Total Mess

by A.J. Love, D. Breeze

She’s the only girl he wants.
And he’s the only guy she won’t let herself have.

Life would be so much easier for Zara Miller if her brother’s best friend, James Leroux, actually understood the unwritten rules of the universe.
But he doesn’t.
Falling in love with your brother’s best friend is never a good idea,
But only one of them seems to care.
He doesn’t care that his sly touches and stolen kisses are driving her insane,
He’s determined to make her his girl.

Welcome back to Broken Ridge University, where crazy girls meet impatient guys, and hilarious antics ensue in the battle to win their happy ever after.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2020

About the author

AJ Love has been writing since she was a little girl, never leaving the house without a notebook. As a corporate stooge and single mother, she spends all of her free time reading, writing and drinking too much coffee (wine). Annie has a strong passion for the literary world and before writing her book, spent all of her time reviewing others. She also enjoys talking with all that read her book(s), her philosophy being that readers and authors are all part of the same world - a world where they are all enthusiastic about words.

Reviews

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, book 2 of the series and i have to say I really enjoyed this story. While it is book 2 it can be read as a standalone, but to get the feel for all the characters I'd recommend starting from book one.
This book is more fun and has a few laugh out loud moments throughout. However, this time it's James and Zara. Both stubborn, independent, and family orientated characters that don't want to hurt their loved ones, but they're happy to hurt themselves in the process of denying their love for one another.
Another good addition to the series. If you like a YA college romance with lots of drunken antics and back and forth romance then you'll love this book. A definite one click book.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urk! This pair seem determined to sabotage their own happiness. Once again, I was easily able to connect with our hero. James is pretty sweet, and he’s clearly devoted to Zara. Our heroine left me a little twitchy for a lot of this book. I had to keep reminding myself of how many years there are between my last birthday and her age, because Zara can be remarkably childish about some stuff. Mind you, James doesn’t entirely escape this behavior either. Like the first one, this book also seems to focus on good communication and what happens when that isn’t present in a relationship. A lot of problems could have been solved in their lives if they’d talked to each and the people around them. When all’s said and done, I quite enjoyed reading this book and getting to know these characters. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s coming for the rest of the Broken Ridge students.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a girl that has the hots for her new neighbor until she finds out he is her brother’s best friend. That means he is off limits in her mind. He wants her but she won’t budge until later on when they hook up but secretly. Will she ever get over her fear of hurting her brother or will she let go of the love of her life?

I really enjoyed the male lead. He was up front and sweet about what he wanted and how he felt. The female lead was likable but did get annoying at times when she would bring him close and then push away, over and over again. I found the friends very distracting at times, especially the couple with the toxic relationship. As for the couple, I did root for them and glad for the HEA. I wish we had more of an insight into their future though.

Overall, I definitely recommend this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a stand alone, it's the second book in the series. I loved the dual, first person point of view, which is a deal breaker for me. James is Zara's brother's best friend and has a thing for Zara and she kind of has a thing for him. Yeah, it's that kind of story which is my favorite trope. What will the protective brother think? 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fab edition to this series this time giving us the story of James & Zara.
After meeting them both in book 1 we know that something is going on with them but we just don't know their background.
This book takes us back to when they first meet and every step of their journey.. Good and bad to see where they end up.
Full of funny moments.. stubbornness.. and fab characters this was a great easy to read story.
Would really love Xander to get a story for sure!

[bookramblings1. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I'm loving this series soooo much. I need the next stat 🙊*did you see what I did there* 🙊
I've been left again with another huge grin on my face. After laughing out loud while reading this grin on my face no doubt will have my family concerned😂
The push and pull, the drama. all soooo good and oh so addictive.
Bring on chase ❤

[Nicola Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down! Highly recommend



I absolutely loved Total mess...couldn't put it down Zara and James's story is touching, steamy and unputtable down (not sure that's a word but...🤪)

Highly recommend and I can't wait for mooooore🙏 dont leave me hanging too long ladies 😅

These collaborations are one of the best I've read in a while!! Truly talented 😍

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Zara and James. I liked the fact that the attraction was mutual, the draw was there from both and it helped to drive the story in an enjoyable way. I like brother's best friend romances and it is nice when the stories deliver as this one did. Good job.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were likable with amazing chemistry. I liked how he seemed enthralled by her. I wasn’t totally on board with some of his actions but it was entertaining to read. I look forward to reading more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good romance read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danielle Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed James and Zara's story, their journey was a bit bumpy since their relationship was on the forbidden side but they were made for each other, their connection and chemistry was strong, they were good together.

[Esme Greiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zara has a crush on her neighbor, James, and finds out he is her brother's best friend. James feels a connection with her but she is off limits. Will they give in to their chemistry?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Zara and James their characters were a little childish at times but not enough to keep me from reading the book. The chemistry is mutual between them but they keep throwing up obstacles.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sassafrack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet.

Not bad, but not amazing. A little slow for impatient me. The characters were nice though. I just got a little impatient for things to move along.

[tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

fab

I enjoyed reading zara and James story i was hooked from the beginning and enjoyed every moment of them both look forward to book 3