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Eden Hills #1
How to Date Your Brother's Best Friend
No family. No filter. No morals. Meet my boyfriend.
Holly
Everyone knows Dean Madden. He's a bad boy - and my older brother's best friend. The guy you'd never bring home to your parents. His looks are pure sex, and the only fun he knows how to have is the filthy kind.
I've known him for years. No one in their right mind thinks I should date him. But now I've grown up - and everything has changed. I want him, even if it's just for a little while. Until I can't let him go.
Dean
I'm not that guy - the relationship guy. I'm the one-and-done guy, or so everyone says. But when Holly bets me she can date me for four weeks, I'm not going to say no. She's grown up gorgeous - and now I've got my chance.
I don't deserve her. It can't get serious. I can't get my feelings involved, because there are things she doesn't know about me. But until it falls to pieces, I can give her the wildest, hottest four weeks of her life....
*This is a full-length standalone with no cheating and an HEA.*
Holly
Everyone knows Dean Madden. He's a bad boy - and my older brother's best friend. The guy you'd never bring home to your parents. His looks are pure sex, and the only fun he knows how to have is the filthy kind.
I've known him for years. No one in their right mind thinks I should date him. But now I've grown up - and everything has changed. I want him, even if it's just for a little while. Until I can't let him go.
Dean
I'm not that guy - the relationship guy. I'm the one-and-done guy, or so everyone says. But when Holly bets me she can date me for four weeks, I'm not going to say no. She's grown up gorgeous - and now I've got my chance.
I don't deserve her. It can't get serious. I can't get my feelings involved, because there are things she doesn't know about me. But until it falls to pieces, I can give her the wildest, hottest four weeks of her life....
*This is a full-length standalone with no cheating and an HEA.*
265 pages, ebook
First published April 2, 2016
790 people are currently reading
1007 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 23, 2023
4.5 Love Him All The Way Stars ⭐
A well adjusted foster kid who secretly doesn't think he's worthy of love and a girl who has always adored him from afar. Holly and Dean may have grown up together but it was always an innocent friendship. Now the years have gone by and they're both back in town. They're no longer teens and its no longer forbidden.
This was what it was like to be with a man so finely attuned to you, paying such close attention, that he knew when to kneel you on the bed, tie you up, and fuck you senseless.
I really liked the premise of this story. There were no bells and whistles or bullshit drama for a reaction. Just a simple love story with a cute, sexy twist. Dare to date. Neither of them with expectations except for the opportunity to have at it. Cheeky but it worked really well.
“Good?” I said in her ear, taking her harder.
“Oh, God,” she moaned, moving perfectly with me.
“Oh, fuck.” This. This was not the girl I had left. Or maybe it was, turned into the hottest woman I had ever fucking seen.
One month of real dating and the benefits attached to that. Dean believes that she won't stick around while Holly knows that she'll never want to leave. And as these two finally lift the veil and expose their vulnerabilities, it's uncomplicated and right.
A well adjusted foster kid who secretly doesn't think he's worthy of love and a girl who has always adored him from afar. Holly and Dean may have grown up together but it was always an innocent friendship. Now the years have gone by and they're both back in town. They're no longer teens and its no longer forbidden.
This was what it was like to be with a man so finely attuned to you, paying such close attention, that he knew when to kneel you on the bed, tie you up, and fuck you senseless.
I really liked the premise of this story. There were no bells and whistles or bullshit drama for a reaction. Just a simple love story with a cute, sexy twist. Dare to date. Neither of them with expectations except for the opportunity to have at it. Cheeky but it worked really well.
“Good?” I said in her ear, taking her harder.
“Oh, God,” she moaned, moving perfectly with me.
“Oh, fuck.” This. This was not the girl I had left. Or maybe it was, turned into the hottest woman I had ever fucking seen.
One month of real dating and the benefits attached to that. Dean believes that she won't stick around while Holly knows that she'll never want to leave. And as these two finally lift the veil and expose their vulnerabilities, it's uncomplicated and right.
December 19, 2020
How to Date Your Brother's Best Friend is not exactly what I expected. It was immature and very NA romance type of story.
There is no real drama/ plot on the story. Although the beginning of the book is very promising. I want more drama. More plot. More twist. More chemistry.
Overall, the beginning is a very promising. The rest is just so so.
3 stars
There is no real drama/ plot on the story. Although the beginning of the book is very promising. I want more drama. More plot. More twist. More chemistry.
Overall, the beginning is a very promising. The rest is just so so.
3 stars
May 7, 2022
I started it a month ago and haven't gotten past the first third because I was in a weird slump, and thank God, I’ve put it on hold then and picked it up again later because I wouldn’t have appreciated the beauty of the book back then…
Technically, this book shouldn’t be my cup of tea. I read mostly everything, but there is one trope I don’t usually like, and that is military (the hero here comes back from Marines after 4 years). Also, I feel like I've grown out of NA romances and this book had strong NA vibes, both main characters acted sometimes immature (H24y, h22y) and kind of lost in life… Mainly the hero, Dean, was flawed and complicated, he did some stupid things, yet he owned them in the end and Julie Kriss made me fall in love with both him and Holly so much. I cried for them, my heart clenched reading about them and it made me simply FEEL, because the writing was amazing, it made their story somehow personal and more intimate above all.
The book is focused mainly on Dean and Holly, there is no deep plot besides the obvious, but Julie Kriss created such wonderfully imperfect characters who have real life problems and handle them the best they can, and that's something I didn't even know I needed right now.
Technically, this book shouldn’t be my cup of tea. I read mostly everything, but there is one trope I don’t usually like, and that is military (the hero here comes back from Marines after 4 years). Also, I feel like I've grown out of NA romances and this book had strong NA vibes, both main characters acted sometimes immature (H24y, h22y) and kind of lost in life… Mainly the hero, Dean, was flawed and complicated, he did some stupid things, yet he owned them in the end and Julie Kriss made me fall in love with both him and Holly so much. I cried for them, my heart clenched reading about them and it made me simply FEEL, because the writing was amazing, it made their story somehow personal and more intimate above all.
The book is focused mainly on Dean and Holly, there is no deep plot besides the obvious, but Julie Kriss created such wonderfully imperfect characters who have real life problems and handle them the best they can, and that's something I didn't even know I needed right now.
May 6, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
Lots of steaminess in this read, but balanced with a sweet romance that packed a nice punch of emotion. I liked that Holly (h) and Dean (H) had somewhat of a familiar history with each other since they met when Holly was 14 and he was her brother's best friend (no romantic feelings on his end until they meet later). It gave the fast development of their interest as adults a foundation that still allowed for growth and development as they learned who they were in a context of being a bit older and also as a couple. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (there are some references to each of their past sexual histories and open discussion, but H had been celibate for a bit before starting something with h).
They choose to pursue their chemistry because of the sparks and as a dare to see if something could last longer between them then Dean's typical hook-up only situations. There is some sneaking around a bit too since Dean's reputation isn't the best. Given how horny they were for each other, I was surprised at how supportive and sweet they were together too. Both nudged the other to pursue their dreams which was esp lovely since each was a little lost. Mental health representation was handled nicely I thought with Dean having a bit of a tragic past and being the type to shut down. I loved that therapy was presented so positively.
The ending is HFN with a very short jump ahead and them continuing to be together. It made sense that there wasn't a further out epilogue for this one and the next book is Holly's brother's so guaranteed basically for these two to be side characters in that book. I liked this, but I didn't love it, the author's writing style doesn't quite work for me despite me enjoying her characters and premises. I'm glad though that I picked it up because it suited my mood perfectly so thank you to my friends who read and reviewed it so highly.
Lots of steaminess in this read, but balanced with a sweet romance that packed a nice punch of emotion. I liked that Holly (h) and Dean (H) had somewhat of a familiar history with each other since they met when Holly was 14 and he was her brother's best friend (no romantic feelings on his end until they meet later). It gave the fast development of their interest as adults a foundation that still allowed for growth and development as they learned who they were in a context of being a bit older and also as a couple. Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (there are some references to each of their past sexual histories and open discussion, but H had been celibate for a bit before starting something with h).
They choose to pursue their chemistry because of the sparks and as a dare to see if something could last longer between them then Dean's typical hook-up only situations. There is some sneaking around a bit too since Dean's reputation isn't the best. Given how horny they were for each other, I was surprised at how supportive and sweet they were together too. Both nudged the other to pursue their dreams which was esp lovely since each was a little lost. Mental health representation was handled nicely I thought with Dean having a bit of a tragic past and being the type to shut down. I loved that therapy was presented so positively.
The ending is HFN with a very short jump ahead and them continuing to be together. It made sense that there wasn't a further out epilogue for this one and the next book is Holly's brother's so guaranteed basically for these two to be side characters in that book. I liked this, but I didn't love it, the author's writing style doesn't quite work for me despite me enjoying her characters and premises. I'm glad though that I picked it up because it suited my mood perfectly so thank you to my friends who read and reviewed it so highly.
December 19, 2022
It's been a few days since I finished it and I can't remember much about it so I won't go into details. It was an okay read, it had many steamy scenes (maybe too many of them for my liking) and, overall, it was a good story with one of my favorite tropes. I have the second book on my kindle already so I'll probably read it soon. 3 ⭐
July 29, 2023
I loved this little story!!
It was a little too YA and NA for my liking but I appreciated how the author actually changed the inner monologues of the characters after the 4 year time jump, showing how they grew in the time apart.
Also it was freaking h.o.t. Like rrreally hot. A bit kinky as well.
It's been a while since I read this author but now I've got a whole bunch of books to catch up so yaay me.
Izzy, darling, thank you for reminding me how many I still haven't read by Kriss! :D
It was a little too YA and NA for my liking but I appreciated how the author actually changed the inner monologues of the characters after the 4 year time jump, showing how they grew in the time apart.
Also it was freaking h.o.t. Like rrreally hot. A bit kinky as well.
It's been a while since I read this author but now I've got a whole bunch of books to catch up so yaay me.
Izzy, darling, thank you for reminding me how many I still haven't read by Kriss! :D
June 25, 2021
Since this at least the third time I’ve read this book and loved it every time, I’m changing the rating to 5 stars. Love this book and love this author
*****////****
4.5 out of 5
I can't seem to go for very long without a Julie Kriss fix and this is my most recent 'hit'. One of the best thing about ebooks is having them with me at all times whenever the urge to read comes over me. And it came over me once again for Julie.
***************
I do believe I’m inhaling this author’s books. You are probably thinking, “Enough, Kristie! Move on to another author!”
Well, I would if I could, but whenever I go to start a new book, Ms. Kriss calls me back. And what can I say about this one? I can say it’s another book I loved.
Dean Madden and Holly Carsleigh have known each other for years. Dean and Holly’s older brother are best friends, a fact that surprises the whole town. Jason is the golden boy, loved by everyone, and Dean is his exact opposite. He’s the wild one who grew up in foster care until he was finally adopted later in life. He’s learned to keep everything inside. He’s the kind of guy who does hook-ups, not relationships. But over the years Holly has had kind of an unrequited, unvoiced crush on him. He’s been good to her over those years. After high school both Dean and Jason signed up for the Marines and the book opens when their tour of duty is over and they’ve both come home and Holly and Dean are in the same orbit again. Now that she’s a lot more grown up, she recognizes that she has a real case for Dean, but he’s still more of the hook-up kind who has never gone out with the same girl more than three times. So Holly challenges him that they be a couple for a month. They have to keep it from Jason, though, because he would freak if he were to find out what his best friend and his little sister are up to.
The book is so sweet as Dean slowly starts to open up to Holly and let her see some of his inner demons. While, yes, he could be called dirty, he’s also sensitive and very unsure of himself. He doesn’t let anyone close to him other than Jason, more for protection. If he doesn’t let anyone in, they can’t reject him. But Holly has no plans on rejecting him and her crush turns to love.
It’s a simple sounding story, but it’s written by a master story teller and it becomes much more. There is a lot more to Dean and it’s so easy to fall for him. And Holly is the perfect heroine for him. She’s always seen beneath the mask. I like that they have history so that when things turn hot between them, and hot they do turn, they already know and trust each other.
I read another series by this author, then kind of lost track. I’m ever so glad she came back on my radar.
*****////****
4.5 out of 5
I can't seem to go for very long without a Julie Kriss fix and this is my most recent 'hit'. One of the best thing about ebooks is having them with me at all times whenever the urge to read comes over me. And it came over me once again for Julie.
***************
I do believe I’m inhaling this author’s books. You are probably thinking, “Enough, Kristie! Move on to another author!”
Well, I would if I could, but whenever I go to start a new book, Ms. Kriss calls me back. And what can I say about this one? I can say it’s another book I loved.
Dean Madden and Holly Carsleigh have known each other for years. Dean and Holly’s older brother are best friends, a fact that surprises the whole town. Jason is the golden boy, loved by everyone, and Dean is his exact opposite. He’s the wild one who grew up in foster care until he was finally adopted later in life. He’s learned to keep everything inside. He’s the kind of guy who does hook-ups, not relationships. But over the years Holly has had kind of an unrequited, unvoiced crush on him. He’s been good to her over those years. After high school both Dean and Jason signed up for the Marines and the book opens when their tour of duty is over and they’ve both come home and Holly and Dean are in the same orbit again. Now that she’s a lot more grown up, she recognizes that she has a real case for Dean, but he’s still more of the hook-up kind who has never gone out with the same girl more than three times. So Holly challenges him that they be a couple for a month. They have to keep it from Jason, though, because he would freak if he were to find out what his best friend and his little sister are up to.
The book is so sweet as Dean slowly starts to open up to Holly and let her see some of his inner demons. While, yes, he could be called dirty, he’s also sensitive and very unsure of himself. He doesn’t let anyone close to him other than Jason, more for protection. If he doesn’t let anyone in, they can’t reject him. But Holly has no plans on rejecting him and her crush turns to love.
It’s a simple sounding story, but it’s written by a master story teller and it becomes much more. There is a lot more to Dean and it’s so easy to fall for him. And Holly is the perfect heroine for him. She’s always seen beneath the mask. I like that they have history so that when things turn hot between them, and hot they do turn, they already know and trust each other.
I read another series by this author, then kind of lost track. I’m ever so glad she came back on my radar.
July 24, 2023
I enjoyed this story of two people finally meeting again after they're adults and being able to date and just jumping into it.
The last time Dean and Holly hung out, she was 17 and he was 20. They were friendly and she had a crush on him... but it wasn't their time. Four years later, she's 22 and he's 24 and they can act on their interest.
First of all, this book is about 75% smut. They are VERY physical with each other right away. But, thankfully, there's relationship growth as well. And they both are growing and trying to figure out what comes next. I love that by the end of the book, they both have some idea of where they want their careers to go... and are pursuing them together/supporting each other.
This is very new adult and it reads like that... but thankfully, ends up in a good place.
Another reviewer had said she's constantly pursuing him, but I don't agree. They chase each other and he does a great amount of work in their relationship to make things happen. He does have some crap in his life that makes him pull away for a little while and the heroine lets him know she's there for him.
Safety deets
- No OW/OM. Once they're both adults, they pretty much seek each other out and ignore anyone else around them.
- He's not a manwhore and they're both somewhat experienced. The heroine is his first girlfriend. At one point in the book, they compare numbers of partners and he's at 19 (with her) and she's at 6 (with him). He hasn't been with anyone for months before her (I wish it were years... but hey, can't have everything)
- Condoms used... mostly. I think they could have/should have had more discussions on diseases and babies before going bare, but she is on the pill.
- Consent is good. I never felt uneasy with them. They are pretty much on a level playing field.
- HFN. Which makes sense, cause this is a new adult book. They're young. But the book does end with them moving in together.
The last time Dean and Holly hung out, she was 17 and he was 20. They were friendly and she had a crush on him... but it wasn't their time. Four years later, she's 22 and he's 24 and they can act on their interest.
First of all, this book is about 75% smut. They are VERY physical with each other right away. But, thankfully, there's relationship growth as well. And they both are growing and trying to figure out what comes next. I love that by the end of the book, they both have some idea of where they want their careers to go... and are pursuing them together/supporting each other.
This is very new adult and it reads like that... but thankfully, ends up in a good place.
Another reviewer had said she's constantly pursuing him, but I don't agree. They chase each other and he does a great amount of work in their relationship to make things happen. He does have some crap in his life that makes him pull away for a little while and the heroine lets him know she's there for him.
Safety deets
- No OW/OM. Once they're both adults, they pretty much seek each other out and ignore anyone else around them.
- He's not a manwhore and they're both somewhat experienced. The heroine is his first girlfriend. At one point in the book, they compare numbers of partners and he's at 19 (with her) and she's at 6 (with him). He hasn't been with anyone for months before her (I wish it were years... but hey, can't have everything)
- Condoms used... mostly. I think they could have/should have had more discussions on diseases and babies before going bare, but she is on the pill.
- Consent is good. I never felt uneasy with them. They are pretty much on a level playing field.
- HFN. Which makes sense, cause this is a new adult book. They're young. But the book does end with them moving in together.
August 30, 2017
3.5 stars...
This was an odd book for me. I usually hate first person POV (this is also 2 POV) and I usually avoid the brothers best friend trope. This book has both and they both worked rather well, lol.
What I liked:
-Dean has never been in a relationship before and we get to see him trip over the ins and outs of it, so to speak. He puts a lot of thought into dating Holly
-Holly and Dean play no games. For a relationship that begins as a bet, they were all in quickly and neither one of them waffles.
-Dean was dealing with depression (not a spoiler, it's hinted at pretty early on) and it's dealt with well. Learning about his life and time in the marines, it all made sense.
-Holly and Dean had great chemistry
-Holly and Megan's friendship was fun and it almost made me want to read her book ( Holly's arsehole, dates a woman everyone hates for too long brother is the H so maybe not).
What I didn't like:
-If I hadn't been in Dean's head for half of the book I would have hated him. It was clear that he was very into Holly but he only really showed her that during sex.
-They would never have gotten together if not for Holly. Dean was eager to be with her but he made a move only after she did. She didn't chase him but she was ALWAYS the one to move things forward. She dares him to kiss her, she initiated the bet, she made up most of the rules, she asked all of the important questions, she initiated nearly every conversation. I felt bad for her because I knew that he was all in during week one and she is still trying to get a read on him in the last few chapters.
-There is a short separation and it's on Dean. He had a really, really good reason for his behavior and he was never nasty or mean but he was thoughtless. Guess who takes the first step towards a conversation? Holly.
Dean was a mess, apologetic, and quite pathetic (him pleading for her not to leave him was a nice touch) but still...
-HFN. It made sense (especially with Megan getting a book) but man these two deserved an HEA.
Safety Gang
This was an odd book for me. I usually hate first person POV (this is also 2 POV) and I usually avoid the brothers best friend trope. This book has both and they both worked rather well, lol.
What I liked:
-Dean has never been in a relationship before and we get to see him trip over the ins and outs of it, so to speak. He puts a lot of thought into dating Holly
-Holly and Dean play no games. For a relationship that begins as a bet, they were all in quickly and neither one of them waffles.
-Dean was dealing with depression (not a spoiler, it's hinted at pretty early on) and it's dealt with well. Learning about his life and time in the marines, it all made sense.
-Holly and Dean had great chemistry
-Holly and Megan's friendship was fun and it almost made me want to read her book ( Holly's arsehole, dates a woman everyone hates for too long brother is the H so maybe not).
What I didn't like:
-If I hadn't been in Dean's head for half of the book I would have hated him. It was clear that he was very into Holly but he only really showed her that during sex.
-They would never have gotten together if not for Holly. Dean was eager to be with her but he made a move only after she did. She didn't chase him but she was ALWAYS the one to move things forward. She dares him to kiss her, she initiated the bet, she made up most of the rules, she asked all of the important questions, she initiated nearly every conversation. I felt bad for her because I knew that he was all in during week one and she is still trying to get a read on him in the last few chapters.
-There is a short separation and it's on Dean. He had a really, really good reason for his behavior and he was never nasty or mean but he was thoughtless. Guess who takes the first step towards a conversation? Holly.
Dean was a mess, apologetic, and quite pathetic (him pleading for her not to leave him was a nice touch) but still...
-HFN. It made sense (especially with Megan getting a book) but man these two deserved an HEA.
Safety Gang
October 15, 2019
Julie Kriss is just SO GOOD with emotions. “Bad boys” aren’t just one-dimensional; Dean is kind and caring and needs care for his own needs.
The word for this couple: UNAPOLOGETIC. It came up at one point, and it really defines why they’re so appealing. No BS. Just love. And hot, HOT action. The kind of stuff that’s like, “seriously, even 24 is not enough experience for that kind of confidence.” But I didn’t care. See again re: HOT.
The word for this couple: UNAPOLOGETIC. It came up at one point, and it really defines why they’re so appealing. No BS. Just love. And hot, HOT action. The kind of stuff that’s like, “seriously, even 24 is not enough experience for that kind of confidence.” But I didn’t care. See again re: HOT.
April 17, 2017
Julie Kriss just hits my sweet spot. I love her books! There's nothing more fun than finding a new-to-me-author who's got some nice backlist.
July 23, 2023
4.5 Love Him All The Way Stars ⭐
A well adjusted foster kid who secretly doesn't think he's worthy of love and a girl who has always adored him from afar. Holly and Dean may have grown up together but it was always an innocent friendship. Now the years have gone by and they're both back in town. They're no longer teens and its no longer forbidden.
This was what it was like to be with a man so finely attuned to you, paying such close attention, that he knew when to kneel you on the bed, tie you up, and fuck you senseless.
I really liked the premise of this story. There were no bells and whistles or bullshit drama for a reaction. Just a simple love story with a cute, sexy twist. Dare to date. Neither of them with expectations except for the opportunity to have at it. Cheeky but it worked really well.
“Good?” I said in her ear, taking her harder.
“Oh, God,” she moaned, moving perfectly with me.
“Oh, fuck.” This. This was not the girl I had left. Or maybe it was, turned into the hottest woman I had ever fucking seen.
One month of real dating and the benefits attached to that. Dean believes that she won't stick around while Holly knows that she'll never want to leave. And as these two finally lift the veil and expose their vulnerabilities, it's uncomplicated and right.
A well adjusted foster kid who secretly doesn't think he's worthy of love and a girl who has always adored him from afar. Holly and Dean may have grown up together but it was always an innocent friendship. Now the years have gone by and they're both back in town. They're no longer teens and its no longer forbidden.
This was what it was like to be with a man so finely attuned to you, paying such close attention, that he knew when to kneel you on the bed, tie you up, and fuck you senseless.
I really liked the premise of this story. There were no bells and whistles or bullshit drama for a reaction. Just a simple love story with a cute, sexy twist. Dare to date. Neither of them with expectations except for the opportunity to have at it. Cheeky but it worked really well.
“Good?” I said in her ear, taking her harder.
“Oh, God,” she moaned, moving perfectly with me.
“Oh, fuck.” This. This was not the girl I had left. Or maybe it was, turned into the hottest woman I had ever fucking seen.
One month of real dating and the benefits attached to that. Dean believes that she won't stick around while Holly knows that she'll never want to leave. And as these two finally lift the veil and expose their vulnerabilities, it's uncomplicated and right.
February 24, 2019
I didn’t think too much of this book until probably 30% in. I was almost going to stop, but all of a sudden it picked up in the romance department. Not just sex. The writing was more captivating. Holly was an amazing heroine. So kind. Everyone’s best friend. And, so smart. Dean was conflicted. Broken. But, nonetheless, a heart-stopper. Gorgeous. And, the love of Holly’s life. Together the chemistry was off the rails. They were perfect. I loved their love story. And, I look forward to reading more from Ms. Kriss...
March 10, 2021
It was okay. No actual plot, imo. Not a whole lot of things going on.
I liked the characters but I didn't find enough depth in them. This is an NA book bordering on Adult.
I skipped some pages because they go from talking about their feeling to imagining sexual acts they'll do to one another.
I liked the characters but I didn't find enough depth in them. This is an NA book bordering on Adult.
I skipped some pages because they go from talking about their feeling to imagining sexual acts they'll do to one another.
Want to read
February 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/9/2020)! 🎁
December 2, 2023
4 stars
Good girl / bad boy pairing + brother’s best friend trope + he thinks he’s only good for one night stands, she’s always had a crush and bets that she can date him for 4 weeks.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. The connection felt mostly physical to start off with, but their relationship ended up being really sweet and supportive. I also enjoyed the “I’m gonna date the hell out of you” energy that Holly and Dean both gave off (in slightly different ways).
Good girl / bad boy pairing + brother’s best friend trope + he thinks he’s only good for one night stands, she’s always had a crush and bets that she can date him for 4 weeks.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book. The connection felt mostly physical to start off with, but their relationship ended up being really sweet and supportive. I also enjoyed the “I’m gonna date the hell out of you” energy that Holly and Dean both gave off (in slightly different ways).
June 20, 2016
4 Stars
This book was really good...I really did love it flowed just right till the very end I admit. There was parts that I thought that could have been drawn out more but none the less it made a really good read.
I loved Dean so much with his shyness to his strength to the I don't give a darn attitude but also the hidden secrets that he has carried around so long. Letting another in to ones secrets is not easy and locking them out for fear that they would run in the other direction is just a defense that most of us use. This author created that perfectly.
Awesome anytime book.
Happy Reading
This book was really good...I really did love it flowed just right till the very end I admit. There was parts that I thought that could have been drawn out more but none the less it made a really good read.
I loved Dean so much with his shyness to his strength to the I don't give a darn attitude but also the hidden secrets that he has carried around so long. Letting another in to ones secrets is not easy and locking them out for fear that they would run in the other direction is just a defense that most of us use. This author created that perfectly.
Awesome anytime book.
Happy Reading
July 7, 2016
One thing this book had going for it was that there was no epic drama. This made it feel a bit more believable for me. It was the classic brother's best friend crush that actually had two characters that acted on their attaction for each other. I really liked the fact that there wasn't any hesitation on the Dean's part and his only concern was that she might dump him instead of the other way around. The only other thing to say was that I wanted a bit more on why Jason and Charlotte broke up. I think I might read the next one to see what happens between him and Megan.
June 23, 2016
To be honest, I went in expecting not so great things instead I was blown away by an amazing story. I started this book sometime last night, people starting a book right before bed is NOT a good idea, but I REGRET IT NOT ONE BIT. I couldn't stop reading it. Once I dove in there was no coming out until I got to the end. it was that amazing. I won't say anything else other than read it and make up your own mind towards it. I, myself, LOVED IT!
April 6, 2016
Beautiful
This story was very beautiful and love and oh so sweet. With a dirty alpha that has a sweet center. Safe with a HEA
This story was very beautiful and love and oh so sweet. With a dirty alpha that has a sweet center. Safe with a HEA
February 6, 2018
And now I feel like doing a reread of Jason's story.
March 10, 2020
This was a sexy little number. There’s no OTT drama and I enjoyed Holly and Dean’s chemistry.
February 23, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Dean and Holly's story. From unrequited love to lust filled encounters to a romance that binds them together. Let's me start off with Dean... gosh he's one delicious, albeit damaged, package! He's been through a lot in his life, but rather than deal with his experiences, he locks them down until they resurface with a mind numbing vengeance. Despite all this, he thinks Holly deserves better, more than him. Holly disagrees and shows him what it's like to have someone love you and be there for you no matter how much you "screw up". I loved seeing this bad boy turn into a sweet heart for the right girl...only his girl...Holly.
Amazing character development, story line kept me either breathless or swooning to see what came next, spicy hot sexual scenes and one hot boyfriend had me enraptured so I couldn't put the book down. I was expecting a story about an alpha bad boy and an innocent girl, but I got so much more! Holly may be sweet but she's far from innocent and she's the only one who can bring this bad boy out of the darkness!
Amazing character development, story line kept me either breathless or swooning to see what came next, spicy hot sexual scenes and one hot boyfriend had me enraptured so I couldn't put the book down. I was expecting a story about an alpha bad boy and an innocent girl, but I got so much more! Holly may be sweet but she's far from innocent and she's the only one who can bring this bad boy out of the darkness!
November 9, 2016
So good.
Okay so I'm not sure why I liked this book so much because it actually didn't have all the much going on but I really liked it. Though it was slow the connection between the characters made up for it. Even growing up and hearing about how they interacted you could just tell they had such a connection. They just really clicked. I loved Dean. He was so damaged but such a sweetheart. Bad boy on the outside. Softy on the inside. He was just really great. And Holly was such a strong character. She went after what she wanted. I did want to know more about Jason and Charlotte but I guess that's why Jason has his own book. Lol The ending was sweet and left you feeling good. I do wish there was an epilogue because I'm a sucker for them but the book ended on a good note so it was okay.
Okay so I'm not sure why I liked this book so much because it actually didn't have all the much going on but I really liked it. Though it was slow the connection between the characters made up for it. Even growing up and hearing about how they interacted you could just tell they had such a connection. They just really clicked. I loved Dean. He was so damaged but such a sweetheart. Bad boy on the outside. Softy on the inside. He was just really great. And Holly was such a strong character. She went after what she wanted. I did want to know more about Jason and Charlotte but I guess that's why Jason has his own book. Lol The ending was sweet and left you feeling good. I do wish there was an epilogue because I'm a sucker for them but the book ended on a good note so it was okay.
June 29, 2020
Just awful
Normally I don’t review something that is less than 3 stars but I made an exception for this. The premise of the story was good. Holly has had a crush on Dean since high school. Dean is a foster kid who became best friends with Holly’s brother Jason. After 4 years in the Marines, Dean and Jason are back, and Holly is all grown up.
However, besides the fact that they have sex every time you turn around, the book is riddled with typos and the author often changes tense and perspectives in the same sentence. It was extremely distracting and I would have to stop and reread the sentence several times to make sense of it. I would not recommend this book.
Normally I don’t review something that is less than 3 stars but I made an exception for this. The premise of the story was good. Holly has had a crush on Dean since high school. Dean is a foster kid who became best friends with Holly’s brother Jason. After 4 years in the Marines, Dean and Jason are back, and Holly is all grown up.
However, besides the fact that they have sex every time you turn around, the book is riddled with typos and the author often changes tense and perspectives in the same sentence. It was extremely distracting and I would have to stop and reread the sentence several times to make sense of it. I would not recommend this book.
March 10, 2017
A short, fun read. Bad Boyfriend was steamy and I believed in the characters and their relationship. Although I wasn't quite sure why Dean was so self-deprecating and why girls never made it passed 3 dates, I liked who he was around Holly. They worked as a couple. At times there could have been a little more story--probably because I was enjoying it. I would have also liked a little more development between Jason and Dean.
Overall, for something I picked up for free on Amazon it was a good read. It kept me engaged and I'd recommend it.
Overall, for something I picked up for free on Amazon it was a good read. It kept me engaged and I'd recommend it.
February 13, 2020
Not a bad book, overall was enjoyable. I would give it 3.5 stars.
I get it that Holly’s brother was very handsome and girls flocked to him but really at some point when she keeps talking about how attractive and handsome his is that is makes me a little creeped out.
I enjoyed the history and attraction that Holly and Dean had. Dean had some demons of course which created quite a bit of tension.
It was a well put together book, a good storyline, just wasn’t one of those amazing stories.
Still was worth the read and I didn’t regret it.
I get it that Holly’s brother was very handsome and girls flocked to him but really at some point when she keeps talking about how attractive and handsome his is that is makes me a little creeped out.
I enjoyed the history and attraction that Holly and Dean had. Dean had some demons of course which created quite a bit of tension.
It was a well put together book, a good storyline, just wasn’t one of those amazing stories.
Still was worth the read and I didn’t regret it.
March 1, 2020
This book was fantastic, I absolutely loved it, I don't have a single one complaint, it was everything. Dean, my beautiful broken man, he just wanted what everyone else has, but he already had it, he had a family, a person who loves him for he truly was and (more in the end) a career doing what he wanted. And Holly, she was the best, she didn't became frustated with him when he stop calling her, she tried to understand him and I think that is so important, he deserved that kind of respect and love.
Bottom of the line is, you have to read this book, you will not regret it.
Bottom of the line is, you have to read this book, you will not regret it.
May 12, 2017
Dean was always the bad boy but somehow he latched on to Jason and Holly's family when they were younger. He followed the path Jason took in order to try to stay focused. Including joining the military,with his release he comes back to town, he never imagines Holly is waiting for him. This book held my attention the whole way i just wanted to know everything that was happening in to book. I also did not want to put it down.
** I received a copy in exchange for an honest review**
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