Anything for Her

by Julia Gabriel

“First thing I’ve fantasized about is kissing you without feeling like I shouldn’t be kissing you.”

My life was going swimmingly.

I was about to be promoted from English teacher to department chair.

I was engaged to the hunky football coach (and owner of Get Fit with Danny).

I was headed for a blissful honeymoon at my in-laws’ timeshare in Hawaii.

And then ...

My promotion goes to some outlander from Philadelphia.

I walk in on my fiancé “having lunch” with an adult film star.

(Using “star” loosely here. Also “lunch.”)

And Ethan McNamara—the boy next door I’ve known since we were in diapers—kisses me in front of everyone at the class reunion.

Ethan’s a billionaire these days.

(Thanks to the world’s most annoying game app.)

He’s also pretty darn hot.

(And that kiss made my tailbone tingle.)

He wants me to pretend to be his fiancée for a week.

I could use a week away from real life, tbh.

(Especially if it involves a beach.)

Besides, what else in my life could possibly go wrong?

(Did I mention that kiss made my tailbone tingle?)

Author Note: Anything for Her is a sexy-sweet friends-to-lovers romantic comedy with the boy-next-door-turned-billionaire, the world’s most annoying video game app, death-defying water slides, mud baths, fascinators, a fake engagement, and a porn star nemesis. A new standalone release.

Genres: Romance, Fake Dating, Rom Com, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Julia Gabriel writes contemporary romance that is smart, sexy, and emotionally-intense (grab the tissues). She lives in New England where she is a full-time mom to a teenager, as well as a sometime writing professor and obsessive quilter (is there any other kind?). If all goes well, she’ll be a Parisienne in her next life.

Reviews

[Susan's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Gabriel has surpassed herself! I didn’t think anything could top her St. Caroline series, but this standalone Friends to Lovers story had me holding my sides from laughing so much, then sighing (happily!) at all those sweet, heart-melting scenes! I’m totally amazed at how, once again, she created such an adorable couple in Ethan and Amy. They were very real to me and I was rooting for them on every step of that incredibly bumpy journey!



I was totally captivated by their recollections of their childhood escapades. Ethan was Amy’s self-appointed comforter, her champion and best friend since they were toddlers, but college and life separated them.



Fortunately, Fate (or maybe just Ethan!) takes advantage of a party game at their 15-year High School Reunion. Ethan, at the M.C.’s prompting, kisses the girl who got away: Amy. Problem is, Amy is engaged to another man. All hell breaks loose, one thing leads to another and Amy’s wedding plans come to a crashing halt.



The slow burn relationship was truly a wonder to behold. Nothing – absolutely nothing – went as planned. Pretend to be Ethan’s fake fiancée for his friend's destination wedding in the Bahamas? – Well, I howled with laughter more than once! Help Ethan mentor some high school students at his “incubator” company Chaos Labs? - Hmm, let’s just say that the roles had to be reversed at some point and the young students had to come to the rescue!



I loved the hilarious, witty banter. The beach side seductions. The mind-reading capabilities of these two lifelong best friends. That drinking game while they watched a former classmate’s porn movie at Amy’s hotel room: a total riot! And those sizzling hot make out sessions!!!



Julia Gabriel weaves magic with her words and her wit. It is always an absolute pleasure to escape into this author’s novels. I highly, highly recommend this wonderful, heartwarming, entertaining story!
My thanks to the author, publisher and Booksprout: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Christy Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

This was such a cute book! I wish I had alittle more of how the future turned out but it was still a great read! I absolutely loved Ethan. Such a goofy sweetheart!

[Susan Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh

This was a new author to me. Ugh. The book is dumb. My first irritation was her use of the ! Exclamation point. Almost every page at 2 or more. Then she used “tailbone” for vagina? Huh? Then no detail of sex scenes especially with the heroine was a 33 year old virgin? Just bad. Terrible. I paid for this as well and that makes me mad!

[T. Rosado · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I’ve read a few of this author’s contemporary romances from the St. Caroline Series and really enjoyed them. In fact, Hearts on Fire was one of my 2017 top reads. I was excited with the author’s change of sub-genre, but, unfortunately, she also changed the narrative to one of my least favorite styles - 1st person, present tense. With that narrative, she employed a conversational style that bred familiarity with the characters and had them occasionally talking to the reader. That type of dialogue takes me right out of the story. It might not have been that big of a deal if I had connected with the humor, but that also wasn’t my style.

There were some things I enjoyed that helped carry me through the story. First, the G.O.D. squad was an entertaining and inspiring addition. I also liked the main characters, their childhood backstory, and their renewed friendship/romance.

While I enjoyed the ending and the couple’s happy ever after, I wished that there had been some retribution for the venomous actions of one character and the repercussions it had caused Amy. Amy’s acceptance of her responsibility was perfect, but I would have liked to have seen her name cleared.

Ultimately, this story wasn’t really for me. Fortunately, I’ve had positive experiences with this author previously. so I'll stick to her contemporary romances (non rom-com.)

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cute

Cute story, not very steamy. Weird thing about tingling tail bones implying being turned on. Wish there was a bit more of a epilogue finishing things up, but overall a cute, lighthearted, easy read.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I've read written by Julia Gabriel; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

Amy’s life is falling apart, she lost her promotion, caught her fiancé with a porn star, then her billionaire neighbor kiss her in front of the entire reunion class. He wants her to pretend to be his fiancé for a week, she figures why not what else can go wrong.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging, charming witty story. When I say witty, I don't mean hilarious but intelligently written with witty dialogue and good use of vocabulary. Any is engaged to Danny in their small town where Amy is an English teacher and Danny, the local hottie who thinks of himself as a true gift from God to women. He needs a "nice" girl to marry so his parents can invest in his Keep fit Empire. Not a nice guy actually, the polar opposite of Amy who never stops wondering why Danny is really interested in her. During their school reunion, enter Ethan, or rather re-enter, as Amy and Ethan practically grew up together, they were best friends, soul mates with a true bond. Without giving the plot away, Ethan gives in to his long-held desire to kiss Amy, which earns him a black eye and split lip from Danny and that is where their Saga continues. Ethan is now a tech billionaire, but Amy doesn't get impressed by money, quite the opposite. This would all be a moot point, had she not found her fiancé in bed with the town porno-queen. When Ethan invites Amy to the Bahamas to be his fake fiancée for the week, Amy decides to take some time out from her shock. And thus, their story begins, or rather continues to a somewhat predictable and hoped-for HEA. It is a charming and heart-warming story of two people who belong together, and I am happy to recommend it to all who like this genre.

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

[Lynn Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy, 33, is an engaged high school English teacher and reconnects with her old friend Ethan at their 15 year high school reunion. On the same day that she finds out her fiancé sabotaged her chance for a job promotion she caught him having sex in his office and broke off their engagement. Ethan was now a tech billionaire and asked her to be his fake fiancé at a friend’s wedding in the Bahamas so that he could save face with his ex fiancé who had dumped him within hours of accepting his proposal. After some convincing from her mother Amy agreed to accompany Ethan. Would their fake engagement cause them to grow closer and realize they had feelings for one another?

I give this friends to lovers story 4.5 stars. It was fun to read about childhood friends who reconnect 15 years later and start a relationship. The author did a great job in showing you their feelings and how their relationship developed. It was fun seeing the technical help from the teenagers when Amy was attacked online.

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

[Damaris Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really sweet. This book is the story of Amy and Ethan. They are friends since they were they are really young because their parents were friends. Ethan always loved Amy but he did not want to take advantage of her. After graduating from high school, the separated and lost communication. She stayed on her home town and he moved to the city. They met again during the high school reunion where she was with her fiancee. But during a "game" Ethan did what he wanted to do in years and never did: Kissed her! This story is funny, entertained, full of trick, lies, infidelity and true love. Ethan and Amy were destined to be together and no matter the time, the tragic and failed relationships, they ended with their real soulmates.
I loved that their mothers always thought they were together and always dream about that. The characters are great, the plot is really nice and entertaining from the beginning to the end. I felt that I was in a vacation in Bahamas and the Pissy Puppy tournament.... I loved the author style. Absolutely will read more of her books! Highly recommended.

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

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a departure from her other series but I'm loving this new vibe from Gabriel. While the other one had a more timeless, contemporary romance feel, this one is all romantic comedy. We follow childhood besties, Ethan and Amy, who reunite at their reunion party. When Amy's world fall apart again, Ethan is once again to help her through it with an all expense paid trip posing as his fiancee. Loved the chemistry and the humor in the book.

[Kathleen Lanman · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 80%. What a poorly written disappointment. It’s not funny, it’s not sexy, it’s not good storytelling. The FMC is an idiot, the MMC spends way too much time catering to his shitty ex for no good reason, the characters break the fourth wall in their inner monologues, and the pace is mind-numbingly slow. She mentions her tailbone tingling or dancing no less than 20 times (I checked). What and why? When they finally do have sex, the chapter ends mid-scene. It’s not closed door, it’s crack the door open then slam it in your face. The FMC is a 33 year old virgin who was engaged for a year and a half to a guy who fucked everyone but her. And yet she thinks about him constantly and is concerned that she’ll say the wrong name during sex EVEN THOUGH THEY NEVER HAD SEX. What the actual hell? I forced my way through 80% but had resorted to skimming before giving up. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone and honestly question the intelligence of anyone who loves this book.

[Anima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just what my heart needed. The childhood friends who lost connection have accidentally met up, the future looks much brighter. Amy thought everything was going beautifully with her sexy fiancé and fabulous teaching job. One event changed her world for the better. Everything happens for a reason, that should be her new motto. Oh, and Ethan is to die for with his philanthropic ways and boyhood geekiness. Their zing has never been zapped. It’s as if their connection was never severed. Just loved their story and the happy feelings. I received an early copy from the author and wrote my review voluntarily.

[Julia Gabriel]

UPDATE: I've posted the Prologue and Chapter 1 on my web site—get a sneak peek at Anything for Her before it releases! http://bit.ly/AnythingForHer

Note from author: There's a release date! March 23, 2021!

Pre-order links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anything-Her-f...

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/anyth...

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anyt...

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/anyt...

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

First time reading this author, the synopsis sounded cute and I was in the mood for an amusing romance. Note to self: if the author has to state that it is a rom-com in the title, it's probably a sign that they are going to try too hard to make it funny and then miss the mark by a mile.

God I hate first-person present-tense writing. I have such a difficult time slipping into the story since I am constantly misreading words expecting a different tense. More than that I hate when the author breaks the fourth wall with the characters, it absolutely ruins the flow of the story (especially when characters start talking in parentheses). The one-sided phone call from Danny's mom than Ethan fielded, from his own point of view was the epitome of lazy writing - fill in the rest of the dialogue! It's not even like Amy was listening to the call and could only hear Ethan's side. Ethan was narrating.

This book contained a lot of things that just don't work for me. First and foremost I hate the modern-day spinster trope (older virgins) especially when no reasonable explanation is offered up to explain why, for someone who wanted to be relieved of her virginity so badly, it hadn't happened This is part of a bigger character development problem that really affected my enjoyment of the story. Amy and, to a certain extent, Ethan were very not very well-developed people. For example, at the ripe age of 33 you would expect Amy, who has lived in Avondale her whole life to have friends and interests, but none of that shines through.

Do you remember when you were a kid and you'd had to count to 100 for some reason or other so you'd cop out and go, "1, 2, skip a few, 99, 100"? Well, that's how the relationship between Ethan and Amy felt to me. There was quite a bit about how close they were as children/teenagers, with their parents being friends and then it was like nothing really happened in the elapsed time from high school graduation to their high school reunion, which left the reader without context, why is Amy still a virgin? Why did Ethan go to the University of New Athens? What did he study? Why did they grow apart? What is Amy's life in Avondale like? Why did she fall for Danny? Why didn't Ethan's parents tell him of her upcoming nuptials? I could go on, but my point is I need the story to make logical sense. I like to know why a character acts a certain way, what is their motivation.

I hated the euphemistic use of "tailbone" for vagina (it was cute in the synopsis and the first time it was mentioned in the book but then it just got downright weird). I am someone who enjoys explicit and erotic sex scenes, but also enjoy a clean read, this was some strange hybrid of the two. Amy and Ethan thought about sex A LOT, it grew quite tiresome. Then, when it comes time for the actual moment they give in to their carnal urges the reader gets a half-assed semi-fade-to-black scene that leaves them scratching their head. Oh! Speaking of weird word choices and descriptions... skin that tastes of chlorine and sunscreen, should never be described as delicious. Ever.

Even with all the things I didn't like a lot could have been redeemed if Amy had just gotten some kind of justice. Sadly, it was not to be. She only comes out with a life because of Ethan and his resources and connections, which isn't a satisfactory conclusion after having her fiancé essentially sabotage her career (two-fold), cheat on her, and manipulate her life and feelings.

So, while the story wasn't bad (you could do much worse), it wasn't good either (there are far better executions of this trope out there). I would probably skip other offerings by this author as her style just isn't for me.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice

So one of the things that got me was that there's so much build up with everyone thinking about sex and fantasizing about sex it seemed a little off brand that the actual sex is fade to black. I feel like if you're going to do the fade to black thing you shouldn't have the characters pretty much obsessed with sex.

It also felt like a lot of this was telling more than showing. Not saying all of it, but like the important scenes were more talked about than shown.

The relationship on everyone's parts also moved ridiculously quickly to me and a lot of the emotional reactions struck me as unrealistic. There were multiple character names mentioned without actual scenes with the characters and a lot of scenes happened in summary. The epiligue was so beyond confusing the entire thing should be deleted.

Also Amy's plot, by the time she changes her life there's not much choice left because her entire original life had been obliterated. It doesn't strike me as a happy ending. If she'd walked away because she wanted to follow her heart after repairing her life that I would have been all for but she's not really giving anything up as her other options are bleak.

Weirdly though despite numerous major issues with the story I really liked it and would recommend it.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew a reunion could spark so much drama? Amy thinks that everything is working out for her, until she is kissed by Ethan (a guy she grew up with and has known since they were kids), she never expected a spark from the kiss. Those supposedly innocent reunion games, might just change a few lives. Amy later walks in on her fiancé, Danny, with another woman (someone she has never liked), that's it the wedding is off. Although it's not going to be that simple, for the wedding wasn't far off, and his parents are not going to be happy. Can Amy escape? Will she if Ethan offers her a chance? Can Ethan convince Amy that they could be more? I enjoyed this friends to lovers romance, Amy is sweet and didn't deserve all this drama (but she is certainly deserves better than Danny), Ethan is drool worthy and wants to look after Amy, they have some great chemistry and their story has some good humour, drama and some characters to throw your hate at.

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

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a feel-good, sweet friends to lovers romance that was a lot of fun to read. Ethan and Amy have been friends since they were kids. They reconnect at a school reunion and Ethan took advantage of an opportunity and did something he has always wanted to do - kiss her! Amy is now engaged to Danny, who I can only classify as a selfish, self-centered jerk, and unfortunately she realizes that in a very hurtful way. Ethan is there for her and offers her a chance to get away for a while. Will Amy take that chance and in the process realize who her true love really is? This was such a heart-melting sweet story. The story was really brought to life with the great characters and witty and fun banter between the two. A lot of great, fun, laugh-out-loud moments, too! An entertaining and romantic story that is sweet with great characters that I found myself rooting for. This was my first experience reading something by this author, and after reading this, I would love to read some of her other books.

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

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lighthearted romance with a couple of laughs. I enjoyed Ethan, Amy and their family and his kids, but the sidekicks in this book pretty much left something to be desired all the way around. Ethan had a beligeared best bud, but all in all, Amy and Ethan were best friends who had grown apart. Neither seemed to have anyone to bounce their ideas off of so they went along and along until the Eureka moment of “I’m in love” with the other person.

The saving grace for me in this book were the teenagers. Really weird too, since teenagers are usually such a pain. From the group of teenagers that Ethan is helping with tech and business plans, to the belligerent girl gamer, to Ted, these were the most colorful and full drawn characters for me. The G.O.D. Squad seemed to be especially something that every city should have.

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

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story about Ethan and Amy. I was thrown off at first when the story started with Danny and a disclaimer that he is not the hero of this story. Let me tell you.... he is definitely not! However the longer you read the more you find it interesting to get the other side of the story. Danny needs a wife and he picks Amy, but he’s not willing to give up his player ways. That’s how childhood friends Ethan and Amy end up in the Bahamas together. Amy needs to get away and breathe and Ethan needs a date to a wedding. It’s a great way for these two to reconnect as adults and see if there is chemistry there. I liked Ethan a lot. He’s a nerdy billionaire but doesn’t forget where he came from or the amazing person Amy has always been. These two together are terrific and I really liked their ending.

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

[Cathy P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

Enjoyed this friends to lovers, fake fiance romance. I liked Ethan and Amy. Told from a few POVs. Standalone no cliffhanger. I really enjoyed Amt and Ethan getting to know each other again. The reason for lower rating below.

***** spoilers********
Amy got totally dumped on and there were no repercussions. Not from the community, friends, co-workers, not for the cheating ex or the porn star. Especially the porn star who stole the fiance, and ruined Amy's image and cost her, her job. The ending felt rushed as well. Danny, the ex fiance, is a complete tool. He did her wrong. There wss no justice meted out. None. She ie only going to be ok, because Ethan is wealthy. I Mean, I know life isn't fair. But i don't want all real life in my romance. I want the pork star to have some form of retaliation or consequence. Danny should have lost funding from his parents. Something. Anything. I did not expect nothing to happen but good things to the trashy cheating couple.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This was a funny, friend to lovers romance. Amy thought things were going great in her life. She was looking forward to the changes. Then everything tanks in a domino effect until Ethan. They have been friends since childhood. He has made something of himself but has loved Amy for a long time. Their reunion is the perfect time to go for what he wants. He makes an offer she cannot refuse and that gives him a short time to show her how he feels. Their story is humorous with a little drama. These two are great together, it was a shame they had to wait so long to take it further

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

[Tarri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything for both.of us really

Amy is engaged to the biggest player in her hometown and by player I actually mean sleaze. When she catches him in the act with the adult actress from their graduating class just weeks before the wedding, she moves out of the house they shared and ends up going to the Bahamas with her best friend from birth, Ethan.

Ethan has always been a little in love with Amy, but never told her because the time was never right. When he finds out about the breakup he asks Amy to pretend to be his fiance and attend the wedding in the Bahamas.

This book is funny, poignant, has great characters, has disgusting characters, an app game competition, and also some fun adventures. Just like with all of Julia Gabriel's books, you will be entertained.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always partial to a friends-to-lovers book, especially with such a down to Earth billionaire.

The book was incredibly short and quirky and I laughed when I saw the author's introduction to Danny's chapters. But this isn't something that I would read again and I felt that it was too jumbled with a lot going on. I wasn't a fan of the parenthesis that the author consistently used to share Amy or Ethan's thoughts.

Please keep in mind, while this book might not have been for me, it could be a great read for someone else.

I received an ARC via Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.

[KL Cassanello · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the worst day of her life, Amy reconnects with her childhood friend, Ethan. Before she knows what happened, she's headed for a destination wedding, posing as Ethan's fiancee. This book hits all the tropes - small town, billionaire, friends to lovers, fake fiancee - all in one enjoyable rom-com. There's no serious drama or excessive angst, just a really nice read about their journey to love. Amy's former fiance (Danny) - I feel bad for all that he put her through. But Ethan more than makes up for Danny's misbehavior.

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

[Bill Jakobsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!

Oh my gosh, what a great story. It's fun reading a book that makes you laugh and angry at some people. Ethan and Amy grew up together from childhood until he moved away. He always liked/loved Amy. He invented a kids game that sold for billions. Asked his current girlfriend to marry him, you have to read what she did but Karma steps-in in the end. Amy was engaged to Dan but never had relations because he wanted to wait for the wedding night. Again, you have to read this book to see what happens with them. It's unbelievable the things that happened, such a good book. :)

[Vinessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading about the intense feelings in this book, hurt, betrayal, cheating, devastating realization, desire, I welcomed the trials, the emotional drama that follows it. Then there's the  unexpected passion from to old friends
The chemistry between the H and h is undeniable and unexpected. The 
drama leads to a bit of  wasted time. Connecting with the characters may come easy in this story, following the plot might not be as easy,  its funny its emotional and full of drama

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fake fiancé, and friends to lovers book.
Standalone with no Cliffhangers.
Amy is shocked when the town player shows interest in her. Good thing her best friend Ethan is in town when it all falls apart.
Ethan can't believe his luck, Amy is single and willing to be his fake fiancé for a wedding that his ex will be at.
So much has changed for them, but the love of friends is strong.
This is a fun romance with funny ex moments and lots of love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alaina · Rating 1 out of 5]

First time reading this author and was not a fan of the writing style. There was an excessive use of exclamation points, even during the characters' inner monologues, which was weird. Some of the descriptions about "tailbone tingling" were strange also. I stuck with it because friends to lovers is my favorite trope of all time but there was massive skimming going on. I was not a fan of Amy. Ethan was a cinnamon roll. I wish the story would have been more about their actual relationship and less of their inner monologues and that annoying puppy game.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this book 3.5 stars.

This was a pretty cute story. I felt for poor Amy abut was glad that Ethan had her back. They have chemistry together, and they are actually quite sweet as a couple. It was neat how the story also showed a little bit of Danny’s POV as it really made the story more well rounded and easier to understand.

I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read and perfect for a spring pick me up. One click this book and you won’t be sorry. Ethan and Amy are absolutely sexy and also so sweet together. Once I started reading I was completely hooked. The chemistry, banter and sexy times between these characters was totally spot on. Smart, drama, sexy, with the perfect amount of sweet. Anything for Her was a perfect, little escape! Happy reading everyone!!