Gradation

by K.C. Decker

National Award-Winning Author, KC Decker
brings you a sexy new, enemies to lovers romance.

Friends. Ride or die, right?

Always have your back.

Know all your dirty little secrets.

Love the shiny parts of you, and embrace the crappy ones?

Yeah? Well, I don’t know about all that nonsense because my friends are just a bunch of assholes.

They’re taking over.

They’re commandeering my love life.

They’re constructing a dating profile for me, and it’s bad…

Because I don’t even have the password for it,

and I have to do exactly what they say.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Romantic Comedy

235 pages, Paperback

First published August 18, 2019

About the author

INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR!
Winner of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award AND a Silver Medal in the 2021 Reader's Favorite International Book Awards!


KC Decker is the author of the runaway hit —Jessie Hayes Series, consisting of the Award-Winning 1462 South Broadway, 720 Linden Street, 1700 Grant Street and 945 Cedar Avenue, as well as her SEXY standalones... Little Dove, Of Ash and Angels, Gradation and Mercy! KC is a voracious reader, compulsive daydreamer, and romantic escapist. Find out more at www.KCDeckerBooks.com or follow her on Instagram @author_kc_decker, Facebook at KC Decker Books, Twitter @KCDeckerBooks, BookBub.com and www.Goodreads.com

Reviews

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

[licks screen] Thanks for my ARC!

Stand-alone.
LIVE! | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
Book Blurb:
Friends. Ride or die, right?
Always have your back.
Know all your dirty little secrets.
Love the shiny parts of you, and embrace the crappy ones?
Yeah? Well, I don’t know about all that nonsense because my friends are just a bunch of assholes.
They’re taking over.
They’re commandeering my love life.
They’re constructing a dating profile for me, and it’s bad…
Because I don’t even have the password for it,
and I have to do exactly what they say.

ARC provided to me by author K.C. Decker in exchange for an honest review.

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I want his heart."

Gradation is a smoking hot contemporary romance with a hot tattoo artist and a sassy redhead who make the most unlikely pair. Alabama is a successful businesswoman who has it all...good friends, a fantastic job, and yet, she is single! When her friends decide to set her up using a dating app, she is less than thrilled to test out the dating waters. When Alabama meets her match, Gavin Rhodes, her entire world is turned upside down. Although they are complete opposites, Alabama's friends know that they are a perfect match. However, after a less than stellar start, Alabama and Gavin have a long way to travel to find their HEA!

"In sleep, we can lay down our swords and be together in restful oblivion."

Told in Alabama's POV, Gradation is a sweet read that tackles the norms of society and dating in a modern world. The character development is thorough as these two try to navigate the difficulties of overcoming their differences. The dialogue between the two is full of witty banter and the setting truly comes to life with the vibrant storytelling!

"We were meant to be together."

Overall, Gradation will appeal to romance readers who enjoy an enemies to lovers trope with a heavy dose of opposites attract. This is my first K.C. Decker read and I am so glad that I finally took the plunge. I am looking forward to more Decker goodness to hit my Kindle soon!


For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[CC · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars



Alabama enjoys a successful career and loyal friends, but is a failure in dating. Once she agrees to the crazy idea her friends suggest, Alabama learns about her preconceived notions and how she needs to eschew the lasting negative effects of her parents’ indoctrination. Upon meeting the effortlessly sexy tattoo artist, Gavin Rhodes, he isn’t about to forgive easily for such prissy behavior and Alabama gets a lesson she won’t forget.

“And while I’m being honest, the sexiest thing in the world to me is not a physical characteristic at all. It’s confidence. Of which Gavin has a stadium’s worth of.”

After Alabama and Gavin sling insults, she begins to second-guess his assessment and tries to rectify the situation. Unfortunately for her, Gavin isn’t a pushover and keeps her at a distance until she offers the help he needs. From that point, Alabama shows her true self and the sexually charged tension builds.

“Mmmmm, you feel like you’re begging for my cock.” He swirls his fingers around my clit a few times, and then adds, “Is that true, Alabama? Are you begging for my cock?.”

I’ve always liked a frenemies theme and this narrative offered the requisite amusing banter and steamy chemistry. Alabama is smart with a sarcastic realism that makes her relatable. And, she isn’t afraid to own her mistakes. From his first introduction, I knew I would like Gavin. He’s level-headed, observant and humble. Plus, his filthy mouth and other attributes check another box in the keeper category.

Gradation is a steamy enemies to lovers romance with themes of friendship and redemption. For some time, this author has been on my radar, and I’m glad to have experienced her witty and engaging writing. While this book may be a bit lighter than her regular repertoire, it will appeal to those looking for a fun and hot read.



*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.*



For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[✰♊ Angie ♊✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book!
The enemies-to-lovers trope is basically my crack.
Plus, this story had a lovely slight slow burn to it.
So yummy!

[Anna]

Dnf
Sorry, not my cuppa, didn't like author's style, too many characters, lost interest too fast

[Myla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gradation was amazing! The characters hooked me from the first page. I became captivated with this story when Gavin met Alabama on their first date which was set-up by her friends. The initial encounter didn't turn out well. That's where the enemy to lovers romance begins. The attraction, witty banter and steamy scenes are surprisingly good. I enjoyed everything about it. Totally worth reading!   

Note:
Won this ebook copy from Shh... http://tiny.cc/ljufcz

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/3/2019)! 🎁

[Ros (Rosie) 🦋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Okay, I really liked this one.

If you follow my reviews at all, you will know that enemies to lovers is my shit.

This book delivered for me!

I haven’t read any K.C. Decker before so had no idea what I was letting myself into. This book is packed with great chemistry, witty banter and a fairly original storyline. I must say that, as someone who recently has been lightly bullied by work colleagues (lol), into stepping into the world of online dating, this book is definitely food for thought. Sometimes we just need to get over ourselves and give someone new a chance!

Gavin and Alabama were such fun to read about and I will definitely be reading more of this author’s back catalogue.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that made me think of how you shouldn’t judge a book/person by the cover. I’ll take a tattooed dirty talking man any day!!

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

Oh, how I loved the banter and snark between Alabama and Gavin! These two were amazing together and the build up was awesome...so hot!

After reading the last page, I wanted more of these two!

[Mojo_Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for the cover...not gonna lie.

Sweet and fluffy bunny. A real gentleman of an H...über sexy tattoo artist ;)

[Beeg Panda]

Free 14 Oct 2021

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Alabama is set up by her friends on a dating app. to meet Gavin. At first she is a little judgmental. However, they start to spend time together. They both start to see that neither is what the other one thought. Of course by the end they are in love and get their happy ending.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ✨

I've been curious with this book after reading some quotes on twitter and I'm so happy that I finally decided to pick it up.

Alabama and Gavin were so different from each other but that was exactly what made them work. They were so fun to read about and I really enjoyed the development of their relationship. These two were simple hot together and they got me addicted since the beginning.

This was a really good and entertainment read and now I'm really excited to read more of this author.

▬ 𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: enemies to lovers, fake relationship, opposites attract, one bed
▬ 𝐭𝐰: racism, prejudice

[Halle Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Stars 🌟



Alabama is successful in her career but not so much in her dating life so her friends take it upon themselves to help her out by hand picking her next date via a dating site. She is not allowed to know anything about who they picked expect for the fact that they think he is her perfect match and she is also told not to sabotage the date or they will set her up with someone even worse next time

Gavin is not at all what Alabama is expecting and she clearly shows it. They start off with a bad impression of each other where the phrase 'you cant judge a book by its cover' comes to mind and that maybe the opposite of what you think you want is exactly what you need

This was such a fun and different take on enemies/indifference to lovers. It was deliciously slow burn with enough banter, sexual tension, heat and chemistry to keep you from putting the book down. It was funny, witty and super easy to read. I only wish this book was in dual POV instead of just Alabama's but I did really enjoy it. This was my first book by KC Decker and it wont be my last

《book aesthetic made by me. I do not own the pictures, all found via pinterest》

[Amy Dickinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first K.C. Decker book. And based upon my reading of Gradation, it won't be my last. First of all, the cover of this book instantly grabs your attention. I went back and looked at her other covers, and WOW! she has a way of picking covers to grab your attention.

After that, I was intrigued by her blurb. My favorite types of books are enemies-to-lovers. The tension between the hero and heroine brings an excitement to the story that keeps you engaged, and you can't help but wait with bated breath until they finally consummate their relationship.

Now, Gradation was no different. The story engages you and pulls you through it. Decker is clearly pointing her readers to the oft-used adage to "not judge a book by its cover." This is the crux of this story. Alabama, the heroine, has a bad "picker." She chooses men who ultimately disappoint her. After another failed relationship, her friends decide to choose her a date from a dating app. They choose, make contact, and arrange the first date. Feeling put out, when Alabama and her date, Gavin, meet, she judges him based on his appearance and makes an enemy. Without taking the time to get to know him, Alabama believes she knows his "type" based on his pierced, tattooed body. On ending the date, Gavin, disappointed in Alabama, ends their date putting Alabama in her place and giving her "food for thought."

Feeling bad about her behavior, Alabama attempts to make amends with Gavin. However, having been hurt, Gavin makes this difficult on her. This doesn't stop her. Even though she's a workhorse, successful businesswoman, she threatens her career by attending a tattoo convention with Gavin in her attempt to get him to change his opinion of her. During this trip, Alabama realizes quickly that Gavin is a catch, a wonderful man, and she knows she missed out. Will they find a happily ever after?

Here's what made this book so good...
1. The tension between these two. At the outset of the story, I was not a fan of Alabama. Decker initially makes her seem shallow and mean. If I was Gavin, I would have also ended the date quickly and treated her the same. It took me some time to start to like her. Once Decker shows us her background and psychology, she becomes relatable and easier to like. Then, there's a moment when I didn't like Gavin because I thought he took his revenge a bit too far on her. He says some things to Alabama that are so hurtful. For someone like me, I would have been destroyed and stopped my pursuit of forgiveness. However, Decker has created a strong woman in Alabama, giving her a hard shell. Given this, when we see Alabama's soft underside, it adds layers to the story. This "back and forth" with Gavin and Alabama sets up the story for fireworks, keeping you engaged in it. When they finally acknowledge their attraction to each other and act upon it, it's incendiary.

2. The coupling. What I loved the most, I think, is the inching towards their coupling. The moment in the story when they become physical is painfully slow that it's erotic. You feel that tension and it reminds you of the first time you connected physically with someone. Decker builds these moments slowly, so you feel the tension and want relief for her characters. It's brilliant. Added to that is their fire. These two are $exy together. Really, really $exy together. You'll feel like the pages of her book catch fire.
3. The message. This idea that true love can be lost if you are looking for it in a different package is a profound one. Alabama (and even, Gavin) almost miss out on finding their soulmate because they cannot move beyond the surface. As the story evolves, you see their change, and it's really the most provocative part of the story.
4. The ending of this book. Poetic. The last line of this book is one of my favorites. I loved it hard.

There is so much that is lovely about K.C. Decker's story. I love finding new authors, especially when they offer books like Gradation. Even if you haven't read anything else by her, you'll read this book and definitely want more.

[R Huiszoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

KC Decker, ‘Gradation’.

As an ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.

Rating: 4 stars (of 5).

In general: A gradual chance of opinion.

Main characters:
- Alabama.
Manager at an advertising company. Grown up in a wealthy family of politicians. Using a dating site, she meets several Wall Street types, the one even more boring than the other.

- Gavin.
Owner of a tattoo shop. A celebrity in the tattoo scene for he’s very talented and his shop is famous (with an enormous waiting list).

After Alabama’s dating fiasco’s her three friends make a deal with her. The friends will pick her dates, prepare online the first meeting and she accepts their proposal without knowing her date. She learns about the man when she sees him for the first time and promises her friends that she will meet the date for three months before judging him.

Her friends choose Gavin as her next date. The first meeting of Alabama and Gavin is a disaster.
Alabama was disappointed: a man with tattoos and piercings is so not her type. In her frustration she reacts bitchy when the good looking, friendly and open Gavin approaches her with charm. But he gets angry when he feels that Alabama thinks (and actually tells him) that his social class is beneath her level. So he leaves indignant the restaurant during their first date even using an insulting swear word. But Alabama is committed to her three months promise and she begs him to become her fake boy friend during that period. He accepts if she behaves less haughty and does as he asks.
KC Decker then describes how Alabama gradually starts to admire Gavin when she knows him better and better during their next dates. The plot is funny and interesting, but not very original. Some hot sex scenes. Good dialogues between credible, nice characters and interesting info about the tattoo world. After enjoying KC Decker’s Jessie Hayes series, for me again reading one of his books was a pleasure.

R.Huiszoon.

[Just A Little Book Addiction · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gradation is the enemies to lovers story of Alabama, a career driven daughter of an politician who has always dated the wrong men and never goes outside her comfort zone in the dating world. That is, until her best friends set up a dating profile for her and she is not allowed to have any control over what is said or who she must go on a date with. Her friends set her up with Gavin, a sexy, tatted up owner of a tattoo parlor. She immediately sees him as "not her style" and doesn't even give the date a chance. She later realizes how judgmental she was and tries to redeem herself but he doesn't make it easy on her. I can't really say more about the plot without going into spoilers.
I did enjoy this book, it was a fun, easy read. I felt like there could've been more depth to the story but it also worked as a light read. I wasn't entirely happy towards the end though because it didn't seem like there was any building on the relationship, just sex. And the end of the book felt like it came up too short.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[The Lusty Literarians]

DNF at 8%. Must be a record for me. Alabama gets talked into letting her friends set her up with online dating. There is a 3 month stipulation on their game and all sorts of stupid rules. So far the concept seems ok. Then Alabama goes on her first date and all hell breaks loose. Gavin is a total dick right from the start. He hates her from the jump. So far we’re in standard enemies to lovers territory. So where did it go so wrong so fast? Well, when he called her a cunt I had to stop reading. Other than being able to be a total bag of dicks to Alabama he gets nothing out of their relationship. There are way too many good books out there to waste my time on garbage books like this one.

[TXreader Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary Romance is not my usual genre, but this was given to me by the author for an honest review. And you can't go wrong with a HOT Tattooed guy, right?

This story is funny, with a great group of characters, and an off the normal track for a storyline. The dating app baseline was genius. It fit into the characters path making it all work wonderfully. I don't want to give out any spoilers but I am really glad I got this book. I power read it in one day.

KC Decker is a new author for me, but if this is any indication of her writing, them I'm in. I'll be picking up more of her books.

[Monique Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sort of a blind date gone wrong....then right.

I absolutely loved the way their story started and even more how it progressed and ended. Not often do authors make the female character work for it without looking kind of pathetic. Alabama owns her sexuality and decides to use it. Gavin didn't stand a chance. Miles' use of the George R. R. Martin quote was something I needed to read yesterday. That one will stick with me.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Gavin & Alabama's story. Great characters. I found this one so refreshing& intriguing to read. I didn't want to put it down. Great book. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a free copy of the book via hidden gem.

[Atlanta Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story wasn't what I expected. I figured the MC would have dates with more men but there was only one guy. I also thought this would be a rom-com or at least have some humor based on the synopsis, but that wasn't really the case either. Not to say the story wasn't good, it just wasn't what I expected.

The reason I took off one star was the conflict happened earlier on in the book and then things were resolved way before the climax. The author had a great opportunity to create conflict later in the story because the MC's parents were so disapproving of anything or anyone not fitting into their perception of what is right. I read MercyMercy by KC Decker and absolutely loved it but I felt it had the same problem of not enough conflict later in the story.

I do enjoy KC Decker's stories despite this and have another book by her that I will definitely read.

[Reem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Brief synopsis; Alabama’s friends pick a date for her online and does all the pre-work, she is supposed to just show up. She leaves a terrible first impression and then goes on a journey to rectify the hurt she caused.
So, I really liked Alabama! She was so honest and likeable. I was sympathetic to her feelings and really understood what drove her. I thought Gavin was angry for much longer than he should have been; but that said, I really understood his desire to hurt her back. I wish I could have read parts of this book from his POV but I found Alabama interesting enough on her own to read only her POV without getting antsy for a change. I enjoyed the main conflict being right at the start of the book and then a rebuild of a great relationship; as opposed to your typical crash and burn at the 3/4 mark. A few minor edits missing but overall great writing!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I couldn't stop reading it, even when it was past a healthy bedtime. Yikes. It's not the typical progression of a romance, but one that was built on contempt. I thought the plot was great and original, and the story progression was believable and exciting. It was great to see how Alabama and Gavin's relationship really changed throughout the book.There was plenty of groveling, chemistry, and feels in the book. Gavin was just the perfect gentleman. *drools* This book is written from Alabama's POV only.

Alabama agreed to date someone her friends has chosen for her after a series of failed relationships which were blamed on her picking the wrong kind of guy based on their appearance. When she sees Gavin for her date, she had already given up on the relationship, but realizes that he is more than just his appearance.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the greatest! Alabama, loved the name btw, is a young professional woman from a wealthy political family, who seems to always pick the wrong guy. Her crazy group of friends tell her that her "picker" is broken. They decide to put her profile on a dating app and choose for her. Okay, she's game, until she meets Gavin, a tattoo artist with lots of tattoos and a pierced tongue! She is aghast and is very rude. But her best friend Miles convinces her to try to win him over. The characters are absolutely splendid! I was ticked at Gavin for being so mean to Alabama at first but he turned into a really strong but tender gentleman. Some love-making but not really over-the-top. Great book and I highly recommend it!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts off as a grumpy meets grumpier enemies to lovers. Idk about anyone else but I went from liking Gavin and hating Alabama to an almost instant reversal. It took me awhile for Gavin to soften my heart towards him but when he did it happened in a big way. Definitely a slow burn but leaves you on the edge of your seat looking for a resolution to their fiery chemistry. The only negative thing I have to say is Gavin seems like he's too good to be true and I'm immensely jealous I don't have one.

[Cherry Initiation]

The covers are gonna be the death of me.
All in all not bad.
Though I don't think the fl was as hateful as the ml reaction was to their first meeting, but oh well.
The plot is the first 50% of the book, and then there was sex scenes that literally took the second 50% of the book, I don't read books for the steam factor so when that part is over and I was waiting for what's coming after that the book ended and I almost laughed .
Eh.

[Afroditi Darzenta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading
I remembered the basic premise and that I enjoyed reading this book, but was hazy on the details.
After reading it, I can say that I liked it for a reason! I won't get into detail, there's no point, but I'll say that it's a good book to unwind (I'm reading it between "heavier" reading material), and the smut is dirty and spot on!

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. Sometimes it is very hard to break out expected “patterns” to try something new that you really really do like. This is a great story about really seeing someone for who they are not what they look like or signify.