Boy Trouble

All American Boy

by Kaylee Ryan, Lacey Black

Marley

Moving back home after college was not at the top of my to-do list. Unfortunately, until I was able to find a big girl job, it was my only option. It wasn’t that I minded waiting tables or working the bar, it just wasn’t my life’s ambition.

I spent every waking hour I wasn’t working at The Wine Cellar looking for jobs. Finally, I got the call, but I couldn’t be excited. How could I be when the offer was to work for the boy that made my life miserable growing up? He was also my brother’s best friend, and I know all too well that boy is trouble.


Eli

Morrison Hotels. My family’s legacy. Now, mine. I’ve returned home to Merlot to take over the company my grandpa built into a worldwide empire. He’s ready to retire, which means it’s time for me to step up and helm the business.

Despite having to fire an employee, things look up when I’m able to reconnect with a long-time friend. And his sister. Marley wasn’t what I was expecting, which is part of the problem. She’s no longer the little girl I used to tease mercilessly. I can’t stop thinking about her. Even when she clearly wants nothing to do with me. I’m intrigued, fascinated, and completely out of my league. I’m in big trouble.

Genres: Romance, Novella, New Adult, Contemporary

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2021

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.

When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy Trouble by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black is part of the All American Boy series. The All American Boy series are stories about an all American town and the men that live there by different authors. In Boy Trouble we meet Marley and Eli. They have history, but now they are grown and work toother and their connection is undeniable. This is an office romance with a brother’s friend quick read. It was a sweet and charming read.

Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!

[Clau · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book annoyed me way too much. Both main characters were irritating, and the story is very predictable.

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS something different and cute from the ladies, I really enjoyed it. Check out my REVIEW & TEASER on my BLOG -> CLICK HERE

[Jenny B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun quick read that left my heart so full. The best friend little sister trope and was Perfectly written. Eli has had a crush on Marley and did the typical tease her because i like her mode. Marley is a fun sweet character who seems to have a great head in her shoulder. This book was a heart warming story with a little twist to bring them together closer. Loved it

[Char (1RadReader59) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron and Eli, have always been mischievous types. Adding bubbles into the town square fountain is one mystery truth, they will take to their graves, as friends should. But, as any good posse would have, there is a following, or its mini tail, Marley. And in this case, that would be Marley, Cameron’s little sister the one that, Eli loves to tease unmercifully. For instance, to everyone else, it would seem like such a small thing, but to a girl that’s turning into a teenager, calling her, Bob after, Bob Marley not good.

After being away from the hometown, he loves for over five years, Eli is back to stay. He’s home to take over the family hotel. The first day back he runs into Cameron, and Bob aka, Marley. Here’s the thing, he doesn't recognize her, he mistakes her for Cam’s date, already setting her off, then calling her, Bob. Yeah, not good. Their meetings, after this encounter, doesn't go much better. He does, however, that thinking of her more often than not, as does she. Although, she seeks him out. It's when, Eli starts popping up more, and more, that she starts wondering, and questions surface.

Working as a bartender, and hating it since, she has a major in business, and a minor in marketing but had applications out. Guess who seems to be visiting the restaurant bar, that she works at almost nightly? Yup, Eli. When she gets a job offer, all their lives change. Take the time to enjoy this whirlwind romance of, frienemies. This is a sweet melding of two hearts that, they thought had hardened to stones.

Free on Kindle Unlimited.

[Amy [Book Addict Reviews] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marley has just graduate and lands a job working at Morrison Hotels. Eli Morrison is the new CEO of Morrison Hotels and just so happens to be the best friend to Marley’s brother. These two grew up together, but Marley always felt like she was the annoying sister since Eli constantly picked on her when they were kids, however, that was far from the case.

After not seeing each other for years there is an instant connection between these two people. They are both drawn to each other. Eli is a little hesitant when it comes to pursuing Marley just because they work together and his friendship with her brother, however, he eventually realizes he needs to just take the chance.

This is a fairly fast paced book and there was minimal drama but plenty of chemistry and sweet moments between Marley and Eli. I also loved Marley’s brother Cameron and I am hoping that he will get a book!

If you’re looking for a brother’s best friend, office romance that is a quick read this is one to check out.

[Thuy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Forbidden" best friends sister/brothers best friend, Eli and Marley have history. He always treated her as the annoying best friends kid sister. Made her life somewhat miserable growing up, but now that shes grown up, he can't stop thinking about her. Eli is now back home taking over his family business and its even harder now that she is the new marketing director for his company.

This was a quick read, I wouldn't call this exactly instalove, but its somewhat close. Just because they had to iron out some history between them, the hurt, the growing feelings. I'm interested in seeing her brother's story, if there will be one. Fast, satisfying read with a couple who were pretty much destined to be together with all that childhood teasing and history.

[Nana Pickrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The well written storyline and the well developed characters hooked me from the very first page! The interaction and the chemistry between Eli and Marley kept me totally engaged throughout the whole book!
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this sweet, sexy, sometimes emotional brother's-best-friend love story....except that it ended waaaaay too soon! I wanted more, but this little novella is packed with all of the things I've come to expect from this writing duo; heart, emotional connection, the right amount of sizzle and angst! Boy Trouble delivers it all! Marley and Eli check off all my boxes for an entertaining must read from one of my fave writing duo's, Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan!

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy Trouble is a delightful, drama free brothers best friend/office romance that's fast-paced and engaging to read; and at just under 150 pages it's the perfect length too.

Would recommend, especially if you're looking for a quick easy read.

[Kaitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this book is fire! I can’t get enough of Ms. Ryan and Ms. Black’s books! And I totally want to travel to wine country these days!! Eli and Marley are fore and just everything!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy Trouble was Amazing

Failing for your Best Friend’s sister is one of my favorite books to read and Kaylee and Lacey’s writing team is always perfect.

Eli and Marley were perfect for each other and really loved their story. The only thing is I really wanted more of these two!

Every book in this series is great and Have loved each one and the town of Merlot

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh yay!! My two favourites back together again for this incredible story.
Part of the all American boy series this installment features Eli and Marley. They are childhood frenemies, his best friends little sister that bump into each other after years of not knowing one another.
Their chemistry is great and the development of their relationship has you hooked!
Loved it. And I love when these two authors collaborate!

[Sharon Moritz-rosenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story and I adored every moment of it. Its got a bit of instalove/lust between brothers best friend and his little sister in a small town.

Marley is out of college and home working at the local restaurant called The Wine Cellar. Thats where she runs into when her brother and his best friend are eating dinner there on his bestfriends first night in town. The best friend is Eli Morrison. When Eli sees Marley all grown up, well he wants her and he wants her bad. But he tortured Marly growing up and so she wants nothing to do with him.

And so starts the chase for Marly's heart. In addition Marly ends up working with and for Jack and well how that happens was a lot of fun and I am not spoiling that surprise for you.

This was a wonderful story and romance with lots of heart in it. I adored M's brother and I loved how he wants to protect his sister no matter what. If you love second chance at love, romance in the work place and brother best friends and little sister romances, this was a wonderful story with characters I fell hard for.

This was a wonderful story and I adored every moment of it. Its got a bit of instalove/lust between brothers best friend and his little sister in a small town.

Marley is out of college and home working at the local restaurant called The Wine Cellar. Thats where she runs into when her brother and his best friend are eating dinner there on his bestfriends first night in town. The best friend is Eli Morrison. When Eli sees Marley all grown up, well he wants her and he wants her bad. But he tortured Marly growing up and so she wants nothing to do with him.

And so starts the chase for Marly's heart. In addition Marly ends up working with and for Jack and well how that happens was a lot of fun and I am not spoiling that surprise for you.

I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author prior to release and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[The Romantic Rush Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy Trouble is a fast paced, sweet and sexy read that delivers on the swoons I always expect from this dynamic writing duo.

This short novella has brother’s best friend, office place, and a smidge of enemies to lovers vibes-and Kaylee and Lacey find a way to pack a lot into this quick romance. Our story centers on newly minted, young hotelier Eli, the prodigal grandson now CEO who returns home to take over his family business. His path soon crosses with his best friend, but also his best friend's baby sister, Marley- the girl he used to mercilessly tease as kids. She’s all grown up now, and Eli can’t seem to resist her- a task made even more challenging as their paths cross professionally. We get some great banter, some instalove chemistry (even though they have an off the page history that makes them less than strangers), some light hearted character moments, and some sizzling steamy times.

Of course, like most novellas, I’m hankering for more. That’s a testament to the dynamic chemistry created here- we go from zero to one hundred super fast, but I’m glad because then we get to the good stuff quickly. That said, the connection can only be developed so much with minimal page real estate- and while I liked some of the side characters/individual moments, I’d have rather had a bit more couple time- just because they are so adorable. Like most stories by these authors, we get some drama, but they don’t make us sit in the angst, and our characters work through it satisfyingly and quickly. One side note- there were a few minor story detail inconsistencies (such as her job title/focus changing)- nothing major and nothing that, for me, deterred from enjoying the story, and not something that I’ve noticed with these authors before.

All in all, a fast, steamy, and swoony instalove read!

[Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy Trouble is a novella that is part of the All-American Boy series, a multiple author series. I have read every book co-written by Lacey Black and Kaylee Ryan so I was excited they wrote another one.

Eli hasn’t been home in years. He was in Chicago running the family’s hotel there and now he was home to take over the business. His grandfather is ready to retire and hand over the keys to his grandson. Thirteen hotels around the country, the home base in the Sonoma mountains. Surrounded by vineyards and beauty. But nothing was as beautiful as the woman sitting across the table from his best friend, Cameron. A woman he shouldn’t want. Cameron’s little sister, Marley.

Marley didn’t want to tend bar for the rest of her life. She wanted a job in her field so when someone called and wanted to interview her for a marketing director position she was over the moon. Then it hit her, the job was at Morrison Hotel, and her new boss would be Eli. The boy turned man who teased her through childhood. The man who still called her Bob and saw her as Cameron’s annoying little sister. Only, she noticed he started to look at her differently...

Wtf is happening?

I loved these two! They are fun, sexy, and sweet. Marley knows what she wants and goes for it. Eli does too just with some alpha sprinkled in. So good!! It’s a fast read with so much story, fun and sexiness.

Quotes:

There’s always been something about Marley. I couldn’t pinpoint it, but knew she was trouble.

“What’s happening?” I say more to myself than Ackley.
“Thin line, my friend. A very thin line.”

“Stop being the good guy, Eli, when all I want is the bad one.”

[Paperbeautiful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief Synopsis:
Marley just graduated from college and is struggling to find a job that goes along with her degree. Eli just moved back home to take over his family's hotel business. Marley and Eli have known each other a long time since Eli is best friends with Marley's older brother. Pretty soon Marley gets a job and Eli's hotel and the two of them can no longer fight their attraction for one other. The only problem is that now they work together...

Review:
I loved this book! It was a quick and easy read that I read in one setting. I wish that it was longer! Loved the different POV's with each character. And I could not tell that two different author's were writing this story. Everything flowed well together!

Since it was a novella, things moved very quickly between the two characters, but it was believable since they had known each other for so long. The first time they saw each other in years, and sparks were already flying. Eli took his time to make his move on Marley, but when he did, there was no holding back. Marley held on to a lot of anger from how he treated her in the past, but he did a good job explaining why he did it. The chemistry between Eli and Marley was unstoppable. Love that she spoke her mind and I loved it even more that Eli loved when she did that. She did not suck up to Eli like everyone else did. Eli was protective of Marley and wanted the best for her.

For being such a short book, the authors packed in a ton of stuff. Good Job! Definitely recommend this book.

HEA: Yes
Cheating: No
OW/OM Drama: Yes, OW drama. (She can't take the hint)
Couple Separation: A little, but solved quickly

[Karen Hrdlicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, my only criticism is I wish it had been longer. The characters are engaging and the authors' writing flows together flawlessly so the reader really isn't aware each author is writing only one of the characters. The banter is fun and flirty and maybe even a little dirty.
I love a good brother's little sister being bowled over by his best friend. Eli wasn't always nice to Marley in their younger years, calling her Bob, but he did it to protect himself from his attraction to his bestie's sister. Marley is certain Eli hates her, while Eli is ready to throw caution to the wind and woo her. Needless to say, Marley is confused.
Eli returns to his home town to run his family's hotel empire. Marley is back after graduating from college and she missed her family. When an unexpected opening comes up in his office, the HR department chooses Marley to fill the vacancy without Eli's knowledge. What could possible happen by throwing the two of them together on a daily basis? Ms. Black and Ms. Ryan create a sizzling undercurrent of chemistry and use humor and witty banter to move this fast-paced novella along. The road to their HEA has a few bumps in the road and miscommunication is Eli's middle name it appears but the authors give them what the reader craves: a satisfying HEA and a good story.
Curl up in a cozy spot and grab your favorite beverage, you won't want to put this one down.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'd hate for you to miss out on something amazing just because you're hung up on the reasons why it's a bad idea. Some of life's greatest joys statted off as questionable decisions."
This is my favorite quote from the book and probably my favorite quote from a book in a very long time.

I really love when Kaylee and Lacey write together and this book is no exception. If you have been following Kaylee and Lacey from the beginning and read through their stories chronologically you can seen how their writing has progressed together. It is two minds acting as one writing this story.

Here are my thoughts:
I really liked the premise of the story and loved the chemistry Marley and Eli had. The character development on both of them for a Novella was amazing and actually quite impressive. Lacey and Kaylee did such a good job hooking me into the story that I didn't want it to be a novella and wanted more...And I hope that Cameron gets his own story.

What I didn't like about this book was how fast-paced the last couple of chapters went. I felt as if the ending was rushed, and really fast. I wish that it was a little slower and followed the rest of the book pace that the beginning had.

Other than that I loved it and will be reading the other authors in this series as well. I highly recommend this book!

[Ashley Hampton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for this duo of authors. It doesn’t matter if what they write is 400+ pages, or if it’s a bite sized novella like this one; Boy Trouble. I can never tell who wrote what, that’s how well these authors words flow together.

As I mentioned above, Boy Trouble is a bite sized novella, one that packs a punch. Considering the size of Boy Trouble, these authors still made sure the story developed and flowed at a pace that didn’t make it seem like a novella. The witty banter and fun filled dialogue made this story a light one, filled with plenty of laughs. The characters ( main and side) were great in each of their own ways, but the friendliness showcased was an added bonus. Eli and Marley had great chemistry, and their romance flourished.

Boy Trouble is a great book, so I definitely recommend.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a swoon worthy story and Eli nailed it in 'Boy Trouble' - Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black are formidable sexy swoon worthy romance authors when they write individually but put these together and you get twice the magic and you won't be disappointed with this story!

Eli was defiantly an 'All American Boy' in this feel good brothers best friend romance. One minute sweet the next hot and sexy.

Marley and Eli could never be called friends in fact Eli was always teasing his best friends little sister even giving her a nickname of 'Bob'. Now years later Elia is back home to take over his families hotel; and Marley is back home after college. Sparks are about to fly - from the moment Eli meet's Marley again he has one goal to make her his - only trouble is he needs to convince Marley oh yes and lets not forget about what her brother is going to say!

[Jen (jensdreamylittlereads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy Trouble was a great, quick, heartwarming, sexy, and sweet read. It had lots of swoony moments in this short story. It may be a fast paced read but it hits the spot and did it’s job in hooking me in. And I always enjoy it when Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black co-write together.

I was immediately captivated by Marley and Eli’s sweet and sexy romance. Admittedly, I'm not usually the biggest fan of novellas, but with this read everything felt just effortless between the couple and their connection was believable. Eli was this dreamy hero I couldn't get enough of and Marley his perfect match. They had me smiling so big over their lovely relationship.

This was a fast paced story, but I loved everything about it. I I loved Marley and Eli and their chemistry. Their story is fun and sweet and those two are perfect for each other. Another great Kaylee and Lacey collaboration.

[Ꭿຖᥲ·♡ ྀི · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5✯

°Non virgin heroine
°Experienced hero
°Switching POVs
°Both with others after meeting/neither with others after reconnecting
°He's 27 and she's 22 when they get together
°No OM drama
°Unwanted attention from 4 OW - 3 of them were harmless, the other one was delulu and caused a misunderstanding between the MCs
°They always used condoms
°I didn't care for either of the MCs
°The hero developed a crush on the h when she was college but stayed away because he was a pussy she was HiS BeSt fRiEnD'S LiTtLe sISteR
°No cheating or scenes with OP
°Pet peeve: I hate when the hero sees a woman from behind and starts fantasizing about her without realizing that the mystery woman is the heroine 😒
°Lackluster epilogue: 6 months later they get engaged

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great short read! I love how quickly Eli knew that Marley was the one for him! It was great that cameron was supportive of their relationship! Eli was caring, sweet and protective of Marley and he made me swoon with how he treated her. There was a good amount of angst towards the end of the book as well which always gets the heart pumping! Another great successful book by the dynamic duo that is Kaylee and Lacey!

The only thing that was missing for me was a flash forward into the future 2-5 years down the road to let us know how Eli and Marley were doing in the future.

This book is part of a broader set of books by many diverse authors set in the town of Merlot California and I'm excited to read the other books as well which are all by new to me authors.

[Reading to Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good brother's best friend romance and this writing duo certainly did it up right with Boy Trouble. Marley goes to work for the company her brother's best friend Eli just became the head of, and which his family owns, and in turn becomes her boss. Workplace romance. Check. Hot Alpha Boss. Check. There may have also been a little hostility between these two when they were younger, but hey, I think in this case it may have led to some more intense tension and chemistry. But who am I to judge? You should definitely check out Marley and Eli and decide for yourself! I myself cannot wait for more from these authors. I loved everything about this book and would definitely recommend this read!

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the bully becomes so much more.....Eli Morrison has always seen Marley as his best friend's little sister. Picking on her and calling her Bob were just a few of the things that Eli did to her while growing up. But now Marley has graduated college and has come home to start her career. A career that has her working for Eli. Will this placement become just another thing that sets Eli up as the bully? Or will his true and honest feelings for Marley be the one thing he has tried to keep hidden as to not upset her brother? With laugh out loud interactions and as well as steamy encounters this was a great romance. I cannot wait for others in the series.

[Tabitha Willbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy Trouble was such a sweet little treat! I loved it, and wanted so much more! Eli's best friend is Marley's older brother, so that puts her directly in the completely off limits territory. Not to mention she can't stand him considering he made her life hell when they were kids. But now they're all grown up and both back living in their hometown. This is where the fun starts! Marley is hired to take over the marketing department for Eli's family's hotel chain. Once they start working together he doesn't stand a chance.
Kaylee's books are so adorable! I always love how spunky her heroines are, and I love how loving and attentive her heros are. Boy Trouble follows this to a T. My only complaint is I wish it was a full length novel instead of a novella!  If you're a lover of sweet romance, this is a little literary morsel you don't wanna miss.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy Trouble was my first experience with a shared world series, The All-American Boy series by multiple authors. Marley and her older brothers best friend Eli have history. A love/hate history that is about to be more love than hate when they see each other for the first time in years. It's not all smooth sailing for either of them, but where would be the fun in that. The characters were fantastic and the story kept me hooked. I was expecting a little more drama from a certain hotel employee, but it never escalated. Overall a really fun read and I'll be checking some of the other stories in this shared world. As always ladies your combined writing was seamless.

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog*** · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy Trouble by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black is part of the All American Boy Series. The other books in this series are written by various authors.
This story is an office romance, with brothers best friend thrown in and I absolutely loved it.

Marley and Eli have known each other forever although they have never really gotten on and haven't seen each other in a few years.
Eli is about to move back and take over the family business and has no idea just how much his best friends little sister has grown up. Eli and Marley share a connection and soon Eli makes it his mission to make Marley his.

A fantastic short story from two of my favourite authors.

[Becca Stanfield Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect love story when I was reading. I wasn’t long, but not too quick. The inta-love, instant connection was beautifully written. A bit of angst from a from Eli’s side & I wanted to see what happened with his horrible ex-employee. Marley was sweet, with light sass & a bit of stubbornness. She was a great character for Eli. Their banter & chemistry made me love them even more as the story went on. I am a complete sucker for a best friend’s sister/brother romance. Now I want to read Cameron’s story.
I highly recommend this book. Told in dual POV.