There’s something so simple about dating the guy you know will hurt you, don’t you think? There’s no risking your feelings. No wondering whether your past will affect your future.
Hello, my name is Sadie, and I am addicted to dating the wrong guy. Self-absorbed, cheaters, dangerous—you name it, I’ve dated it.
Until I meet him. Makai Fleetwood. Six foot plus change. Brown eyes. Killer smile. Hair so luscious it makes my insides quiver. A hairdresser’s wet dream (that’s me; I’m the hairdresser). A good guy.
Friendship blooms. Then trust... I’m falling hard for the first time since my sister died and my world came crashing down around me. Allowing someone into my shattered heart. If only our lives weren’t like an onion. The layers too innumerable to count.
Is he really prince charming, or my worst decision yet?
I started out thinking that this would be a quick DNF for me because it contained a trope that I loathe. However, as I turned page to page, I got sucked in and eventually had to finish it. And let's just say what I THOUGHT the story would be and what it actually turned out TO BE was a complete surprise which changed my rating from 2-3!
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! STOP READING ANY FURTHER IF YOU PLAN TO READ IT!
So the story is about Sadie & Makai - two wealthy folks that have and underlining connection that each don't get to find out until the end. They also have trust issues as they both come from money & don't tell each other until way at the 70-80%.
When story starts, we get a prologue of 10 yr old Makai who just lost his mother & is comforted by a little girl called Sarah whom he just met. With that one brief connection, it made the lonely & sad little boy Makai have a POV in which he said:
“One day,” I say. Because I’m going to marry that girl. Sarah. I repeat her name over and over as we walk back to the foyer. No, I won’t forget Sarah. Ever.
So immediately I think, sloppy seconds as I loathe the sibling or any ex trope! But as one continues to read and it's 10 years later, we meet Sadie, 27 (who is Sarah's younger sister). She & her sister created a multi billion cosmetic/perfume company in which she wants nothing to do with it because it reminds her of her dead sister who died at age 16 after she fell out of a balcony and Sadie blames herself for it because at age 14, Sadie sneaked out of the house to go to a party with friends & Sarah followed her there to make sure nothing happened to her & to bring her home. Because Sadie didn't want to leave, Sarah ended up trying to get away from a creep and ended up falling out the balcony & dying.
When Sadie & Makai meet, there is an instant attraction & connection. However, Sadie has been burned in the past with making wrong guy choices so they develop a quick friendship with Makai knowing that she is "it" for him and throughout the story is very patient with her. I love this part as he was all the way in with her from the start and very, very patient!
"I’ve known for a long time that I would only risk my heart on the right girl, and I have the sense that Sadie is that girl"..
Makai is also a virgin who is waiting for the right girl to lose his virginity. That was a nice change from the Manho/slutty Heroes, however, when they finally do get it on, he didn't act like a virgin! (and this is why I never buy into these "man virgins" tropes BUT it is also the reason why I didn't DNF right away either)😄.
In any case, throughout the story Makai has one or two memory flashbacks of "Sarah" and it leaves reader anxiously waiting to learn more about his relationship with Sarah.
"And Sadie had already suffered. When did she lose her sister? Was it... Sarah? Sarah. I don’t know why, but I always liked the name Sarah. Kind of thought that I’d end up with a girl named Sarah one day."
"And then there’s Sarah. My breath catches as I type in her name. An uncomfortable sensation burrows between my shoulder blades as I hover my finger over the button on the mouse. "
But it isn't until the end when we learn that the little girl "Sarah" was indeed 5 yr old Sadie who pretended to be her older sister!!
Overall, this was a sweet story with a hilarious Grandma, likable characters and a sweet HEA.
Safety: No cheating. No OW/OM drama. Hero is a virgin. Heroine is not.
So why 3 stars? While it was enjoyable, it is not memorable or one of those reads where you can't put the book down types. Also, the fact that I spent the entire story up until the end thinking that heroine was his 2nd choice, didn't help (though it was a nice surprise!). Additionally, the characters were written as a bit naive & immature and that type of writing is just not my thing... So 3 stars as it wasn't bad & it didn't totally suck. 🤷♀️
I love the fact that Sadie (25) and Makai (30) took their time becoming friends despite their attraction to one another. It was cute to see them try to fight it—well, that's mostly on Sadie's part, but I still ate up every time they flirted and were sweet with each other. 🤭
The story was almost smooth sailing and kind of predictable, hence my rating. Although, ngl, the prologue made me pause a bit because I really thought Sadie's sister was Makai's first kiss and the girl he wanted to marry. Thank gawd, it's not the case at all.
Also, his thoughts got repetitive at some point about how much he's so wealthy and women only want to know him because of his status and how he's so worried Sadie might end up like that. I don't appreciate him thinking she could be a gold digger, but I suppose I can't really blame him since that's what he's used to.
As for Sadie, she really took her sweet time trying to put a boundary between them. While I got it in the beginning, but it kind of lost its charm after a while. Along the way, I just wanted her to finally admit that she and Makai should be together and to throw caution out the window. I mean, come on, deep down, she knows Makai is a great guy and not like all the trash she's dated before.
Anyway, I was really close to giving this 4 stars, but the omission at the end didn't sit well with me. I don't like deception, and Makai had multiple chances to come clean about it. He said it himself, to hell with the NDA, yet he still didn't tell her until it was too late. Then I suppose it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things since Sadie forgave him right after he said he was sorry.
Overall, it was alright—short and definitely had a funny, flirty vibe going on. I think this is good enough to pass the time.
Book info: - Strangers to friends to lovers - Instant attraction - Slowburn - Loss of loved ones - Billionaire romance (both of them 🤭) - No cheating, OM/OW, - With separation (2 weeks) - V MMC, Experienced FMC - HFN (engaged)
Notes: - OM. Not really, Sadie was kind of in a limbo with OM when she first met Makai. He showed up once and messed up her apartment, but that was really the only issue he caused, and it happened pretty early on in the story. - Makai doesn't really date because he's so worried that women are just after him for his money. I think Sadie was his first in everything. 🤭 It's really rare to read about a wealthy man who isn't living the playboy lifestyle. He's such a breath of fresh air! 🥰
Everyone needs a guy like Makai! Handsome, funny, devoted, and trustworthy. I absolutely loved him! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents.
Quick recap: Makai and Sadie accidentally run into each other a few times and become friends. They both want more, but are afraid to put themselves out there because they’re both rich and have had some bad experiences (or no experiences). When they can no longer resist each other, they start a relationship that neither would recover from if it didn’t work out.
My two cents:
Makai and Sadie are adorable together. I loved how he lifted her up when she needed it. He was her friend first and really held to that to prove to her that he could be trusted.
There’s a lot of cute romcom moments that had me giggling. Especially with the name changes in the text messages. Also, with the two grandma’s 😂 Everyone should find a surprise dildo now and then.
There are a few sex scenes. Slightly better than the ones from book one. 😉 Not combustible though.
This is the last book in the series I’ll purposefully read. I love date books and this one hit all the right checkboxes for that. If you like fate, virgin romcom’s, with a few eccentric side characters, then give this one a try. Happy reading y’all!
Book 2 in the Line up series and the first book that I have read from this author. Good read. Good humor that will keep you laughing. Makai and Sadie were a good couple. Liked their chemistry and attraction between them. Very enjoyable read to help pass the afternoon away.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have two rich people who are living for themselves in jobs you would not they would have. Sadie is a hair dresser and Makai is a bartender, these two meet and they feel that they have a connection. However Sadie is afraid since she always picks the jerks, and Makai is interested since she liked him for him not knowing that he comes from money. There are secrets, and you wonder are they or arent they?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This wasn't a homerun for me, but I liked it. An interesting combination of light/emotional and sweet/sexy, this author knows how to write a good love story. I've been looking forward to Makai's story since the first book in the series, and he did not disappoint - a billionaire who is NOT a cocky playboy, it was refreshing to read about a kinder, more humble hero who wants something real. There was a lot that I enjoyed but also a few things that bugged me, including a secret that took way too long to come to light and a heroine I struggled to connect with.
The story follows Makai, one of the city's most eligible bachelors - who chooses to live under the radar, working at a bar and staying out of the dating scene. When he meets Sadie, a woman whose love life has taken a beating, there's an instant connection there and they decide to form a friendship. But it's not long before these friends start to spark into something more, so both Makai and Sadie have to decide whether or not they're willing to put their hearts on the line.
With a lot of lightness and a fun feel, this reads like a rom com but also has some depth to it. There's some great dialogue and I loved how this relationship develops from strangers to friends to lovers, with an emotional buildup before taking things further. There was just something missing for me, and I'm not sure if it's Sadie's personality or the role the "secret" played in the story, but I found myself disconnecting at times. I considered rating this 3 stars but there was too much that I liked about it to drop the rating - I really did love what a unique hero Makai is. It's a good light and sexy read that makes me want to read more from the author even if I had a few problems with this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Makai and Sadie were great characters. His grandmother was a hoot. They were so alike in many ways. They both hide how much they and their families are worth and go by different names than their legal ones.
There is a bit of overlap between this story and the first one. Time passes at irregular intervals in this book, which was a little frustrating. Actually, most of the series is like that.
While this was a good book, and a good series (I'm 30% through book 4), there is just something missing that keeps it from being great. Just a little but of magic that isn't there.
Ms. Murphy continues to leave out hoards of commas and misuse personal pronouns. She really needs a better editor. These are very basic errors that even a junior editor or proofreader should know to avoid and be able to catch.
I am definitely finishing out the series.
At first, it seems like their parents aren't great people, or at least have made mistakes in their relationships with their children, but, in the end, they come across as well meaning.
Not gonna lie - Misti Murphy is one of my favourite authors. Her books are funny, romantic and have some amazing characters. That said, I don't automatically give all her books 5 star reviews.
The Fourth Guy, however, deserves it in spades! I absolutely loved it! Funny,romantic,swoonworthy male, strong female, hilarious Grandmother.....this book has it all!
It was easy to read, the story flowed effortlessly, the pages just turned themselves. I couldn't wait for the conclusion but also didnt want it to end. It was everything I love about a great romantic comedy.
The Line Up series is my new favourite of Misti's and I really hope that Matt, Hudson and Vale all get their own stories - there is so much potential there!
I enjoyed Makai and Sadie's story so much, it reminded me how much I loved its predecessor I Dare You........so I'm off to re-read that beauty now!
I am a big, big fan of Misti Murphy, so I may be a little biased in my review. What brings me back time and again to her stories is plain and simple - her writing style. Each book just flows naturally, add in the realistic characters who all have flaws, and after I finish each and every book I am left with a smile on my face and in love with love. Sadie and Makai's story is no different. They both have a past and are both holding on to secrets. But there is something about the other that makes them both want to give in and take a chance. Sadie ended up by being my favourite character in this book. She was extremely driven, but also very humble. I think they brought out the best in each other and it was truly beautiful to read. Bring on the next book!! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book
I wasn't as impressed with The Fourth Guy as I was with the first of the series. It ended up being too predictable for me. There wasn't a twist or anything that I felt was worth bookmarking to go back to. It didn't have the humor that the first had, either. All I really got from it was being a classic friends turned lovers story that has a secret looming to tear the developing relationship apart. There were a few good steamy scenes, though. I think I found the grandmother to be the most entertaining part of the book. The dildos, conversations with her friends, and field trips she took Mikai on were all giggle worthy. Maybe if more detail would have been brought up from Mikai's interaction with Sarah or her death occurring during the story, it would have been better. It would have brought on a more serious tone to the book, but I needed something with more depth.
A brief connection makes a lasting impression on two youngsters. Now as adults Makai and Sadie have a chance to get onto the right path. But is that past going to be an obstacle? Or a step in the right direction?
This is a sweet story that was entertaining but not my favorite by this author.
What an amazing story. It made me want to cry from sadness and laughing. The pain these two have had to deal with in life is just terrible. Sadie has terrible taste in men and lives every day with regret that causes her to pull away from the people that love her the most. Makai lives in fear of being used because of who his family is and the money they have. They both keep secrets, but when the walls start coming down not all secrets can be told and it could tear them apart. Love Nana B, she is so much fun. Standalone with no cliffhangers. If you haven't read "I dare you" but want to then please read it before this book, they are in this book and it could spoil it for you. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Second book of the The Line Up series and equally as enjoyable as the first! I loved Sadie and Makai in the first and their story did not disappoint.
What I loved😍: Sadie and Makai’s banter; Nana B and her hobbies; how Nana B was trying to set them up without them realizing it; Sadie’s growth and vulnerability; Makai’s heart and steadfast beliefs instead of being a rich playboy - I loved his character
What stood out😱: the prologue and epilogue! - there’s a comment made that hints at what is revealed in the middle of the book, but I loved how it was done
What I didn’t enjoy🤨: The fathers interfering even though they thought it was in their kid’s best interest - and then it just being quickly resolved
Beauty shop owner Sadie expects that men she’s attracted will lie and cheat on her. That’s just her lot in life. When handsome Makai sits in her seat for a haircut, she deems him too perfect, so she’s determined to avoid him. What most of the people around her don’t realize is that she’s also the owner and CEO of SHE, a multimillion dollar beauty company. You can never be too careful.
Bar owner Makai likes Sadie from the beginning. He can’t quite place it but she seems so familiar. When he decides to pursue her, he doesn’t tell her about his other job. That of Heir to a multimillion dollar conglomerate. You can never be too careful, can you?
Sadie and Makai are my it couple in this series. I may not know who comes next but I doubt they'll be able to usurp these two. I knew in book 1 they were it and I was right!
Their friendship and then relationship is #goals. Their secrets not as much...but they overcame their issues. Sadie is back to being a part of her family. I say that she is definitely winning.
Sexy and patient, Makai gives new meaning to patience is a virtue. His beliefs make him a catch. His goals make him a steal. He is definitely the One to keep- not for his money. Not for his penthouse. Not for his truck. Makai is a marshmallow of epic proportions.
What a wonderful romance read that was sweet, addicting and oh so good! This newest release had all the ingredients for a perfect romance read, likable characters, well written storyline and romance at it finest. I love Makai and Sadie’s character, their chemistry grew from friends to more and I enjoyed watching how it blossoms to a perfect HEA. Just the right amount of drama and a sweet relationship that made for an entertaining must one click read. This was my favorite of the authors book and I can't wait for the next read.
Sadie has a habit of dating the wrong guys and they leave her with nothing but a broken heart. That all changes when she meets the one guy that might mend her broken heart. Makai Fleetwood is six foot tall, brown eyes, killer smile and killer hair. Sadie and Makai begin to form a friendship and that turns into something more. Can Sadie open up her heart again and trust that Makai won't break it. The rollercoaster of emotions felt while reading this book are crazy. I loved this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Okay I think this is my favourite book I’ve read all year. Misti sure knows how to blow you away. Like mind blown over here. Sadie and Makai, start out as friends. Friends turns into more, and more turns into forever. Of course there is a few bumps in the road but I live that they have such a sweet past. There love was fate it just took about 20 years for them to find each other again. Like epic love story right here!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like Sadie. She is tragically spectacular. She feels so deeply. She is the best friend. She is strong, independent, driven, fierce and still manages to be fun. She is cute. She is solid, but she is still so broken inside. I like Makai. He is an imperfect man. He is handsome, he is fun, he is loyal. There are lots of details in this story. There are some twists and turns. There is heartbreak and mystery and crime. It is a good story with great characters, both main and secondary.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book 2 in the Lineup series. just terrible. Sadie has terrible taste in men and lives every day with regret that causes her to pull away from the people that love her the most. Makai lives in fear of being used because of who his family is and the money they have. They both keep secrets, but when the walls start coming down not all secrets can be told and it could tear them apart. Can they survive?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I got invested in this story from “I Dare You”. This book was such an amazing read. It had me laughing and crying. I felt the heartbreak and the loss. The relationship that M and S build is so amazing, and the ending really pulls the whole story together. Seriously all these things kept me so invested that I had to read this book in one sitting. No putting it down. I definitely suggest reading “I Dare You” first to get a baseline started for this book, plus it is a GREAT read as well. You won’t be disappointed!
If I could give more than 5 stars, I would!! Makai and Sadie's love story was so great. While this can be read as a stand alone book, I HIGHLY recommend reading the first book in the series, I Dare You, as it gives good context to the scenes mentioned in this book. It was a ton of fun to see the flip side of the events from their POV.
Makai was so patient. And I loved how he had such a strong desire to make sure Sadie was comfortable and felt secure throughout as their relationship evolved. Friendship first and always.
I knew when I read I Dare You that Makai and Sadie were going to sweep me off my feet in this book, but I was not prepared for how hard I was going to fall.
What I Loved: All of the corny jokes, Nana B and Cardi G (seriously, I want to be like Nana when I retire), the slow unravelling of how close Makai and Sadie's families and lives were connected without them realizing, that Makai was the one afraid of heights.
What I Hated: I'm not necessarily mad that the sex was always amazing, but dude was a virgin so I'd have liked a little more awkwardness or him needing led
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is the type of ending that Callan and Hayley were robbed of.
The pacing was a little weird, especially at the beginning. And the near-complete absence of Hayley was also odd, considering how much Sadie featured in her book and how much the timelines overlapped.
Cute little twist at the end was lovely.
Overall, I liked Sadie and Makai’s story better than the first book. Glad I decided to give one more book a go after the dud ending of the last one. Won’t be reading the rest because nothing in this book or the prior one made me have any curiosity or care about the other guys.
The Fourth Guy comes out swinging-- by that I mean, hardcore emotions, physical, and organic chemistry. Zany humor, frustrations, and so much heart... GAH Makai and Sadie are superb characters for the layered swoony, smile-fest! Right alongside secondary characters Nana and Hayley Cal, who do their best to keep Makai and Sadie on the road from friends to forever! A one-sitting cover to digital cover, I could not get enough of it all! I hope there will be more stories coming from this crew!
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series and is Sadie and Makai’s story. No spoilers: this is an absolute must read, you will not be disappointed. This is a beautifully written story which is heart-warming, fun, entertaining, and with secrets which all lead to a humorous all-consuming and riveting page turner. This gifted author has the unique ability to continually pen a phenomenal story with each novel. I highly recommend this authors’ work for all readers.
When you have a history of bad dating a good guy is good to find. When there is humor and good back and forth and you allow time in the relationship to develop a friendship that migrates into more then something good comes along. Makai and Sadie were a lovely pair who over time became a lovely couple and the progression of their story was really good and hopeful. A good read for current times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book will bring out all the emotions. I love Sadies blunt funny humor and her “of forking shirt” reactions. Everyone needs a Nana B in their lives. Makai is funny and protective. Secrets and buried hurts and emotions are a lot to overcome For both. Now I need to read Callan and Hayley’s story because I know it’s going to be good!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I adore this book, this whole series has had me hooked from the beginning,these two love birds are just so adorable and super sexy hot when they get down to it, what's not to love, its so well written, there are new and old characters, seriously love it, can't wait for the next one, getting it and starting it now, even though I should be sleeping, I just can't wait to get into it.
I have been waiting for Sadie's and Makai's story forever! I love the how their whole story unfolds. The nicknames! Makai is the sweetest! I read this in one sitting. It really was like sitting down and listening to a friend and trying to help them. The whole story linked together so well! Nana B, oh my she is a character!! I totally fell in love with her and her antics. Once again Misti has written another 10 star plus read!