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Forget Me Knot #4
Where I'd Rather Be
SOPHIA
Gorgeous. Cocky. Playboy. Those labels earned Xander Black a one-way ticket into my look-but-don’t-touch zone.
Until weeks later, when whispered words full of dirty promises had me sliding onto the back of his bike without a second thought.
If there’s one thing my past has taught me, it’s not to fall for a guy whose hobbies include bed-hopping and breaking hearts. But you know what they say about history…
XANDER
Sweet. Shy. Smart. Months ago, those labels told me everything I needed to know about Sophia Kincaid—not my type.
But then she opened her mouth and tore that assessment to shreds. From her smile to her sassy retorts, everything about her drew me in.
One night together was supposed to get her out of my system. Instead, it embedded her under my skin and drove me to make an impulsive offer I’ll definitely regret.
Because if there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that nothing lasts forever.
Where I'd Rather Be is the fourth full-length novel of the Forget Me Knot series, but can be read as a complete standalone. **WARNING: This book contains strong language and sex scenes hot enough to set your kindle on fire. If either of those things make you uncomfortable, this book might not be for you.**
Gorgeous. Cocky. Playboy. Those labels earned Xander Black a one-way ticket into my look-but-don’t-touch zone.
Until weeks later, when whispered words full of dirty promises had me sliding onto the back of his bike without a second thought.
If there’s one thing my past has taught me, it’s not to fall for a guy whose hobbies include bed-hopping and breaking hearts. But you know what they say about history…
XANDER
Sweet. Shy. Smart. Months ago, those labels told me everything I needed to know about Sophia Kincaid—not my type.
But then she opened her mouth and tore that assessment to shreds. From her smile to her sassy retorts, everything about her drew me in.
One night together was supposed to get her out of my system. Instead, it embedded her under my skin and drove me to make an impulsive offer I’ll definitely regret.
Because if there’s one thing life has taught me, it’s that nothing lasts forever.
Where I'd Rather Be is the fourth full-length novel of the Forget Me Knot series, but can be read as a complete standalone. **WARNING: This book contains strong language and sex scenes hot enough to set your kindle on fire. If either of those things make you uncomfortable, this book might not be for you.**
- GenresRomance
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 25, 2019
65 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 24, 2019
Where I’d Rather Be is my first time reading C.R. Ellis, and I adore this sexy enemies-to-lovers romance. Xander doesn’t appear to like Sophia when they first meet, but they have chemistry in spades that leads to an unforgettable one-night stand. Although he has reasons to try and keep her at a distance and guard his heart, Sophia is charming and irresistible, and she soon sneaks her way in. Their push-and-pull romance is sexy and captivating, and the story’s unexpected twists and turns ensures you won’t be able to put this book down.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on July 23, 2019.
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
Recommendation appeared on Frolic on July 23, 2019.
July 15, 2019
OMG!
Sophia and Xander. Xander and Sophia. This book is hands down now my absolute favorite in this series !
Xander is so gruff, moody, broody, everything. And Sophia is so sweet. You would say, she’s too good for him. But she’s the only one who gets through to him. Who gets to know the real him. He’s gone through so much tough, sad things, it’s heartbreaking. But Sophia is peeling down layer after layer....
This book is fantastic! I loved it from the first to the last page! So many ups and downs, and turns you wouldn’t expect. Perfect!
I totally recommend the WHOLE series! So you get to know this great group of family and friends!
I kindly received an arc for an honest review
Sophia and Xander. Xander and Sophia. This book is hands down now my absolute favorite in this series !
Xander is so gruff, moody, broody, everything. And Sophia is so sweet. You would say, she’s too good for him. But she’s the only one who gets through to him. Who gets to know the real him. He’s gone through so much tough, sad things, it’s heartbreaking. But Sophia is peeling down layer after layer....
This book is fantastic! I loved it from the first to the last page! So many ups and downs, and turns you wouldn’t expect. Perfect!
I totally recommend the WHOLE series! So you get to know this great group of family and friends!
I kindly received an arc for an honest review
May 30, 2020
3,5 ❤️💔❤️🌟🌟🌟s❣️
Xander was the bad boy that had rough times in his life.
Sophia was sweet but sassy and could see the layers under Xander’s broken personality.
They had an amazing chemistry, heartbreaking moments and an explosive relationship.
Their journey was full of emotions and feelings.
Very well written, dual pov, with a lot of pull and push and quite some drama.
Xander was the bad boy that had rough times in his life.
Sophia was sweet but sassy and could see the layers under Xander’s broken personality.
They had an amazing chemistry, heartbreaking moments and an explosive relationship.
Their journey was full of emotions and feelings.
Very well written, dual pov, with a lot of pull and push and quite some drama.
July 26, 2019
Ahhhhh, we finally get Xander's story! Ever since Xander was introduced, I was waiting for this one and it did not disappoint! This series gets better and better as we go on. Xander and Sophia have become my favorite couple in the FMK series.
Xander and Sophia were so good together, they were opposites but made for each other. Xander is so broken, its easy for him to play the 'I don't care', playboy, one night stand only type of guy, but there is so much more to this guy and Sophia is the one that can see past it and calls him out on it. Sophia, is quiet, shy, and desperately wants to do the unexpected. She's so predictable but there is something about her, Xander can't shake. I love their build to friendship, it just made their inevitable relationship stronger. There is so much depth to their story. So much attraction, so much love. He has so much to give but due to his emotional past, its so hard for him to let that go. There was the *gasp what moment, the uber sad moments but there is so much happy waiting at the end. I absolutely loved this book and she did a fantastic job in Xander and Sophia story.
Xander and Sophia were so good together, they were opposites but made for each other. Xander is so broken, its easy for him to play the 'I don't care', playboy, one night stand only type of guy, but there is so much more to this guy and Sophia is the one that can see past it and calls him out on it. Sophia, is quiet, shy, and desperately wants to do the unexpected. She's so predictable but there is something about her, Xander can't shake. I love their build to friendship, it just made their inevitable relationship stronger. There is so much depth to their story. So much attraction, so much love. He has so much to give but due to his emotional past, its so hard for him to let that go. There was the *gasp what moment, the uber sad moments but there is so much happy waiting at the end. I absolutely loved this book and she did a fantastic job in Xander and Sophia story.
July 21, 2019
This is my second CR Ellis book and it will not be my last. I love that she has a series with books that can be read as standalones, and I’m enjoying slowly getting to know all of her characters. Her books makes me wish I could read faster!
CR Ellis has an engaging writing style that hooks you right from the start and makes you care about the characters. I couldn’t put this book down because I was lost to the intoxicating chemistry between Xander and Sophia and simply had to know what was going to happen next.
Out of the two CR Ellis books I’ve read so far, Xander and Bryce are so different (and that’s putting it mildly), but I love the amazing range CR Ellis shows in her writing. She can write them good, and believe me, she can also write them bad.
Xander and Sophia had an emotional, moving journey with chemistry that was off the charts. CR Ellis writes witty, clever dialogue and weaves all-consuming stories that stay with you for a long time after you read them (I’m still thinking about Bryce!).
As per usual with CR Ellis, I lost sleep and a few meals to this book, but it was worth the hunger and exhaustion. Seriously, I highly recommend one clicking this book on release day – you will not regret any book you read by this phenomenal author.
CR Ellis has an engaging writing style that hooks you right from the start and makes you care about the characters. I couldn’t put this book down because I was lost to the intoxicating chemistry between Xander and Sophia and simply had to know what was going to happen next.
Out of the two CR Ellis books I’ve read so far, Xander and Bryce are so different (and that’s putting it mildly), but I love the amazing range CR Ellis shows in her writing. She can write them good, and believe me, she can also write them bad.
Xander and Sophia had an emotional, moving journey with chemistry that was off the charts. CR Ellis writes witty, clever dialogue and weaves all-consuming stories that stay with you for a long time after you read them (I’m still thinking about Bryce!).
As per usual with CR Ellis, I lost sleep and a few meals to this book, but it was worth the hunger and exhaustion. Seriously, I highly recommend one clicking this book on release day – you will not regret any book you read by this phenomenal author.
September 22, 2019
This was such a heartbreaking emotional read. Your heart will break for Sophia while she deals with the broken man that is Xander Black. By the end though their story will have you smiling so much it hurts! I enjoyed this story so much.
July 16, 2019
Bloody oath!!! This was the Xander Black I was waiting for!
If you started with the author from her first release (this book being the fourth), you would see the amazing progress of her books... her stories... just how each book formed... they’ve been fantastic reads.
Where I’d Rather Be is so much more than just a new adult romance.
It was about realising oneself, knowing and understanding love, building friendships, keeping family ties, being kind, sharing love, experiencing hardships and loss, appreciation of life and people in it... etc etc!!!
Xander’s character might be a little crazy to other people. But one thing I loved is that his personality was never lost. Even with the dramatics life threw at him, he was true to himself. I did a lot of highlighting of Xander’s words/thoughts because this guy was either turning on ‘funny and playful’ or ‘deep and meaningful’. The ‘confident and sexy’ is just as dangerous. Tall, tatted, blunt, crude, and unapologetically honest as they come!! He is the true definition of ‘actions speak louder than words’.
Sophia is the ‘rebellious soft’ he needed to calm the trouble waters he was swimming in. The girl who gives back sass to battle Xander’s crude!!! The girl who recognises the reality that Xander’s last name is the only thing dark about him...
I loved loved loved and enjoyed reading this so much! I waited and waited and when I received, it was with a satisfying heart. Had to slow down at the end because I didn’t want it to end... so give me my next CR Ellis hit please :)
ONE CLICK... Because this was amazing and enjoyable!
heartbooked on instagram xX
If you started with the author from her first release (this book being the fourth), you would see the amazing progress of her books... her stories... just how each book formed... they’ve been fantastic reads.
Where I’d Rather Be is so much more than just a new adult romance.
It was about realising oneself, knowing and understanding love, building friendships, keeping family ties, being kind, sharing love, experiencing hardships and loss, appreciation of life and people in it... etc etc!!!
Xander’s character might be a little crazy to other people. But one thing I loved is that his personality was never lost. Even with the dramatics life threw at him, he was true to himself. I did a lot of highlighting of Xander’s words/thoughts because this guy was either turning on ‘funny and playful’ or ‘deep and meaningful’. The ‘confident and sexy’ is just as dangerous. Tall, tatted, blunt, crude, and unapologetically honest as they come!! He is the true definition of ‘actions speak louder than words’.
Sophia is the ‘rebellious soft’ he needed to calm the trouble waters he was swimming in. The girl who gives back sass to battle Xander’s crude!!! The girl who recognises the reality that Xander’s last name is the only thing dark about him...
I loved loved loved and enjoyed reading this so much! I waited and waited and when I received, it was with a satisfying heart. Had to slow down at the end because I didn’t want it to end... so give me my next CR Ellis hit please :)
ONE CLICK... Because this was amazing and enjoyable!
heartbooked on instagram xX
August 19, 2019
Wow
Wow
Wow
I’ll be honest with you I picked this book because of its cover, guilty, so guilty... and stupid, I know, there’s no need for your lecture, alright? I’m damn well aware we don’t judge a book by its cover, but hey I’m just a human being, you know.
So anyway, I picked and read this book as soon as I could, and this was my first ever read book by CR Ellis and let me tell you one thing, it was flipping amazing. I enjoyed every single word of it and the storyline was just perfect.
Okay, I didn’t just enjoy it, I loved it because I stayed up late at night just to finish the book, so I really really admired it.
Xander and Sophia. Sophia and Xander… Well well well they are not meant to be, it’s forbidden, it’s complicated, they are too different and Xander is not programmed to be monogamous and there is no chance Sophia is sharing… Olso Xander is smart pants and lady killer personality when Sophia is cute, soft and gentle. Yes, this is what her friends and family think about her when in reality she is feisty and quite dirty and could be just perfect match for handful Xander ;-) Or maybe it Xander that brought that side of her??? I don’t know but we are up for great banter, some crazy arrangements that everyone, even Xander and Sophia, knew well will not go to plan and rules will be broken soon, very soon.
The story has plenty of suspense to keep your attention going from the beginning to the end. Swoony and funny relationships between the main characters build enough intensity and drama to keep you up at night turning those pages and the chemistry between Xander and Sophia will leave you breathless and longing.
Beautifully written, amazing characters and perfect storyline will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. The author has an amazing storytelling skill and the reader is up for a real treat.
Take it, read it and enjoy it.
Wow
Wow
I’ll be honest with you I picked this book because of its cover, guilty, so guilty... and stupid, I know, there’s no need for your lecture, alright? I’m damn well aware we don’t judge a book by its cover, but hey I’m just a human being, you know.
So anyway, I picked and read this book as soon as I could, and this was my first ever read book by CR Ellis and let me tell you one thing, it was flipping amazing. I enjoyed every single word of it and the storyline was just perfect.
Okay, I didn’t just enjoy it, I loved it because I stayed up late at night just to finish the book, so I really really admired it.
Xander and Sophia. Sophia and Xander… Well well well they are not meant to be, it’s forbidden, it’s complicated, they are too different and Xander is not programmed to be monogamous and there is no chance Sophia is sharing… Olso Xander is smart pants and lady killer personality when Sophia is cute, soft and gentle. Yes, this is what her friends and family think about her when in reality she is feisty and quite dirty and could be just perfect match for handful Xander ;-) Or maybe it Xander that brought that side of her??? I don’t know but we are up for great banter, some crazy arrangements that everyone, even Xander and Sophia, knew well will not go to plan and rules will be broken soon, very soon.
The story has plenty of suspense to keep your attention going from the beginning to the end. Swoony and funny relationships between the main characters build enough intensity and drama to keep you up at night turning those pages and the chemistry between Xander and Sophia will leave you breathless and longing.
Beautifully written, amazing characters and perfect storyline will keep your attention from the beginning to the end. The author has an amazing storytelling skill and the reader is up for a real treat.
Take it, read it and enjoy it.
July 12, 2019
I love this author - her books are fresh and fun. Where I'd Rather Be was no different. RTC.
December 30, 2019
I’m not even sure where to start with Sophia and Xander.
Maybe the fact that I lost an entire night’s worth of sleep because I could not put this book down?!
Ugh, Xander Black. This beautiful, broken soul. A bad boy mask hiding layers of emotion behind his tattoos, womanizing personality, and dirty humor.
Sophia. The woman with the bleeding heart, sarcastic strength, and witty comebacks.
I just knew from their first interaction that their story would be explosive and full of drama. I knew that the tragedy behind Claire would break my heart. I knew that their dialogue would leave me in tears from laughing.
Between the emails and the post-it notes, I absolutely swooned for every single one of their interactions. Sophia’s willingness to stand by Xander in his unrequested time of need was breathtaking. Xander’s moments of pure vulnerability were stunning.
C.R. Ellis wrote an amazing story with dynamic characters. The Forget Me Knot series is phenomenal and this addition to the series is no exception.
She has a way of finding unique tragedy and wrapping it up in feisty heroines and volatile love.
I highly recommend this one as a one-click. I highlighted so many passages, it was hard to pick just a few, but as always… here are my top quotes from the book:
“I haven’t said anything to you because what you do to me, just by looking at me, is the opposite of normal.”
“Love is anywhere you want it to be, if you’re looking at it the right way. If you’re with the right person.”
“You’d let me wreck you and you wouldn’t even know that’s what was happening until it was too late.”
“Because saying s**t like that gives my heart dangerous illusions about yours.”
Maybe the fact that I lost an entire night’s worth of sleep because I could not put this book down?!
Ugh, Xander Black. This beautiful, broken soul. A bad boy mask hiding layers of emotion behind his tattoos, womanizing personality, and dirty humor.
Sophia. The woman with the bleeding heart, sarcastic strength, and witty comebacks.
I just knew from their first interaction that their story would be explosive and full of drama. I knew that the tragedy behind Claire would break my heart. I knew that their dialogue would leave me in tears from laughing.
Between the emails and the post-it notes, I absolutely swooned for every single one of their interactions. Sophia’s willingness to stand by Xander in his unrequested time of need was breathtaking. Xander’s moments of pure vulnerability were stunning.
C.R. Ellis wrote an amazing story with dynamic characters. The Forget Me Knot series is phenomenal and this addition to the series is no exception.
She has a way of finding unique tragedy and wrapping it up in feisty heroines and volatile love.
I highly recommend this one as a one-click. I highlighted so many passages, it was hard to pick just a few, but as always… here are my top quotes from the book:
“I haven’t said anything to you because what you do to me, just by looking at me, is the opposite of normal.”
“Love is anywhere you want it to be, if you’re looking at it the right way. If you’re with the right person.”
“You’d let me wreck you and you wouldn’t even know that’s what was happening until it was too late.”
“Because saying s**t like that gives my heart dangerous illusions about yours.”
July 26, 2019
Oh this book sucked me in! I fell head over heels in love with Xander and Sophia. These two characters were AMAZINGLY written and their story is BEAUTIFUL!
Xander a broken man whom keeps his heart guarded and doesn’t let anyone in meets his match in Sophia, his cousins SIL. Meeting Sophia took the wind out of him and had him doing and saying things he would never say. When you find out Xander’s truths your heart will break. I just wanted to reach through the pages and hug him.
Sophia Kincaid is a breath of fresh air. Not being the social butterfly or confident woman she is now when she was in HS has left her with scars. When she opens her heart to reveal her past I was in tears. I couldn’t imagine going through what she did at her age. But the saying goes what doesn’t kills you makes you stronger and it surly did. Sophia has secretly been in love with her best friend/roommate Milo when she decides enough is enough. She’s looking to move on when she finds herself in HIS bar. Sophia is so attracted to him but knows in the back of her mind he’s a BAD IDEA except she don’t care. She’s looking for one night, at least that’s what’s she telling herself.
Gah this book is AMAZING and I PROMISE you will LOVE it!!!
Xander a broken man whom keeps his heart guarded and doesn’t let anyone in meets his match in Sophia, his cousins SIL. Meeting Sophia took the wind out of him and had him doing and saying things he would never say. When you find out Xander’s truths your heart will break. I just wanted to reach through the pages and hug him.
Sophia Kincaid is a breath of fresh air. Not being the social butterfly or confident woman she is now when she was in HS has left her with scars. When she opens her heart to reveal her past I was in tears. I couldn’t imagine going through what she did at her age. But the saying goes what doesn’t kills you makes you stronger and it surly did. Sophia has secretly been in love with her best friend/roommate Milo when she decides enough is enough. She’s looking to move on when she finds herself in HIS bar. Sophia is so attracted to him but knows in the back of her mind he’s a BAD IDEA except she don’t care. She’s looking for one night, at least that’s what’s she telling herself.
Gah this book is AMAZING and I PROMISE you will LOVE it!!!
August 6, 2019
This series is amazing and this book is a great addition! I love the growth we get to see in Xander ❤️❤️❤️
July 27, 2019
Where I'd Rather Be is the fourth novel in the Forget Me Knot series by C.R. Ellis and it is a beautiful read! The cover of the novel, the title and all the words from front to back!
Xander Black is your typical player-bachelor. Sleeps with anyone he wants, has no trouble getting anyone to, good looking and successful. While he's been through quite a bit to get there, he doesn't show that side of himself to many people.
Sophia Kincade is Elliott's younger sister. She is the nanny for a couple of great kids and soon traveling to London for six months because of their parents' work. Before she goes, she is looking for a one night stand...little does she know her life will begin to change forever.
I absolutely loved this story! I was hooked from the beginning. I love all of these characters, but Xander and Sophia are something special! Congratulations on this wonderful novel C.R. Ellis! Job well done!
Xander Black is your typical player-bachelor. Sleeps with anyone he wants, has no trouble getting anyone to, good looking and successful. While he's been through quite a bit to get there, he doesn't show that side of himself to many people.
Sophia Kincade is Elliott's younger sister. She is the nanny for a couple of great kids and soon traveling to London for six months because of their parents' work. Before she goes, she is looking for a one night stand...little does she know her life will begin to change forever.
I absolutely loved this story! I was hooked from the beginning. I love all of these characters, but Xander and Sophia are something special! Congratulations on this wonderful novel C.R. Ellis! Job well done!
July 30, 2019
This is such a big deal to say, but I am certain that Where I’d Rather Be, has become my top read of 2019. It slid right into that number one slot.
This story is so much more than just a contemporary romance. It is life. It is real. It’s about finding yourself, even when you didn’t want to be found. It’s about deep, meaningful relationships. Both romantic and platonic. It’s about feelings and emotions and seeing the light, even if it means letting go.
Where I’d Rather Be, is so well written. I was emotional throughout the whole book, because it resonated with me on a personal level that no other book ever has. The research and the intimate touches that C.R. Ellis interjected is the reason it is so beautiful. I have been a fan of hers for quite some time and this story topped her charts. If you have not been introduced to her amazing talent, then please do yourself a favor and pick this beauty up. While you’re at it, pick up the whole series. Trust me when I say that you will thank me!
This story is so much more than just a contemporary romance. It is life. It is real. It’s about finding yourself, even when you didn’t want to be found. It’s about deep, meaningful relationships. Both romantic and platonic. It’s about feelings and emotions and seeing the light, even if it means letting go.
Where I’d Rather Be, is so well written. I was emotional throughout the whole book, because it resonated with me on a personal level that no other book ever has. The research and the intimate touches that C.R. Ellis interjected is the reason it is so beautiful. I have been a fan of hers for quite some time and this story topped her charts. If you have not been introduced to her amazing talent, then please do yourself a favor and pick this beauty up. While you’re at it, pick up the whole series. Trust me when I say that you will thank me!
July 18, 2019
"What you do to me, just by looking at me, is the opposite of normal."
Author C.R. Ellis delivers an emotional and angst-filled read, in the fourth book of the Forget Me Knot series! Where I’d Rather Be, is hands down my favorite book in the series! I absolutely adored Sophia, and fell head over heels for Xander. I loved their playful banter, intense chemistry, and palpable heat.
Sophia is the perfect strong, yet tender-hearted and caring heroine, while Xander is all-consuming, sinfully sexy, and hides his vulnerability behind his intense persona. I found their journey to be moving and emotionally cathartic. I could not put this book down, and loved every chapter! The push and pull tension between characters, and surprise plot twists had me reading on the edge of my seat!
Where I’d Rather be is playfully sexy, emotional, and completely swoon-worthy. Enjoy this emotional journey to healing and love, and one click Where I’d Rather Be by C.R. Ellis today! xo
Author C.R. Ellis delivers an emotional and angst-filled read, in the fourth book of the Forget Me Knot series! Where I’d Rather Be, is hands down my favorite book in the series! I absolutely adored Sophia, and fell head over heels for Xander. I loved their playful banter, intense chemistry, and palpable heat.
Sophia is the perfect strong, yet tender-hearted and caring heroine, while Xander is all-consuming, sinfully sexy, and hides his vulnerability behind his intense persona. I found their journey to be moving and emotionally cathartic. I could not put this book down, and loved every chapter! The push and pull tension between characters, and surprise plot twists had me reading on the edge of my seat!
Where I’d Rather be is playfully sexy, emotional, and completely swoon-worthy. Enjoy this emotional journey to healing and love, and one click Where I’d Rather Be by C.R. Ellis today! xo
July 25, 2019
I was in SUCH a book slump. Books that were ok, but nothing that excited me. And then Where I'd Rather Be landed in my kindle, and I couldn't put it down. It picked me right up out of the slump!
The witty banter and complex character development I've come to expect from CR Ellis are really what set her books apart from the pack. And Book 4 of the Forget Me Knot series is no exception! Xander is the sexy bad boy we all love to love, and Sophia is the sweet and sassy force of nature he never saw coming. The chemistry between the two sizzles throughout and kept me up past my bedtime.
Don't even think about it - just start reading this one.
The witty banter and complex character development I've come to expect from CR Ellis are really what set her books apart from the pack. And Book 4 of the Forget Me Knot series is no exception! Xander is the sexy bad boy we all love to love, and Sophia is the sweet and sassy force of nature he never saw coming. The chemistry between the two sizzles throughout and kept me up past my bedtime.
Don't even think about it - just start reading this one.
July 25, 2019
I’m loving this series! This time the super sweet girl gets the bad boy! Where I’d Rather Be (Forget Me Knot book #4) starts with Sophia Kincaid looking for a good time for one night only and ending up in Xander Black’s bar. Xander is a total bad boy and he knows she’s not that kind of girl. He’s also her brother-in-law Bryce’s cousin/best friend/surrogate brother, meaning she’s totally off limits to him. They have an attraction and develop an oddly endearing friendship that turns into something more...
September 4, 2020
4.5 ‘would you rather’ stars
So with this book I did something I don’t normally do by starting at book 4 of a series .
BUT this was my first c.r.ellis read and the plot/blurb appealed to me the most so gave it a go!
And I’m so glad I did !!
This book works fine as a stand alone just so you know, but it’s clear there is a group of characters that have their own stories in the background , but they make great side characters too ,
SOPHIA and XANDER are gorgeous !!
Xander is a commitment phobe , he’s had a rough life and lost most of his family along the way leaving him hardened and closed to forming new relationships of any kind
Sophia is restless in her life , she’s not sure what she wants to do for her future and she’s sick of having unreturned feelings for her friend and roommate so she does something about it and that leads her to Xander (to put it simply ;) ) - the chemistry between these two is hot ! And their banter and playfulness is gorgeous .
I loved their journey of friendship and ultimately finding their HEA !
The book was well written , emotive and engaging !!
And now I’m kean to go back to the start of the series for everyone else’s stories !
So with this book I did something I don’t normally do by starting at book 4 of a series .
BUT this was my first c.r.ellis read and the plot/blurb appealed to me the most so gave it a go!
And I’m so glad I did !!
This book works fine as a stand alone just so you know, but it’s clear there is a group of characters that have their own stories in the background , but they make great side characters too ,
SOPHIA and XANDER are gorgeous !!
Xander is a commitment phobe , he’s had a rough life and lost most of his family along the way leaving him hardened and closed to forming new relationships of any kind
Sophia is restless in her life , she’s not sure what she wants to do for her future and she’s sick of having unreturned feelings for her friend and roommate so she does something about it and that leads her to Xander (to put it simply ;) ) - the chemistry between these two is hot ! And their banter and playfulness is gorgeous .
I loved their journey of friendship and ultimately finding their HEA !
The book was well written , emotive and engaging !!
And now I’m kean to go back to the start of the series for everyone else’s stories !
September 24, 2019
The SWEETEST and SEXIEST romance!!!! Hands down my favorite summer read. I love this entire impeccably written series.
August 1, 2019
I love when a brooding bad boy meets his match, and that’s just what happens with Xander and Sophia. He’s rough around the edges, but she refuses to give up on him. I adored their witty banter and this book had SO MUCH STEAM, it kept me turning pages like a mad woman. WHERE ID RATHER BE has some tear-jerking redemption, and a love worth fighting for.
July 22, 2019
Wow! Holy guacamole! I don't have the words to express how much I loved this book. The story starts off with Sophia stating her intent for something she would not normally do. It's not her. Enter Xander! Broody, lonely, growly...I could keep going with the adjectives to describe this man. He is flawed just like the rest of us. Through a series of circumstances, you see Sophia and Xander in action. I'm not talking the sex scenes, though they were hot 🔥🔥🔥 and make me wish for a Zander of my own. I'm talking the every day life occurrences and conversations that happen. The dialogue was spot on. These two banter like ying and yang. He develops cracks in his armor that slowly allow Sophia to creep in and settle. Not only does this story has lots of humor and naughtiness but this book gives you so much more. You will fall in love with Zander and see how his life has impacted his choices and behavior (good and bad) and you will love Sophia, the kind, generous girl with a heart of gold. An imperfect love made into something to cherish and hold onto.
August 4, 2019
This was the first book I have read by this author but will not be my last. I loved Xander and Sophia. Their story hooked my from page one. Even though this is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.
July 30, 2019
I really loved this one.
Read
August 11, 2019Truly sensational!!! I loved me some Xander!!!
August 16, 2019
Love Love Love. Another great book by C.R Ellis!!
August 11, 2023
3.5 stars
I picked up this book when I was wanting emotional intensity, and that’s exactly what I got. An angsty and emotional sort-of-friends to lovers story where a sweet and sassy good girl brings the cold and cocky bad boy to his knees.
This is the fourth book in the Forget Me Knot series, and though there are side characters that have already had their stories told, this one can easily be read as a standalone. I have not read the earlier books, and had no problem getting into this one.
Sophia is about to head overseas for a few months, and is looking for some excitement. She’s always been a relationship girl and has never had a one night stand, but she’s determined to live wild and free at least once in her life, and rocks up to a bar in an attempt to pick up a stranger. It just happens to be the bar owned by Xander. He is the cousin/best friend of her brand new brother-in-law, and though they’ve only had brief interactions, he seems pretty dismissive of her. But some seriously steamy eye-fuckery and some bold and flirty snark is all it takes before she’s on the back of his bad boy motorcycle.
Things don’t go exactly to plan that night, but it puts them into each other’s orbit, and over text and email they develop a connection. When Sophia travels overseas for work, it’s Xander’s messages that she looks forward to, and when she comes back home and needs somewhere to stay, it’s Xander to the rescue, offering her a room. They decide to keep things platonic, but the chemistry still sizzles, and with them all up in each other’s space, it’s only a matter of time before something gives (and oh my holy hotness!).
It's a twisty dynamic between these two. Of course, there is attraction, but Xander has never done the relationship thing, and he knows that that’s what Sophia ultimately wants. He’s also been warned by his best friend to keep his hands off. So we get this delicious build-up of sexual tension waiting for one of them to snap. When it happens, it’s steamy and intense, oh-so-hot, but it just complicates things further between them.
Xander is a mess of emotion. He’s got some serious issues that he’s dealing with, and the complication with Sophia just adds to his confusion. His world is upended, and at the same time he’s falling for somebody for the very first time. He’s feeling so much and has no idea how to deal with any of it, so there’s a whole lot of romantic back-and-forth. It’s dramatic and frustrating, and I felt for him and his confusion, but he is trying to so hard to do the right thing, and I just wanted to hug him.
Sophia is a fabulously strong character. She cares for Xander and she makes her feelings clear, and while she’s willing to fight for the man she’s fallen so hard for, supporting him through difficult times, she doesn’t allow herself to become a doormat, and I love how she’s able to strike that balance.
It's an emotional read that had me invested in these two and their story, and thankfully the book ends beautifully, with an epilogue that provides great closure. I loved seeing these two get their well-deserved HEA.
3.5 stars.
I picked up this book when I was wanting emotional intensity, and that’s exactly what I got. An angsty and emotional sort-of-friends to lovers story where a sweet and sassy good girl brings the cold and cocky bad boy to his knees.
This is the fourth book in the Forget Me Knot series, and though there are side characters that have already had their stories told, this one can easily be read as a standalone. I have not read the earlier books, and had no problem getting into this one.
Sophia is about to head overseas for a few months, and is looking for some excitement. She’s always been a relationship girl and has never had a one night stand, but she’s determined to live wild and free at least once in her life, and rocks up to a bar in an attempt to pick up a stranger. It just happens to be the bar owned by Xander. He is the cousin/best friend of her brand new brother-in-law, and though they’ve only had brief interactions, he seems pretty dismissive of her. But some seriously steamy eye-fuckery and some bold and flirty snark is all it takes before she’s on the back of his bad boy motorcycle.
Things don’t go exactly to plan that night, but it puts them into each other’s orbit, and over text and email they develop a connection. When Sophia travels overseas for work, it’s Xander’s messages that she looks forward to, and when she comes back home and needs somewhere to stay, it’s Xander to the rescue, offering her a room. They decide to keep things platonic, but the chemistry still sizzles, and with them all up in each other’s space, it’s only a matter of time before something gives (and oh my holy hotness!).
It's a twisty dynamic between these two. Of course, there is attraction, but Xander has never done the relationship thing, and he knows that that’s what Sophia ultimately wants. He’s also been warned by his best friend to keep his hands off. So we get this delicious build-up of sexual tension waiting for one of them to snap. When it happens, it’s steamy and intense, oh-so-hot, but it just complicates things further between them.
Xander is a mess of emotion. He’s got some serious issues that he’s dealing with, and the complication with Sophia just adds to his confusion. His world is upended, and at the same time he’s falling for somebody for the very first time. He’s feeling so much and has no idea how to deal with any of it, so there’s a whole lot of romantic back-and-forth. It’s dramatic and frustrating, and I felt for him and his confusion, but he is trying to so hard to do the right thing, and I just wanted to hug him.
Sophia is a fabulously strong character. She cares for Xander and she makes her feelings clear, and while she’s willing to fight for the man she’s fallen so hard for, supporting him through difficult times, she doesn’t allow herself to become a doormat, and I love how she’s able to strike that balance.
It's an emotional read that had me invested in these two and their story, and thankfully the book ends beautifully, with an epilogue that provides great closure. I loved seeing these two get their well-deserved HEA.
3.5 stars.
December 19, 2020
What a wonderfully well written book! It’s charming and funny and at times sexy and mysterious.
Of course I pick the fourth book in the series to start with...cuz that’s how I seem to roll. 😂. And what can I say....I loved it! Both of the main characters are delicious. The story flows nicely and you can’t help but root for them to find everything they deserve. The side characters are great and I cannot wait to go back and read their stories. ❤️
Of course I pick the fourth book in the series to start with...cuz that’s how I seem to roll. 😂. And what can I say....I loved it! Both of the main characters are delicious. The story flows nicely and you can’t help but root for them to find everything they deserve. The side characters are great and I cannot wait to go back and read their stories. ❤️
July 21, 2024
Nope sorry! Another dud for me. There's not a thing wrong with it but it's that, I've read about 10 other books of the same sort and nothing at all in it to deem it worthier than the rest. It kinda becomes boring after a while.
It's a good book per se, just not for me.
It's a good book per se, just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2019
A pretty good read. Xander's wishy washiness got old quick. How Sophia took it on the chin every time, ugh, I wanted to shake the girl. Yeah we all have issues but he took that to the extreme with his mood swings. Overall 3.5 stars.
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