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Creekwood #1
Detour
Welcome to Creekwood...
Angela
Head down, eyes peeled for any opportunity to get off the dead-end course my mother carelessly paved for me years ago.
My plan takes a sharp turn landing me directly across the hall from Creekwood’s resident bad boys. The three streetbike riding misfits are as stubborn as they are sexy. And they. Are. Sexy. Especially the one with the mocha swirl eyes watching my every move.
But even the six-foot hallway separating us can’t keep the overbearing trio from constantly getting in my way.
When my past threatens to catch up with me, I quickly learn not every detour promises an easier route, no matter how tempting my new neighbors might make it look.
Coty
Head up, eyes locked on anything threatening to throw me off the carefully constructed path I have mapped out.
I live my life the same way I ride my bike, never once regretting the roads I’ve chosen.
Lately though, after years of the same scenery, everything’s starting to blur together. It’s only when our elusive neighbor girl comes out of nowhere that I realize what’s been missing.
And now that I have, I don’t think I can let her pass by so quickly. At least not without proving the lengths I’ll go for her first.
Angela
Head down, eyes peeled for any opportunity to get off the dead-end course my mother carelessly paved for me years ago.
My plan takes a sharp turn landing me directly across the hall from Creekwood’s resident bad boys. The three streetbike riding misfits are as stubborn as they are sexy. And they. Are. Sexy. Especially the one with the mocha swirl eyes watching my every move.
But even the six-foot hallway separating us can’t keep the overbearing trio from constantly getting in my way.
When my past threatens to catch up with me, I quickly learn not every detour promises an easier route, no matter how tempting my new neighbors might make it look.
Coty
Head up, eyes locked on anything threatening to throw me off the carefully constructed path I have mapped out.
I live my life the same way I ride my bike, never once regretting the roads I’ve chosen.
Lately though, after years of the same scenery, everything’s starting to blur together. It’s only when our elusive neighbor girl comes out of nowhere that I realize what’s been missing.
And now that I have, I don’t think I can let her pass by so quickly. At least not without proving the lengths I’ll go for her first.
357 pages, Paperback
First published July 8, 2020
2966 people are currently reading
13309 people want to read
About the author
A. Marie
9 books438 followersA. Marie likes to paint her characters’ voices on to the blank canvas of a page using her own blend of quick wit and playfulness. She strives to bring readers entertaining yet powerful stories they’ll fall for time and time again. Born and raised in Washington State, she now resides in upstate New York with her husband and three kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
May 10, 2021
4 stars!
Loved the bond that the boys shared. Angela's character was inspiring. The resilience she demonstrates after the adversity of her childhood is truly remarkable. I adored the epilogue. Looking forward to the next book.
Loved the bond that the boys shared. Angela's character was inspiring. The resilience she demonstrates after the adversity of her childhood is truly remarkable. I adored the epilogue. Looking forward to the next book.
June 17, 2021
3.9
After reading the blurb i thought it ll be a highschool bully romance but its so much better than that. This story is about Angela who is trying to get away from her abusive mother and graduate as soon as possible so she can start her life. She moves out of her mom’s house and there she meets her new neighbours Marc, Coty and Beckett. They are biker dudes who are living their full life, they have their own problems and struggles but together they are a family. These guys are roommates, best-friends ...more like brothers. I love the plot and the friendship between the guys, i am so excited for Marc’s book cuz he is an enigma. There was spark between Angela and Coty from the beginning, i loved their chemistry. The whole plot is so different and i liked all the characters. Angela is so strong, she had a shitty childhood but she doesnt let that affect her, she tries her best not to be like her mother, she is so mature and headstrong and smart. She might be too stubborn sometimes and run away from her problems but i also get where she is coming from, she has trust issues and she was not ready to be friends with 3 guys who changes her mind about herself. She was not ready to fall in love with Coty but they eventually did fall in love. I really liked her character. Coty on the other hand is so determined to make Angela his, he is so sweet and caring, i liked his character too.
After reading the blurb i thought it ll be a highschool bully romance but its so much better than that. This story is about Angela who is trying to get away from her abusive mother and graduate as soon as possible so she can start her life. She moves out of her mom’s house and there she meets her new neighbours Marc, Coty and Beckett. They are biker dudes who are living their full life, they have their own problems and struggles but together they are a family. These guys are roommates, best-friends ...more like brothers. I love the plot and the friendship between the guys, i am so excited for Marc’s book cuz he is an enigma. There was spark between Angela and Coty from the beginning, i loved their chemistry. The whole plot is so different and i liked all the characters. Angela is so strong, she had a shitty childhood but she doesnt let that affect her, she tries her best not to be like her mother, she is so mature and headstrong and smart. She might be too stubborn sometimes and run away from her problems but i also get where she is coming from, she has trust issues and she was not ready to be friends with 3 guys who changes her mind about herself. She was not ready to fall in love with Coty but they eventually did fall in love. I really liked her character. Coty on the other hand is so determined to make Angela his, he is so sweet and caring, i liked his character too.
July 16, 2020
It is a rare find when you read a debut novel from a new author and are immediately addicted...but that is what I found with Detour and A. Marie!!! All I can say is THANK GOODNESS THIS IS A SERIES because I need more of these characters! This author did an amazing job of creating a fresh and new NA romance world in a close proximity setting with a sassy yet broken heroine, and a sexy badboy hero with not one, but two hot, charming and mysterious roommates.
I was pulled into this story from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. The chemistry is intense, the storyline will surprise you, and you will fall for not only the hero (Coty) and the heroine (Angela), but the other two side characters as well. And I CAN'T WAIT for their books!!!
A Marie is a new author to add to your "must read" list. Add Detour to your TBR today and thank me later!!!
I was pulled into this story from the beginning and didn't want to put it down. The chemistry is intense, the storyline will surprise you, and you will fall for not only the hero (Coty) and the heroine (Angela), but the other two side characters as well. And I CAN'T WAIT for their books!!!
A Marie is a new author to add to your "must read" list. Add Detour to your TBR today and thank me later!!!
dnf
October 26, 2022DNF @ 15% - couldn’t get with the male POV - he’s supposed to be a badass but does too much navel gazing. He’s way too into a girl he’s had one not all that interesting conversation with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2023
Felt like I’ve read this storyline before. Felt too familiar.
March 28, 2021
‧͙⁺˚*･༓☾☆ 3.25 stars ☆☽༓･*˚⁺‧͙
I liked it. I think this was the debut for this author and it’s not bad. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I loved the trio dynamic, though. It was the best part.
The thing that wasn’t as great was the writing, it’s what stopped me from liking this more. It is EXTREMELY detailed and there’s A LOT of info dump. Sometimes that’s good, but there was just TOO MUCH. The narration and dialogues must have a good balance and here there wasn’t enough dialogues to compensate all the inner monologue.
The way Angela’s mind worked was a bit weird. I got confused sometimes about her decisions. Because of the way it’s written the pacing felt quick but also slow, not in the best way.
Coty was super sweet honestly, I loved him. Angie was great, I admired her!!! The conflict was a little bit weak but it was okay. So yeah, I liked this, I do believe the author will get better. With a bit more cropping and polish I can see great stories on the future.
I liked it. I think this was the debut for this author and it’s not bad. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I loved the trio dynamic, though. It was the best part.
The thing that wasn’t as great was the writing, it’s what stopped me from liking this more. It is EXTREMELY detailed and there’s A LOT of info dump. Sometimes that’s good, but there was just TOO MUCH. The narration and dialogues must have a good balance and here there wasn’t enough dialogues to compensate all the inner monologue.
The way Angela’s mind worked was a bit weird. I got confused sometimes about her decisions. Because of the way it’s written the pacing felt quick but also slow, not in the best way.
Coty was super sweet honestly, I loved him. Angie was great, I admired her!!! The conflict was a little bit weak but it was okay. So yeah, I liked this, I do believe the author will get better. With a bit more cropping and polish I can see great stories on the future.
May 28, 2024
2.5
This was just...not good? Like there were really wonderful aspects. I was a big fan of the fact that this is a story that solely focuses on found family. That is such a wonderful trope and I thought the author handled that beautifully, but like everything else?? This book BORED me at times. Like there was so much inner monologue and it was so repetitive!!! I also get that this man has brown eyes. SORRY, he has "chocolate", "mocha", "mocha swirl", "coffee", and "espresso" eyes. Like not every colour needs to be assigned a food category?? I did like the relationship between our main characters, but at what cost??
Either way, I don't think this really was a great book, nor would I really recommend it to anyone.
This was just...not good? Like there were really wonderful aspects. I was a big fan of the fact that this is a story that solely focuses on found family. That is such a wonderful trope and I thought the author handled that beautifully, but like everything else?? This book BORED me at times. Like there was so much inner monologue and it was so repetitive!!! I also get that this man has brown eyes. SORRY, he has "chocolate", "mocha", "mocha swirl", "coffee", and "espresso" eyes. Like not every colour needs to be assigned a food category?? I did like the relationship between our main characters, but at what cost??
Either way, I don't think this really was a great book, nor would I really recommend it to anyone.
January 6, 2024
The concept of the story was nice. It hooked me up, because bikers taking in a girl as their family? Omg,sign me up! Sadly, I was kinda disappointed.
Angie & Coty lacked chemistry, I couldn’t feel or see their relationship, feelings towards each other, intimate scenes felt so bland and empty. However, Angie & Drew or Angie & Beckett? Their relationship/friendship burst with loads of energy, it just felt more real, even more romantic than Angie & Coty’s. Marc posed as the “leader” of the group, not a cold person more like a private one. Angie & her mother’s relationship didn’t quite evoke any emotions in me eithe.
The story was ok, i guess , but it lacked emotions, chemistry between main characters, more “action”. Just anything, that would make it more alive and real.
Angie & Coty lacked chemistry, I couldn’t feel or see their relationship, feelings towards each other, intimate scenes felt so bland and empty. However, Angie & Drew or Angie & Beckett? Their relationship/friendship burst with loads of energy, it just felt more real, even more romantic than Angie & Coty’s. Marc posed as the “leader” of the group, not a cold person more like a private one. Angie & her mother’s relationship didn’t quite evoke any emotions in me eithe.
The story was ok, i guess , but it lacked emotions, chemistry between main characters, more “action”. Just anything, that would make it more alive and real.
July 16, 2020
I was hooked from the very first page!! I couldn’t get enough of this story and these characters. This is A. Marie’s 1st story and it’s amazing.... real life drama, likeable characters it’s angsty, thrilling, drama filled and sizzling with sexual tension. Words truly can’t express how beautiful this story was.
P.S Coty is HOT and ALL mine....
P.S Coty is HOT and ALL mine....
July 18, 2020
I was blown away by this book. This is A. Marie's debut, and it is amazing. It does not read like a debut. The writing, pacing, wit, angst, romance are all the elements that make this a strong new start to a series. It has some of my favorite things in a good book. Damaged, but strong main character, found families, bad boys that play and work hard, but are also damaged but still maintain deep relationships with each other.
In Detour we meet our strong, independent but emotionally closed off POV, Angela. Angela lives with her mentally and physically abusive mother. All Angela wants in life is OUT of her mother's grip. She is now 18 and still a high school student. But after another one of her mothers blow ups, Angela decides she can't wait for graduation, she is moving out now. This brings her to Creekwood and her very small apartment. But it is hers, and it is directly across the street from her high school. And not far from her job. She is finally able to keep her head down and graduate and work and not have to deal with her mother. She is doing just that when she has a run in with her new neighbors.
Coty, Beckett and Marc are the neighbors who live next door. Each with their own brand of bad-boy charm. They ride bikes, have nice cars and party all the time.
Coty takes an immediate interest in the new neighbor girl. Can he get Angela to let him in and help her break down her walls? He has patience and over time sees that Angela is worth the time.
Will Angela let the boys and most importantly Coty in? Can Angela leave her other life totally behind? Can Angela be the opposite of her mother? This is so worth the read to find the answers to these questions.
I am so excited to see who's story will be told next.
***E-Arc provided for an honest review***
In Detour we meet our strong, independent but emotionally closed off POV, Angela. Angela lives with her mentally and physically abusive mother. All Angela wants in life is OUT of her mother's grip. She is now 18 and still a high school student. But after another one of her mothers blow ups, Angela decides she can't wait for graduation, she is moving out now. This brings her to Creekwood and her very small apartment. But it is hers, and it is directly across the street from her high school. And not far from her job. She is finally able to keep her head down and graduate and work and not have to deal with her mother. She is doing just that when she has a run in with her new neighbors.
Coty, Beckett and Marc are the neighbors who live next door. Each with their own brand of bad-boy charm. They ride bikes, have nice cars and party all the time.
Coty takes an immediate interest in the new neighbor girl. Can he get Angela to let him in and help her break down her walls? He has patience and over time sees that Angela is worth the time.
Will Angela let the boys and most importantly Coty in? Can Angela leave her other life totally behind? Can Angela be the opposite of her mother? This is so worth the read to find the answers to these questions.
I am so excited to see who's story will be told next.
***E-Arc provided for an honest review***
September 16, 2025
4.5 🌟
i don't know if this book is actually as good as i think it is, or if i read so many horrible books recently that I'm satisfied with average. I'm happy either way.
i loved this. it was well written, the characters were amazing. and the bonds, THE BONDS 🥹
not just between the protagonists but also the friendships, they were everything.
i don't know if this book is actually as good as i think it is, or if i read so many horrible books recently that I'm satisfied with average. I'm happy either way.
i loved this. it was well written, the characters were amazing. and the bonds, THE BONDS 🥹
not just between the protagonists but also the friendships, they were everything.
October 31, 2024
2.75⭐️
Read
December 3, 2020
DETOUR Excerpt
“Call me if you need anything and I’ll be right over. I mean it.”
“I will.” In my own attempt to lighten the mood, I call out, “You’re my boy, Drew.”
Barely earning a smirk from my former step-sibling, he ducks inside while I swallow the stubborn lump in my throat.
Three motorcycles, with almost obnoxiously revving engines, pull into Creekwood Apartments just as Drew reaches the entrance. His brake lights hesitating tell me exactly what he’s thinking without even needing to see his face, but who says they live here? They could be visiting someone, anyone really. I haven’t met any neighbors yet so Drew’s guess is as good as mine.
As the noisy machines approach, three heads snap my way just before finding parking spaces across from my Jeep.
The winding engines cut off, filling the lot with complete silence save for Drew’s awkward idling. Why do big brothers, even ones not born to the position, lack any sense of subtlety?
With a flick of my hand to the truck, I grab the last box and make for the stairs but not before darting a glance over to the guys still sitting atop the street bikes. Motorcycles aren’t my area of expertise but these ones look nice. The car wash I work at doesn’t cater to bikes, which is a serious drawback in my opinion. Due to the relatively mild climate, this entire region is known for housing toys of all shapes, sizes, and speeds. Whether they’re for land, air, or water, they all get dirty just like cars do and would benefit from a place that could accommodate them accordingly.
None of the guys have removed their helmets yet and I almost don’t want them to. What if they do live around here? And they’re complete assholes?
What if they’re picking up a friend and I’m worrying for nothing?
I can’t help but admire their rides though. One is red with some numbers near the handlebar. The neon green one in the middle has the word Ninja splashed across the side while the last one is flat black with no distinguishable markings whatsoever.
The first two reaching for their helmets have me quickening my steps but the last one, the guy on the black bike, holds my gaze hostage. Even though I can’t make out his eyes hidden in his helmet’s shadow, it’s like I can feel them on me. Phantom gawking. It’s a thing, right? A chill runs up my spine despite the sporadic breeze dying down moments ago, leaving the sultry air to almost crackle against my skin. I tear my eyes away as I climb the rest of the stairs leading to my apartment.
Safely back inside, I turn on “Young, Dumb & Broke” by Khalid before taking stock of my limited belongings. I stay busy the rest of the night unpacking and decorating, dancing and singing, genuinely having a good time in my new place.
My place.
I like the sound of that.
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January 6, 2021
Now this book was totally different. I requested this Arc because this was a fellow bookstagramer that I knew of going on almost a year. Wow can you believe it. I've almost been doing this for a whole year. I give Ashley Marie her props. This is hands down a hilarious romance and sometimes more than anything this is what we need. With a bit of seriousness. Definitely a slow burn. I love Beckett. He is my favorite and I can't wait for more... Question: What is your favorite part of the book?
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Rating:
📱-5 🐕
Steamy: 3
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🏍
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Rating:
📱-5 🐕
Steamy: 3
December 23, 2020
I love this group of friends/ family ❤️❤️
March 3, 2024
No thanks.
April 3, 2024
Dnf 77%
July 12, 2020
I absolutely adored Angela! She was given such a traumatic upbringing and a pretty awful parental situation, but she overcame all obstacles and was determined to make it on her own. Never making the mistakes that she grew up watching and experiencing. Ang was a fierce heroine from start to finish! I loved her drive and determination to better herself. I loved that she was so independent, although extremely stubborn at times.
Coty had me swooning hard from the first time he graced us with his presence in this novel. There wasn't a single thing I didn't like about his character. He was polite, protective, handsome, loyal, smart, capable and kind. He had such a good heart. He could do no wrong in my eyes.
This was one of the slowest burns I've read in a really long time! The author built up the anticipation and lustful emotions until you were almost unable to bare it anymore. But once the valve on the pressure cooker of emotions was released, oh wow! Talk about burning chemistry! The steamy scenes were hot and had just enough detail to leave you satisfied but also craving more from these two characters. What they shared was so special and it radiated through the pages outside of and inside the bedroom.
The little nuggets of drama and chaos that were woven into the story kept you on your toes. The sub-story of Angela and her boss Joe left me feeling a desperate need for justice, not only for Angela but the other women she worked with as well. His predatory nature made me cringe and I couldn't wait to see him pay for his behavior! Such a disgusting scum bag!!! Maybe him and Angela's mom should have hooked up, they were two utterly despicable peas in a pod!
I really liked how the author wrapped up the story and felt that it left both Coty and Angela in really good places in both their personal and professional lives. I loved how caring Coty turned out to be and his commitment to Angela and her happiness!
Coty had me swooning hard from the first time he graced us with his presence in this novel. There wasn't a single thing I didn't like about his character. He was polite, protective, handsome, loyal, smart, capable and kind. He had such a good heart. He could do no wrong in my eyes.
This was one of the slowest burns I've read in a really long time! The author built up the anticipation and lustful emotions until you were almost unable to bare it anymore. But once the valve on the pressure cooker of emotions was released, oh wow! Talk about burning chemistry! The steamy scenes were hot and had just enough detail to leave you satisfied but also craving more from these two characters. What they shared was so special and it radiated through the pages outside of and inside the bedroom.
The little nuggets of drama and chaos that were woven into the story kept you on your toes. The sub-story of Angela and her boss Joe left me feeling a desperate need for justice, not only for Angela but the other women she worked with as well. His predatory nature made me cringe and I couldn't wait to see him pay for his behavior! Such a disgusting scum bag!!! Maybe him and Angela's mom should have hooked up, they were two utterly despicable peas in a pod!
I really liked how the author wrapped up the story and felt that it left both Coty and Angela in really good places in both their personal and professional lives. I loved how caring Coty turned out to be and his commitment to Angela and her happiness!
July 16, 2020
Detour by A. Marie is book One in the Creekwood Series. This is the story of Coty and Angela. This is the first book by this author is my understanding but via the writing you wouldn't be able to tell. Coty is having a okay to good life but he feel something is missing that would make it so much better. Then he happens to see the exclusive neighbor...Angela. Angela hasn't had it easy and she working to learn from the mistakes she has seen her family make. So she is focused on her end goal and staying off everyone radar. Angela has the mind set that you can't trust anyone nor can you count on anyone. But fortunately for us but unfortunately for her the neighbor spots her and he out to claim her. I will be looking for more book from this author and this series!.
July 16, 2020
Such a great book. Kickass heroine with real life problems and a broody yet swoon worthy hero equals an awesome read. Throw in a few crazy yet adorable best friends, and a couple of characters you love to hate, and you’ve got Detour - definitely a book worth reading. Other than the amazing characters, I loved this book because it was realistic - the story was great including what it means to be yourself and learning to trust yourself and others and most importantly that family are the people you choose to have around you. It was really well written and I cannot wait for book 2 to come out. Congrats on an incredible debut novel!!!
July 12, 2020
I loved this debut book!!! Such a great heroine. Angela has had a hard life, but she is a fighter. It’s a great story about learning to heal from your past. It’s got sass, spunk and steam! Loved all the characters and am so glad this is a series! Add this book to you TBR pile, you won’t regret it!
April 21, 2024
it was okay not my personal favourite it was quite cliche in a way
November 20, 2024
Cute boys, cute read, slow burn ❤️
October 27, 2024
It was fine, a bit long-winded for my liking.
The ending felt like it was there all of a sudden while the middle of the book took a long time without any depth.
The ending felt like it was there all of a sudden while the middle of the book took a long time without any depth.
October 12, 2025
this was so wholesome! and the fact that his friends ended up caring for her was the cherry on top
August 26, 2020
Great Debut!!
Wow! Coty & Angela's story is an intense slow burn. Steamy at times, of course! There was a little too much winding description at the beginning, & a little more angst on Angela's end than I like (but it totally fit the story & was very well written).
And I loved the story, the characters, the suspense & motorcycle rides! The family dynamics were excellent - I adore Beck, Marc, & Coty together & how they fold Angela into their tribe. They don't give up on her when things get tough, & the way they're there for her and each other is fabulous!!
I loved the theme of healing, as well. And of course the HEA!! 😍
Wow! Coty & Angela's story is an intense slow burn. Steamy at times, of course! There was a little too much winding description at the beginning, & a little more angst on Angela's end than I like (but it totally fit the story & was very well written).
And I loved the story, the characters, the suspense & motorcycle rides! The family dynamics were excellent - I adore Beck, Marc, & Coty together & how they fold Angela into their tribe. They don't give up on her when things get tough, & the way they're there for her and each other is fabulous!!
I loved the theme of healing, as well. And of course the HEA!! 😍
February 17, 2021
After years of verbal and emotional abuse from her mother, Angela moves into her own apartment and is ready to move on with her life. From the first night, Angela realizes the three men that live across the hall are gonna be trouble...and her attraction to Coty is undeniable.
Whew I love these neighbor boys!! I was immediately hooked on this story and I am so glad there is already a second book and I hope more to come. I loved Angela and her strong independence. She has been through so much but still keeps moving forward and opens herself up to love and friendship.
Bring on Changing Lanes because Beckett is my fav!
Plus I think the author is pretty great!!
Whew I love these neighbor boys!! I was immediately hooked on this story and I am so glad there is already a second book and I hope more to come. I loved Angela and her strong independence. She has been through so much but still keeps moving forward and opens herself up to love and friendship.
Bring on Changing Lanes because Beckett is my fav!
Plus I think the author is pretty great!!
December 25, 2023
it was ok
I really wanted to love this book. But it moved sooo slow and it was a bit boring. It was alright but I doubt I’ll read the rest of the series if they all read like this one.
I really wanted to love this book. But it moved sooo slow and it was a bit boring. It was alright but I doubt I’ll read the rest of the series if they all read like this one.
February 14, 2021
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book was absolutely worth the read. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for book two!
~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Great Book
This book was absolutely worth the read. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for book two!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews