undeniable. Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
818 reviews5 followers
March 17, 2020
Book 2 was good.

Enjoyed Book 2. It's fast paced not all that unnecessary inter dialogue. I did not have to skip over pages to get to the point. Holding a grudge for 15 years was ridiculous. Donavan and Liza were likable. Liked that Garrett and Camille made an appearance. Can't wait to read about their sister.
1,889 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2020
Great quick story full of revenge, regret, letting go, growing up, and forgiveness. The characters were easy to connect with.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,086 reviews14 followers
January 30, 2020
I liked that Donovan and Liza were friends in high school. When she needs money from him it leads to a lot of emotion. I am happy they worked it out so they could have their happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,629 reviews
January 31, 2020
A quick read that was kind of meh for me, there wasn't anything memorable or that makes me want to read this again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,194 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2020
I love second chances

Or in this case it is 3rd times a charm. He really messed up on his second chance. Good thing love for him wins out for their HEA.
I loved this story. It's a great series. I read the first 2 books today and I'm getting ready to start the 3rd.
14 reviews1 follower
January 28, 2020
Donovan and Liza’s story is such a sweet, quick read. I can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the Monroe Series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,164 reviews
January 30, 2020
A very entertaining, quick read! Plan for revenge takes an interesting turn! Is it HEA? Enjoy!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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