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Kiss & Tell #1
Stalling for Time
Formerly published in 2013 under the title “A Kiss by Design,” this book has been extensively revised from the original.
What’s a girl to do when her best friend is making a huge mistake?
College sophomore Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since the second grade. When she finds an engagement ring in Dylan’s backpack, she panics and vows to do whatever it takes to stop him from marrying a girl he barely knows.
Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother’s girlfriend, Emily, since they were kids. When his brother asks for help planning a surprise proposal, Dylan knows it’s time to bury his feelings and finally let Emily go. If only his heart would cooperate.
After her roommates fail to lure Dylan away from his girlfriend, Emily is forced to confront him directly. When she accidentally puts them in a compromising position, will Dylan reveal his long-buried feelings, or will Emily realize she’s dating the wrong brother?
What’s a girl to do when her best friend is making a huge mistake?
College sophomore Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since the second grade. When she finds an engagement ring in Dylan’s backpack, she panics and vows to do whatever it takes to stop him from marrying a girl he barely knows.
Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother’s girlfriend, Emily, since they were kids. When his brother asks for help planning a surprise proposal, Dylan knows it’s time to bury his feelings and finally let Emily go. If only his heart would cooperate.
After her roommates fail to lure Dylan away from his girlfriend, Emily is forced to confront him directly. When she accidentally puts them in a compromising position, will Dylan reveal his long-buried feelings, or will Emily realize she’s dating the wrong brother?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2013
24 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Christy Hayes
30 books195 followersChristy Hayes is a USA Today Bestselling author. She grew up along the southeastern seaboard and received two degrees from the University of Georgia. An avid reader, she writes romance and women’s fiction. Christy and her husband have two grown children and live with a houseful of dogs in the foothills of north Georgia.
Website: christyhayes.com
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Website: christyhayes.com
Facebook: ChristyHayesAuthor
Twitter: SeaHayes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
May 17, 2021
Stalling for time is a great YA book following best friends Emily and Dylan. They have been friends since grade 2, now both in collage they continue to be best friends with two complications Emily is dating his football star older brother Zach and Dylan is in love with Emily. So when Emily finds an engagement ring in Dylan"s bag and is convinced he's about to make a huge mistake she hatches a plan to prove he is making a huge mistake.
This is one of those feel good books that you pick up and just want to keep reading. It's a very obvious plot line but romcoms normally are. I will say I wish a book could have a girl and boy friendship without one being in love with the other. However I must say I loved it in this book so I forgive the cheesiness.
Emily is our leading lady. She's a bit docile and although her boyfriend is old collage football star and just all round what girls would dream of (not me but you know the stereotype) he isn't a very good boyfriend. Emily has Dylan her best friend and Zachs brother to fill in where Zach let's her down. In a way I do feel for Emily she's been in this relationship for 5 years and Zach is the only boyfriend she's had and she adjusts herself to meet his needs. Emily seems like quite a cool girl but it becomes quickly apparent she's jealous when she thinks Dylan is about to propose, yet she doesn't know why.
Emily's house mates are the absolute funniest. Shelby by far is the best housemate and the funniest of them all. Its nice to read about their experiences when it comes to dating and attention they recieve. I could quite happily fit in this friendship group. Plus the guitarist next door Dash sounds like a dream 😍.
Dylan is Mr sensitive, prepared, logical, reliable etc if I'm honest he's almost to good to be true. But he loves his best friend his brothers girlfriend. Imagine that watching your brother have everything you want. Anyway he isn't quite as perfect as he seems espically when it comes to Emily.
In summary I think this is a great read. It's not my genre but I loved it! I honestly it's an easy read and you kind of find yourself rooted in the story. I was team Dylan all the way! Totally recommend a great beach read, that's if we ever get to holiday again 😀.
Thanks to netgalley, the author and the publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
This is one of those feel good books that you pick up and just want to keep reading. It's a very obvious plot line but romcoms normally are. I will say I wish a book could have a girl and boy friendship without one being in love with the other. However I must say I loved it in this book so I forgive the cheesiness.
Emily is our leading lady. She's a bit docile and although her boyfriend is old collage football star and just all round what girls would dream of (not me but you know the stereotype) he isn't a very good boyfriend. Emily has Dylan her best friend and Zachs brother to fill in where Zach let's her down. In a way I do feel for Emily she's been in this relationship for 5 years and Zach is the only boyfriend she's had and she adjusts herself to meet his needs. Emily seems like quite a cool girl but it becomes quickly apparent she's jealous when she thinks Dylan is about to propose, yet she doesn't know why.
Emily's house mates are the absolute funniest. Shelby by far is the best housemate and the funniest of them all. Its nice to read about their experiences when it comes to dating and attention they recieve. I could quite happily fit in this friendship group. Plus the guitarist next door Dash sounds like a dream 😍.
Dylan is Mr sensitive, prepared, logical, reliable etc if I'm honest he's almost to good to be true. But he loves his best friend his brothers girlfriend. Imagine that watching your brother have everything you want. Anyway he isn't quite as perfect as he seems espically when it comes to Emily.
In summary I think this is a great read. It's not my genre but I loved it! I honestly it's an easy read and you kind of find yourself rooted in the story. I was team Dylan all the way! Totally recommend a great beach read, that's if we ever get to holiday again 😀.
Thanks to netgalley, the author and the publishers for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
April 21, 2014
I'm a sucker for falling-for-your-best-friend romances, and this would have been right up my alley... Had it not been for the excessive drama and over-justification that Dylan and Emily were right for each other.
Don't get me wrong. I loved Dylan. He was sweet, caring, reliable and everything a girl would want in a guy. And I really liked Emily too - when she wasn't being a psycho schemer. So of course, it felt natural for someone to root for them to end up together.
But like I said, I felt a lot of the drama in the book was forced. Like all the scheming that the girls were doing? Okay, I may have been able to understand that Emily came up with something to try to find out what was going on with Dylan. Maybe get one friend to bait him. But three? That was a bit too much. All it did was make me dislike her for being so conniving and giving women a bad reputation.
And really, I could have used fewer point of views. Sure, it let us know that the three girls were not backstabbing their best friend, and they were on a mission to prove to Emily what everyone already knew. But I think reading the book through Dylan's and Emily's (even in the third person) point of view would have been just fine.
Extending that thought, I did not like the additional point of view from Zach's standpoint. I felt it was just thrown in there, and I didn't like what happened. I felt it was a way for Hayes to make Zach more of an asshole to and somehow make it appear more okay that he doesn't deserve Emily. Any idiot can tell that Dylan was the better choice, but I don't like how Zach was made to be the selfish, conceited, arrogant boy who only cared about himself. I think readers would still have been rooting for Dylan had Haynes toned down Zach's character a bit. All it did was make Emily look like an idiot for choosing him in the first place.
Had it not been for those a-bit-over-the-top aspects, I think I would have enjoyed this book immensely. I think it was well written to where I really sympathized with Dylan and Emily and the emotions they were battling as they discovered what they wanted, fought their desires and actually went for it. And there were really cute moments there that made you think, yes, they really are good together.
All in all, a pretty good read that I enjoyed. It was just a bit too much for me at times, although it could be just the thing others are looking for.
Don't get me wrong. I loved Dylan. He was sweet, caring, reliable and everything a girl would want in a guy. And I really liked Emily too - when she wasn't being a psycho schemer. So of course, it felt natural for someone to root for them to end up together.
But like I said, I felt a lot of the drama in the book was forced. Like all the scheming that the girls were doing? Okay, I may have been able to understand that Emily came up with something to try to find out what was going on with Dylan. Maybe get one friend to bait him. But three? That was a bit too much. All it did was make me dislike her for being so conniving and giving women a bad reputation.
And really, I could have used fewer point of views. Sure, it let us know that the three girls were not backstabbing their best friend, and they were on a mission to prove to Emily what everyone already knew. But I think reading the book through Dylan's and Emily's (even in the third person) point of view would have been just fine.
Extending that thought, I did not like the additional point of view from Zach's standpoint. I felt it was just thrown in there, and I didn't like what happened. I felt it was a way for Hayes to make Zach more of an asshole to and somehow make it appear more okay that he doesn't deserve Emily. Any idiot can tell that Dylan was the better choice, but I don't like how Zach was made to be the selfish, conceited, arrogant boy who only cared about himself. I think readers would still have been rooting for Dylan had Haynes toned down Zach's character a bit. All it did was make Emily look like an idiot for choosing him in the first place.
Had it not been for those a-bit-over-the-top aspects, I think I would have enjoyed this book immensely. I think it was well written to where I really sympathized with Dylan and Emily and the emotions they were battling as they discovered what they wanted, fought their desires and actually went for it. And there were really cute moments there that made you think, yes, they really are good together.
All in all, a pretty good read that I enjoyed. It was just a bit too much for me at times, although it could be just the thing others are looking for.
April 5, 2021
This was very cute. Dylan and Emily are adorable. They have been friends since the second grade and in their sophomore year of college together. Trouble is Dylan has been in love with Emily forever and Emily is dating Zach- his brother!
Emily finds a ring in Dylan's backpack. She figures he's going to prepare to his not-so-long-dating girlfriend Denise. She wants to stop him from making a big mistake so she enlists the help of her roommates.
I laughed at what she wanted them to do! I wouldn't have done it because awkward! I love that this book had the guy in love with the girl without her really knowing. It's usually the other way around. I really thought this was just a cute, adorable story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Emily finds a ring in Dylan's backpack. She figures he's going to prepare to his not-so-long-dating girlfriend Denise. She wants to stop him from making a big mistake so she enlists the help of her roommates.
I laughed at what she wanted them to do! I wouldn't have done it because awkward! I love that this book had the guy in love with the girl without her really knowing. It's usually the other way around. I really thought this was just a cute, adorable story and I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
April 8, 2021
Stalling For Time is a sweet, super clean contemporary YA/NA friends-to-lovers romance and the first book in the Kiss & Tell series.
.
.
Have y'all ever had a friend that always comes to you for advice and then does the exact opposite? Emily is that friend. Which of course leads to a lot of absurdity, miscommunication and angst throughout the book that had me feeling a very strong urge to throttle everyone involved.
.
.
Oh to be young and dumb.
.
.
While I liked Dylan and can tolerate Emily when she has her act together, the real stand outs for me were her BFFs/roomies. They are supportive, quirky (in the 90s teen movie "awkward but super hot" way) and just a great group of friends. I hope we get their stories later in the series!
.
.
Have y'all ever had a friend that always comes to you for advice and then does the exact opposite? Emily is that friend. Which of course leads to a lot of absurdity, miscommunication and angst throughout the book that had me feeling a very strong urge to throttle everyone involved.
.
.
Oh to be young and dumb.
.
.
While I liked Dylan and can tolerate Emily when she has her act together, the real stand outs for me were her BFFs/roomies. They are supportive, quirky (in the 90s teen movie "awkward but super hot" way) and just a great group of friends. I hope we get their stories later in the series!
December 28, 2013
****Rating updated 12/27****
The author contacted me after seeing my review and offered me a final copy of the book that contained two chapters not in the review copy. The two extra chapters made a huge difference in the book! I wanted Emily and Dylan together and I got it! I feel like Emily and Dylan's story is complete now. Thank you, Christy, for reaching out and allowing me to read the changes you made!
Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .
A Kiss by Design was a cute upper YA/NA read. The characters were likable (most of them, anyhow) and, as we all know, I'm a sucker for a good "friends first" romance story. This one had the added twist of each of the main characters, while obviously nurturing strong feelings for the other, were in a relationship (of sorts) with someone else. I'm not much for love triangles (or shapes of any sort, really), but this one worked for me.
Emily is dating Zach, a football star, who attends a different university than she does. Zach's brother Dylan is Emily's close friend and they attend the same school. Zach is rarely there - emotionally or physically - for Emily, so she relies on Dylan for the things most girls would turn to their boyfriends to help with. Because Dylan secretly loves Emily, he's happy to help. Until the day his brother confesses he's going to ask Emily to marry him and Dylan decides some distance is necessary, despite how easy it is for him to get sucked into Emily's pull. To complicate matters further, Emily discovers the ring Dylan is holding for Zach and thinks Dylan is about to pop the question to his quasi-girlfriend, Denise. Heartbroken because her friend didn't even tell her he's in love, let alone about to propose to someone, Emily believes his feelings can't be that strong and with the very reluctant help of her friends, sets out to make Dylan change his mind. Along the way, with help from her meddling (in a good way!) friends Kayla, Reagan and Shelby, realizes her feelings for Dylan are a lot different than the friendly feelings she thought she had for him.
I liked Emily, though I found her to be kinda wishy washy at times. I understand she was torn between the two brothers, but I just wanted her to make up her mind. Dylan was the star of this book, as far as I'm concerned. He's the swoony book boyfriend we all wish was real – and ours. He was sweet and supportive and reliable and sexy. It's no wonder Emily fell for him. Zach never really did it for me. Though he didn't feature in the book nearly as much as Dylan did, when he was around he was self-centered and, quite frankly, a bit of a jerk. I hope to discover another side of him in the second book in this series. Emily's friends Kayla, Reagan and Shelby were each awesome in their own way. Shelby was my favorite though. She was outgoing and forthright. She said what she felt and thought and I found that refreshing.
The story was cute and romantic, even if it was predictable. But you know what? I don't mind predictable when I like the characters… and I definitely liked these characters. The multiple POVs in the book ended up being a little difficult to follow at times. They changed mid-chapter and at times, I was confused as to who the narrator was.
****Spoilers****
My biggest complaint with this book was that I wish the build-up had been cut short and the ending had been a little more satisfying. While not a true cliffhanger, it left me wanting more. We spent so much time in the back and forth with Emily and Dylan that I wanted more of them together. What we got, instead, was a tease. I absolutely adored these two characters. They were so perfect for each other, I wanted a chance to actually know more than that they were going on a date. I wanted to see them as a couple. I know this is a series, but the second book is Zach's book and, given the way relationships were severed in this story, I don't anticipate much of Emily and Dylan in his book. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong. But, the ending caused me to knock a full star off my rating of this one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
The author contacted me after seeing my review and offered me a final copy of the book that contained two chapters not in the review copy. The two extra chapters made a huge difference in the book! I wanted Emily and Dylan together and I got it! I feel like Emily and Dylan's story is complete now. Thank you, Christy, for reaching out and allowing me to read the changes you made!
Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads .
A Kiss by Design was a cute upper YA/NA read. The characters were likable (most of them, anyhow) and, as we all know, I'm a sucker for a good "friends first" romance story. This one had the added twist of each of the main characters, while obviously nurturing strong feelings for the other, were in a relationship (of sorts) with someone else. I'm not much for love triangles (or shapes of any sort, really), but this one worked for me.
Emily is dating Zach, a football star, who attends a different university than she does. Zach's brother Dylan is Emily's close friend and they attend the same school. Zach is rarely there - emotionally or physically - for Emily, so she relies on Dylan for the things most girls would turn to their boyfriends to help with. Because Dylan secretly loves Emily, he's happy to help. Until the day his brother confesses he's going to ask Emily to marry him and Dylan decides some distance is necessary, despite how easy it is for him to get sucked into Emily's pull. To complicate matters further, Emily discovers the ring Dylan is holding for Zach and thinks Dylan is about to pop the question to his quasi-girlfriend, Denise. Heartbroken because her friend didn't even tell her he's in love, let alone about to propose to someone, Emily believes his feelings can't be that strong and with the very reluctant help of her friends, sets out to make Dylan change his mind. Along the way, with help from her meddling (in a good way!) friends Kayla, Reagan and Shelby, realizes her feelings for Dylan are a lot different than the friendly feelings she thought she had for him.
I liked Emily, though I found her to be kinda wishy washy at times. I understand she was torn between the two brothers, but I just wanted her to make up her mind. Dylan was the star of this book, as far as I'm concerned. He's the swoony book boyfriend we all wish was real – and ours. He was sweet and supportive and reliable and sexy. It's no wonder Emily fell for him. Zach never really did it for me. Though he didn't feature in the book nearly as much as Dylan did, when he was around he was self-centered and, quite frankly, a bit of a jerk. I hope to discover another side of him in the second book in this series. Emily's friends Kayla, Reagan and Shelby were each awesome in their own way. Shelby was my favorite though. She was outgoing and forthright. She said what she felt and thought and I found that refreshing.
The story was cute and romantic, even if it was predictable. But you know what? I don't mind predictable when I like the characters… and I definitely liked these characters. The multiple POVs in the book ended up being a little difficult to follow at times. They changed mid-chapter and at times, I was confused as to who the narrator was.
****Spoilers****
My biggest complaint with this book was that I wish the build-up had been cut short and the ending had been a little more satisfying. While not a true cliffhanger, it left me wanting more. We spent so much time in the back and forth with Emily and Dylan that I wanted more of them together. What we got, instead, was a tease. I absolutely adored these two characters. They were so perfect for each other, I wanted a chance to actually know more than that they were going on a date. I wanted to see them as a couple. I know this is a series, but the second book is Zach's book and, given the way relationships were severed in this story, I don't anticipate much of Emily and Dylan in his book. Maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong. But, the ending caused me to knock a full star off my rating of this one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Christy Hayes and Netgalley.)
Emily has been dating Zach for years, but she’s also best friends with his brother Dylan, and feels like her relationship with Zach wouldn’t work without Dylan.
Zach is planning to ask Emily to marry him, and gives the ring to Dylan for safe keeping, unfortunately though Emily sees it in his bag, and incorrectly assumes that Dylan is going to ask another girl to marry him.
Realising that she is jealous of whoever Dylan is going to propose to, Emily starts a plan to stop Dylan, not realising just how deep her feelings go.
Will Emily admit how she feels about Dylan? And is she nuts for thinking that her boyfriend’s brother is the best part of their relationship?
This was an okay contemporary romance, but it was very awkward in the beginning.
Emily was an okay character, although she really let Zach rule their relationship. I found it a bit bizarre how she thought that if Zach was a bad boyfriend it was her own fault, and that she thought that the best part of their relationship was his brother! I don’t know what she was thinking, but thinking that it’s your fault that your boyfriend isn’t perfect? Thinking his brother is the best part of your relationship? Weird, and not good in so many ways.
The storyline was okay, but it did have its issues. The start of the book was really awkward, and things felt a bit forced and unnatural. Even the first conversation between Zach and Dylan felt awkward, and it took a long time for me to actually begin to like this book.
It annoyed me that Emily tried to get her friends to flirt with Dylan without considering that things might be awkward if he actually came on to them! I could totally see what her friends were saying – she wanted them to pretend to be drunk, and come on to Dylan, but what would they have done if he’d actually started flirting back?
There were some funny moments in this book though, and even though it wasn’t supposed to be funny, I found these lines quite amusing –
"Her eyes went wide as she realised what she felt against her leg."
"He considered excusing himself to the bathroom to spank the monkey."
"Do you know who we're playing this weekend? I can't believe you're doing this to me now."
The romance was actually quite good when we actually got some romantic scenes, but I personally would have liked there to have been more romance. We didn’t really get more than one scene between Dylan and Emily which was a bit disappointing, and this was the best aspect of the book.
The ending was okay, although it seems pretty obvious that this couple is not going to have an easy time of things after all that has gone on. It seems like the second book in the series will be about Zach, but after reading this and knowing what his relationship with Emily was like (including the fact that he just wanted to get the job done in bed, and didn’t bother with foreplay) I can’t say I’m desperate to read his story!
Overall; an okay contemporary romance, with the occasional funny moment.
7 out of 10.
Emily has been dating Zach for years, but she’s also best friends with his brother Dylan, and feels like her relationship with Zach wouldn’t work without Dylan.
Zach is planning to ask Emily to marry him, and gives the ring to Dylan for safe keeping, unfortunately though Emily sees it in his bag, and incorrectly assumes that Dylan is going to ask another girl to marry him.
Realising that she is jealous of whoever Dylan is going to propose to, Emily starts a plan to stop Dylan, not realising just how deep her feelings go.
Will Emily admit how she feels about Dylan? And is she nuts for thinking that her boyfriend’s brother is the best part of their relationship?
This was an okay contemporary romance, but it was very awkward in the beginning.
Emily was an okay character, although she really let Zach rule their relationship. I found it a bit bizarre how she thought that if Zach was a bad boyfriend it was her own fault, and that she thought that the best part of their relationship was his brother! I don’t know what she was thinking, but thinking that it’s your fault that your boyfriend isn’t perfect? Thinking his brother is the best part of your relationship? Weird, and not good in so many ways.
The storyline was okay, but it did have its issues. The start of the book was really awkward, and things felt a bit forced and unnatural. Even the first conversation between Zach and Dylan felt awkward, and it took a long time for me to actually begin to like this book.
It annoyed me that Emily tried to get her friends to flirt with Dylan without considering that things might be awkward if he actually came on to them! I could totally see what her friends were saying – she wanted them to pretend to be drunk, and come on to Dylan, but what would they have done if he’d actually started flirting back?
There were some funny moments in this book though, and even though it wasn’t supposed to be funny, I found these lines quite amusing –
"Her eyes went wide as she realised what she felt against her leg."
"He considered excusing himself to the bathroom to spank the monkey."
"Do you know who we're playing this weekend? I can't believe you're doing this to me now."
The romance was actually quite good when we actually got some romantic scenes, but I personally would have liked there to have been more romance. We didn’t really get more than one scene between Dylan and Emily which was a bit disappointing, and this was the best aspect of the book.
The ending was okay, although it seems pretty obvious that this couple is not going to have an easy time of things after all that has gone on. It seems like the second book in the series will be about Zach, but after reading this and knowing what his relationship with Emily was like (including the fact that he just wanted to get the job done in bed, and didn’t bother with foreplay) I can’t say I’m desperate to read his story!
Overall; an okay contemporary romance, with the occasional funny moment.
7 out of 10.
December 27, 2013
*Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World :)*
I really enjoyed reading A Kiss by Design, it had an interesting plot and characters. Christy Hayes did a good job executing the story as well as describing what each other the main characters were feeling/thinking by adding their point-of-views as well.
Emily Dilbert is a college sophomore, who is content with her boyfriend and friends. She knows that whenever she is in need of help her best friend, Dylan, will always be there. But it all soon starts to change when she finds an engagement ring in his backpack. That's when she realizes that the time with her friend is almost over. Emily cares deeply for Dylan, they have been friends since they were kids and she knows him more than anymore else, and all she wants is his happiness. With that in mind, she formulates a plan to get him to see reality before he makes a great mistake by marrying someone that he is not going to make him happy.
Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother's girlfriend ever since they were kids. He knows her more than anyone else and he hates to see his brother with Emily and not treat her right. But when his brother asks him to keep the engagement ring safe for him, he realizes that his love for Emily has to stop and that he needs to move on. He tries to ignore her to keep his sanity safe, but he can't ignore her for long before he starts to miss her. As Emily's plan is in the works, she does everything she can to get Dylan to realize that he is making a mistake. But the close they get, the more they start to see that their friendship can turn into something more.
The way the story is executed was great. I liked how it started and overall idea. I had some issues with Emily as a character, she doesn't make the smartest decisions in the story. I enjoyed reading Dylan's point-of-view the best, he is adorable and charming. I liked him a lot in the story and how caring he is. What I didn't like as much was the end, it felt too rushed for me. The last couple of chapters could have been executed differently. It's predictable how everything is going to turn out, but I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend anyone to give it a try. I'm most definitely be reading the second book in the series.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed reading A Kiss by Design, it had an interesting plot and characters. Christy Hayes did a good job executing the story as well as describing what each other the main characters were feeling/thinking by adding their point-of-views as well.
Emily Dilbert is a college sophomore, who is content with her boyfriend and friends. She knows that whenever she is in need of help her best friend, Dylan, will always be there. But it all soon starts to change when she finds an engagement ring in his backpack. That's when she realizes that the time with her friend is almost over. Emily cares deeply for Dylan, they have been friends since they were kids and she knows him more than anymore else, and all she wants is his happiness. With that in mind, she formulates a plan to get him to see reality before he makes a great mistake by marrying someone that he is not going to make him happy.
Dylan Chamberlain has been in love with his brother's girlfriend ever since they were kids. He knows her more than anyone else and he hates to see his brother with Emily and not treat her right. But when his brother asks him to keep the engagement ring safe for him, he realizes that his love for Emily has to stop and that he needs to move on. He tries to ignore her to keep his sanity safe, but he can't ignore her for long before he starts to miss her. As Emily's plan is in the works, she does everything she can to get Dylan to realize that he is making a mistake. But the close they get, the more they start to see that their friendship can turn into something more.
The way the story is executed was great. I liked how it started and overall idea. I had some issues with Emily as a character, she doesn't make the smartest decisions in the story. I enjoyed reading Dylan's point-of-view the best, he is adorable and charming. I liked him a lot in the story and how caring he is. What I didn't like as much was the end, it felt too rushed for me. The last couple of chapters could have been executed differently. It's predictable how everything is going to turn out, but I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend anyone to give it a try. I'm most definitely be reading the second book in the series.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 1, 2014
Sweet, trusting Dylan has been in love with Emily since they were kids, but he never got up the nerve to tell her. After she started dating his superstar athlete brother in high school, all seemed lost. He tried to settle for being her best friend, hoping deep down that eventually Zach and Emily would break up, and yet the couple persevered and were still together. When Zach asks Dylan to hold on to an engagement ring for Emily until Zach can find the right time to propose, Dylan is heartbroken and knows it's time to give up on his longtime, unrequited love.
When Emily finds the engagement ring in Dylan's bag while looking for his ringing cell phone, she is shocked. Dylan and his casual girlfriend Denise don't seem to even be in love, much less on the fast-track to marriage. Emily knows Dylan will be making a mistake if he gets engaged to Denise, and she decides to concoct a plan to show him this, utilizing her three roommates. When that doesn't work, she decides to take matters into her own hands, wondering why the idea of losing Dylan and him being married to someone else upsets her so deeply.
I really liked this! It's important to know as you start reading that this is the first in a series, so we're being introduced to secondary characters now who will have their own books later. I usually don't like third person narrative, or multiple narratives, but for some reason this worked for me. I also don't have a serious problem with reading about love triangles or cheating in a book (wouldn't want it in my real life!!) so I was fine with that too. There are a lot of twists in this story, which is fitting because pulling off a love triangle with one girl and two brothers is tough to do without making the girlfriend and the brother who's not the boyfriend look really bad. Emily and Dylan deal with a lot of guilt, a LOT of debating on what to do, and this makes it more realistic to me. I thought the author handled this very well. Dylan was a more well-drawn character than Emily, maybe because he was so clear on what he wanted and how he felt the whole book, while Emily was more confused most of the time and didn't seem to want to admit how she felt.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which will be about Zach! This was an easy, fun, entertaining read, and I am looking forward to more of the same in the next one.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When Emily finds the engagement ring in Dylan's bag while looking for his ringing cell phone, she is shocked. Dylan and his casual girlfriend Denise don't seem to even be in love, much less on the fast-track to marriage. Emily knows Dylan will be making a mistake if he gets engaged to Denise, and she decides to concoct a plan to show him this, utilizing her three roommates. When that doesn't work, she decides to take matters into her own hands, wondering why the idea of losing Dylan and him being married to someone else upsets her so deeply.
I really liked this! It's important to know as you start reading that this is the first in a series, so we're being introduced to secondary characters now who will have their own books later. I usually don't like third person narrative, or multiple narratives, but for some reason this worked for me. I also don't have a serious problem with reading about love triangles or cheating in a book (wouldn't want it in my real life!!) so I was fine with that too. There are a lot of twists in this story, which is fitting because pulling off a love triangle with one girl and two brothers is tough to do without making the girlfriend and the brother who's not the boyfriend look really bad. Emily and Dylan deal with a lot of guilt, a LOT of debating on what to do, and this makes it more realistic to me. I thought the author handled this very well. Dylan was a more well-drawn character than Emily, maybe because he was so clear on what he wanted and how he felt the whole book, while Emily was more confused most of the time and didn't seem to want to admit how she felt.
I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which will be about Zach! This was an easy, fun, entertaining read, and I am looking forward to more of the same in the next one.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2014
*I recieved an ARC for an honest review of this book*
This was the first book I have read by Christy Hayes and I have to say I was captivated from the start! The first chapter had me hooked. We have a story about Dylan, Emily & Zach. Dylan is love with his brothers long time GF Emily. Now Emily & Dylan are best friends. While Zach is off playing college football at another school, Emily & Dylan are at school together. I just love Dylan! He is always there for Emily no matter what. Well when Emily accidently finds an engagement ring in Dylans backpack she freaks out not wanting him to make a mistake with some girl he hasnt been dating. Little does she know hes holding onto for his brother. Poor Dylan :( Well Emily pulls in her three best friends and roomates to help her stop Dylan. What she doesnt know is that they have already figured out shes in love with him too and add their own twist to Emilys plan to help things along.
The more Dylan tries to avoid Emily the more she tries to get closer. Then one night, A kiss changes evverything! I love Dylan! He is so swoon worthy, caring, sexy. Zach doesnt really do it for me and I didnt care for him as Emilys boyfriend. I really enjoyed this book! They both have an internal battle that wages and their are angsty moments, alternate POV which was great! And some steamy moments as well. I starting thinking towards the latter part of the book, hhmm is there going to be a book 2?? And of course the brother that doesnt win the girl will get his own book! Cant wait!!
This was the first book I have read by Christy Hayes and I have to say I was captivated from the start! The first chapter had me hooked. We have a story about Dylan, Emily & Zach. Dylan is love with his brothers long time GF Emily. Now Emily & Dylan are best friends. While Zach is off playing college football at another school, Emily & Dylan are at school together. I just love Dylan! He is always there for Emily no matter what. Well when Emily accidently finds an engagement ring in Dylans backpack she freaks out not wanting him to make a mistake with some girl he hasnt been dating. Little does she know hes holding onto for his brother. Poor Dylan :( Well Emily pulls in her three best friends and roomates to help her stop Dylan. What she doesnt know is that they have already figured out shes in love with him too and add their own twist to Emilys plan to help things along.
The more Dylan tries to avoid Emily the more she tries to get closer. Then one night, A kiss changes evverything! I love Dylan! He is so swoon worthy, caring, sexy. Zach doesnt really do it for me and I didnt care for him as Emilys boyfriend. I really enjoyed this book! They both have an internal battle that wages and their are angsty moments, alternate POV which was great! And some steamy moments as well. I starting thinking towards the latter part of the book, hhmm is there going to be a book 2?? And of course the brother that doesnt win the girl will get his own book! Cant wait!!
April 13, 2021
Do you hate Mondays?🛑
I used to really dislike them, but Alyssa and I have Mondays off now, so they’re probably our favorite day.😁
I am hoping this cute book brightens your day a little!
Stalling for Time by Christy Hayes is the first book in the Kiss and Tell series.💜
Dylan is in love with his brother’s girlfriend Emily, she views Dylan as her BFF. BUT when she thinks she finds out that Dylan is going to propose to his new girlfriend, Emily starts to panic.
Emily has not been happy with Zach her longtime boyfriend for a while, but didn’t know how to address it. He’s extremely focused on his college football career and rarely considers her feelings.
She’s in quite a bit of denial but she starts to realize, she might have feelings for Dylan, but she couldn’t possibly break up with Zach and start dating his brother, could she??
I adored this light read, and I’m excited to start the next book!💜
Thank you @katerockbooktours and @christyhayesauthor for including us on this book tour and giving us this ARC! This book just released Saturday and is available on our Amazon Storefront, Link in bio!🧜🏼♀️🌺
I used to really dislike them, but Alyssa and I have Mondays off now, so they’re probably our favorite day.😁
I am hoping this cute book brightens your day a little!
Stalling for Time by Christy Hayes is the first book in the Kiss and Tell series.💜
Dylan is in love with his brother’s girlfriend Emily, she views Dylan as her BFF. BUT when she thinks she finds out that Dylan is going to propose to his new girlfriend, Emily starts to panic.
Emily has not been happy with Zach her longtime boyfriend for a while, but didn’t know how to address it. He’s extremely focused on his college football career and rarely considers her feelings.
She’s in quite a bit of denial but she starts to realize, she might have feelings for Dylan, but she couldn’t possibly break up with Zach and start dating his brother, could she??
I adored this light read, and I’m excited to start the next book!💜
Thank you @katerockbooktours and @christyhayesauthor for including us on this book tour and giving us this ARC! This book just released Saturday and is available on our Amazon Storefront, Link in bio!🧜🏼♀️🌺
April 16, 2021
Gosh! Where do I begin with my review?
I liked that it was a friends first ( sort of like my husband and me) to the romance part.
I think the second thing I like about this story was that Dylan and Emily took their time in getting to know each other and even though they were friends since kids I liked this deeper side of them.
I really loves how the author shows us Dylan's side of things too. His thoughts, feelings, and crazy side too. She does a wonderful job in showing us in how a man might feel about a woman he likes.
I couldn't stand Zach and his selfish ways. These two brothers remind me of my husband and his brother both as different as night and day.
Zach kind of made me mad at him in his obnoxious ways.
I ended up snickering at some of the scenes in this book. They were kinda cute in a way.
Emily really is my best friend in many ways. Her personality sort of fits mine. I think we'd get along jest fine! I approve of Dylan wholeheartedly.
4 stars. I recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
I liked that it was a friends first ( sort of like my husband and me) to the romance part.
I think the second thing I like about this story was that Dylan and Emily took their time in getting to know each other and even though they were friends since kids I liked this deeper side of them.
I really loves how the author shows us Dylan's side of things too. His thoughts, feelings, and crazy side too. She does a wonderful job in showing us in how a man might feel about a woman he likes.
I couldn't stand Zach and his selfish ways. These two brothers remind me of my husband and his brother both as different as night and day.
Zach kind of made me mad at him in his obnoxious ways.
I ended up snickering at some of the scenes in this book. They were kinda cute in a way.
Emily really is my best friend in many ways. Her personality sort of fits mine. I think we'd get along jest fine! I approve of Dylan wholeheartedly.
4 stars. I recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.
April 5, 2021
Short and sweet college romance.
Emily has been in a long term relationship with Zach, Dylan’s brother. Emily realizes she wants more than what Zach is willing to offer. Dylan has been best friends with Emily since grade school. He’s also been in love with Emily since before she started dating Zach. Dylan’s been waiting years for Emily to realize she’s dating the wrong Chamberlin brother.
I thought Emily and Dylan were so sweet together. There was a lot of back and forth from the lack of communication. Emily’s roommates were very supportive, even through all her drama. Emily was entertaining w her schemes but a little annoying with the drama it entailed. I really liked Dylan’s character. A sweet, nerdy, and respectful college kid. He has so many good traits that kept you rooting for him. I'd give this one a 3.5/5 rating.
Emily has been in a long term relationship with Zach, Dylan’s brother. Emily realizes she wants more than what Zach is willing to offer. Dylan has been best friends with Emily since grade school. He’s also been in love with Emily since before she started dating Zach. Dylan’s been waiting years for Emily to realize she’s dating the wrong Chamberlin brother.
I thought Emily and Dylan were so sweet together. There was a lot of back and forth from the lack of communication. Emily’s roommates were very supportive, even through all her drama. Emily was entertaining w her schemes but a little annoying with the drama it entailed. I really liked Dylan’s character. A sweet, nerdy, and respectful college kid. He has so many good traits that kept you rooting for him. I'd give this one a 3.5/5 rating.
April 7, 2021
This was a super cute book where Emily is best friends with her boyfriend of 5 years brother. When she finds a ring in her best friend's bag she starts to get jealous and struggles with her feelings for her friend. This was a quick read and kept me wanting to keep reading. I thought it Dylan and Emily had more of a connection than Emily and Zach. I also really enjoyed getting to know Emily's friends. I am glad this is a series, but I'm not sure I really care to find out who Zach ends up with. He was a jerk in this book, and I just want more Emily and Dylan.
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It's a perfect young adult romance novel and I'm looking forward to seeing how to characters move on in the next book of the series ☺️
This book follows Zach and Emily's relationship, and Dylan's friendship with Emily, who is Zach's brother.
The novel is full of emotion and it's a really easy read. Some parts were a little repetitive for me but nothing to put me off reading more ☺️
This book follows Zach and Emily's relationship, and Dylan's friendship with Emily, who is Zach's brother.
The novel is full of emotion and it's a really easy read. Some parts were a little repetitive for me but nothing to put me off reading more ☺️
December 6, 2013
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
A Kiss by Design is the first book I have ever read by Christy Hayes, so I didn't really know what I should expect when I first started this one. I was really intrigued by the blurb though, and I knew I just had to read this story. There were things that I really liked about this book, and then there were things that I didn't really care for. But for the most part, I found this story to be a quick and enjoyable read.
Emily has been best friends with Dylan since they were little. So when she finds an engagement ring in his backpack she immediately thinks that he is about to make a huge mistake and ask a girl he barely knows to marry him. What Emily doesn't know is that Dylan has been in love with her for forever, and that the ring doesn't actually belong to Dylan. The ring actually is Zach's, who just so happens to be Dylan's brother and Emily's boyfriend. As Dylan works to finally put his feelings for Emily to rest, Emily is more determined than ever to make sure that Dylan doesn't ask the wrong girl to marry him. But when Emily enlists the help of her friends and her plan starts to fail, she realizes that it is time for her to step in and figure it out on her own. But the more that she begins to think that Dylan is serious about someone else, the more she begins to realize that her feelings towards him go beyond friendship. More confused than ever, Emily must decide if the possibility of a relationship with Dylan is worth breaking up with Zach for. And Dylan must decide if the risk of a shot with Emily is worth the pain and damage he will do to his relationship with Zach and his family.
I really liked Dylan. He was sweet, supportive and really caring. I thought that he was a really good guy that just happened to be in a very bad situation. He really tried to fight his feelings for Emily and tried to push her away many times in order to spare his brother. You could tell that it really did tear him up about what he was doing, and no matter what he was in a lose lose situation. My heart really broke for him on more that one occasion. But his connection and feelings for Emily really were something that doesn't happen often, and you couldn't help but root for him. I had my moments of like and dislike with Emily. I thought that she was sweet and was a great friend, but then she was also immature and tended to react without thinking. There were several times that I couldn't figure out why she didn't break up with Zach sooner. The way that she let him treat her was something I just didn't understand. Its not like he abused her or anything, but I just couldn't get why she felt so loyal to him and allowed him to be so selfish and self-centered. It was like she had no regard for her own thoughts and feelings and just let him walk all over her. I loved how different things were with Dylan though. They had a very strong connection and friendship, and I loved that they were able to lean on each other for support. I would have loved to see more of their relationship developing and I felt that even though they had very strong chemistry, that we really didn't get to see much of it.
I think that my biggest complaint is that this story focused more on Emily and her friends hatching this ridiculous scheme and trying to figure out what was going on rather than the actual relationship development. Things went back and forth a bit too much for me, and I felt like it really took away from the story. By the time that we got to the huge conflict and reveal of Emily and Zach breaking up and her and Dylan admitting their feelings for each other the book was almost over. It felt like their story was unfinished and that we had just started their journey together. I was hoping that we would have seen more of the two of them as they began to date and start their new relationship. We barely got any of them together in this story, and I think that hurt how believable their connection and love was. I had hoped that since we didn't get that resolution until the end that we would get more of them in the second book. However it looks as though the second book is Zach's story. I can't say that I didn't see Zach's story coming though, you could tell that he was attracted to his tutor from the very start and it almost made his reaction to Emily and Dylan seem a bit over the top. I understand that he was hurt and felt betrayed, but isn't this the same guy that just kissed his tutor and was so attracted to her that he felt like he needed to go and take care of himself? That doesn't sound like someone who should be asking someone else to marry him. Overall, I liked the characters of this book and I really enjoyed the author's writing style. I just wish that we would have seen more of Emily and Dylan together, and I felt like we missed out on so much with them. I would have liked less of Emily and her friends and more of the growth and development between Emily and Dylan as we watched their friendship change to a loving relationship. I am interested to see what happens in the second book though, and I just hope that maybe we will get more of Emily and Dylan in the future to sort of wrap up their story and give them the conclusion that they deserve. I think that this story is definitely worth giving a shot, especially if you like the New Adult genre. However if you are expecting a story with a lot of steam and depth of relationship this might not be the story for you. Despite the issues I had with this one, this was a promising start to the series. I will give the next one a shot to see where the author goes from here and hope that we will get a bit more in the next one.
**ARC provided by NetGalley**
A Kiss by Design is the first book I have ever read by Christy Hayes, so I didn't really know what I should expect when I first started this one. I was really intrigued by the blurb though, and I knew I just had to read this story. There were things that I really liked about this book, and then there were things that I didn't really care for. But for the most part, I found this story to be a quick and enjoyable read.
Emily has been best friends with Dylan since they were little. So when she finds an engagement ring in his backpack she immediately thinks that he is about to make a huge mistake and ask a girl he barely knows to marry him. What Emily doesn't know is that Dylan has been in love with her for forever, and that the ring doesn't actually belong to Dylan. The ring actually is Zach's, who just so happens to be Dylan's brother and Emily's boyfriend. As Dylan works to finally put his feelings for Emily to rest, Emily is more determined than ever to make sure that Dylan doesn't ask the wrong girl to marry him. But when Emily enlists the help of her friends and her plan starts to fail, she realizes that it is time for her to step in and figure it out on her own. But the more that she begins to think that Dylan is serious about someone else, the more she begins to realize that her feelings towards him go beyond friendship. More confused than ever, Emily must decide if the possibility of a relationship with Dylan is worth breaking up with Zach for. And Dylan must decide if the risk of a shot with Emily is worth the pain and damage he will do to his relationship with Zach and his family.
I really liked Dylan. He was sweet, supportive and really caring. I thought that he was a really good guy that just happened to be in a very bad situation. He really tried to fight his feelings for Emily and tried to push her away many times in order to spare his brother. You could tell that it really did tear him up about what he was doing, and no matter what he was in a lose lose situation. My heart really broke for him on more that one occasion. But his connection and feelings for Emily really were something that doesn't happen often, and you couldn't help but root for him. I had my moments of like and dislike with Emily. I thought that she was sweet and was a great friend, but then she was also immature and tended to react without thinking. There were several times that I couldn't figure out why she didn't break up with Zach sooner. The way that she let him treat her was something I just didn't understand. Its not like he abused her or anything, but I just couldn't get why she felt so loyal to him and allowed him to be so selfish and self-centered. It was like she had no regard for her own thoughts and feelings and just let him walk all over her. I loved how different things were with Dylan though. They had a very strong connection and friendship, and I loved that they were able to lean on each other for support. I would have loved to see more of their relationship developing and I felt that even though they had very strong chemistry, that we really didn't get to see much of it.
I think that my biggest complaint is that this story focused more on Emily and her friends hatching this ridiculous scheme and trying to figure out what was going on rather than the actual relationship development. Things went back and forth a bit too much for me, and I felt like it really took away from the story. By the time that we got to the huge conflict and reveal of Emily and Zach breaking up and her and Dylan admitting their feelings for each other the book was almost over. It felt like their story was unfinished and that we had just started their journey together. I was hoping that we would have seen more of the two of them as they began to date and start their new relationship. We barely got any of them together in this story, and I think that hurt how believable their connection and love was. I had hoped that since we didn't get that resolution until the end that we would get more of them in the second book. However it looks as though the second book is Zach's story. I can't say that I didn't see Zach's story coming though, you could tell that he was attracted to his tutor from the very start and it almost made his reaction to Emily and Dylan seem a bit over the top. I understand that he was hurt and felt betrayed, but isn't this the same guy that just kissed his tutor and was so attracted to her that he felt like he needed to go and take care of himself? That doesn't sound like someone who should be asking someone else to marry him. Overall, I liked the characters of this book and I really enjoyed the author's writing style. I just wish that we would have seen more of Emily and Dylan together, and I felt like we missed out on so much with them. I would have liked less of Emily and her friends and more of the growth and development between Emily and Dylan as we watched their friendship change to a loving relationship. I am interested to see what happens in the second book though, and I just hope that maybe we will get more of Emily and Dylan in the future to sort of wrap up their story and give them the conclusion that they deserve. I think that this story is definitely worth giving a shot, especially if you like the New Adult genre. However if you are expecting a story with a lot of steam and depth of relationship this might not be the story for you. Despite the issues I had with this one, this was a promising start to the series. I will give the next one a shot to see where the author goes from here and hope that we will get a bit more in the next one.
**ARC provided by NetGalley**
April 27, 2021
Emily and Zach have been together for five years, since they were in high school. He is two years older and a star college football player. Their relationship revolves around his devotion to the game and not as much on them as a couple. It's just the way it has always been. Zach takes Emily for granted. And she is slowly starting to realize this is not what she wants.
Dylan is Zach's younger brother and Emily's best friend. Now, why no one has acknowledged that this should be a red flag is somewhat beyond me. Then again, they had all known each other from childhood, so that may have been blurred somewhat.
Only Dylan has been in love with Emily for years. And he's crushed when Zach confesses that he's going to propose after the football season is over and asks Dylan to hide the ring for him.
And then it complicates even more when Emily accidentally finds the ring and assumes Dylan is proposing to his new girlfriend, whom he hasn't been with that long. She becomes absolutely irrational over it all, completely oblivious to the fact that she is absolutely in love with Dylan. She concocts this crazy scheme with her roommates to find out the truth about Dylan's supposed impending engagement, instead of coming right out and asking her best friend the truth. I give props to her roommates for calling her out on being childish. I also appreciate how while they pretend to go along with the scheme, they are actually setting up everyone for the truth to come out so that they can all move on.
It's the first time that I have ever spend so much of a book rooting for a breakup in the leading couple. But you know that they aren't good together and could learn a lot after the fact. Zach can learn to better manage his priorities. Emily can definitely mature. They were young with they first got together all of those years ago.
And you want each of them to find happiness. For Emily, you know it will be Dylan. She needs to be with her best friend. For Zach, we'll have to read the second book to find out how he fares.
And though the brothers have gotten themselves into a debacle that could rival Bobby and JR Ewing, you hope that they can eventually get past it and try to repair their once close relationship.
In spite of my annoyance with the characters, I still enjoyed this book and devoured it in one sitting over the weekend. I'm eager to read the next book in the series to see what comes next.
Thank you to the author and Prism Book Tours for providing me with a requested copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dylan is Zach's younger brother and Emily's best friend. Now, why no one has acknowledged that this should be a red flag is somewhat beyond me. Then again, they had all known each other from childhood, so that may have been blurred somewhat.
Only Dylan has been in love with Emily for years. And he's crushed when Zach confesses that he's going to propose after the football season is over and asks Dylan to hide the ring for him.
And then it complicates even more when Emily accidentally finds the ring and assumes Dylan is proposing to his new girlfriend, whom he hasn't been with that long. She becomes absolutely irrational over it all, completely oblivious to the fact that she is absolutely in love with Dylan. She concocts this crazy scheme with her roommates to find out the truth about Dylan's supposed impending engagement, instead of coming right out and asking her best friend the truth. I give props to her roommates for calling her out on being childish. I also appreciate how while they pretend to go along with the scheme, they are actually setting up everyone for the truth to come out so that they can all move on.
It's the first time that I have ever spend so much of a book rooting for a breakup in the leading couple. But you know that they aren't good together and could learn a lot after the fact. Zach can learn to better manage his priorities. Emily can definitely mature. They were young with they first got together all of those years ago.
And you want each of them to find happiness. For Emily, you know it will be Dylan. She needs to be with her best friend. For Zach, we'll have to read the second book to find out how he fares.
And though the brothers have gotten themselves into a debacle that could rival Bobby and JR Ewing, you hope that they can eventually get past it and try to repair their once close relationship.
In spite of my annoyance with the characters, I still enjoyed this book and devoured it in one sitting over the weekend. I'm eager to read the next book in the series to see what comes next.
Thank you to the author and Prism Book Tours for providing me with a requested copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 18, 2014
**DEBBIE'S REVIEW**
What happens when your best friend since high school is about to make the biggest mistake of his life? Well that is what you think when you find an engagement ring in his backpack. All of sudden jealousy and the fear makes you see things everyone else can see. You are in love with him. What happens when it is your boyfriends’ brother that you have been dating for 5 years?
After Emily finds the ring she is on a mission to prove to Dylan he is making a big mistake. She ropes her three college roommates into helping her out but they know that Emily really cares for Dylan and is not really in love with his brother Zak and have a plan of there own to help the two get together.
“They’re in love with each other. The sooner they realize it, the better. For all of us.”
Dylan has loved Emily since high school but has tried to ignore his feelings because she is with his older brother Zak the all-star quarterback.
“They’d been alone dozens of times-maybe hundreds-but Emily felt an almost electric charge in the air.”
You can feel from the connection between Dylan and Emily. Emily and Zak’s relationship is horrible. He is consumed with football and is selfish and only thinks about himself. Emily has worked around his schedule and is emotionally connected with Dylan. He is her rock! I felt though that all three lacked communication skills and if they just stopped to talk about things it would not have gotten so out of hand.
“Full disclosure,” Dylan panted in her ear,” the first time’s not going to last long, but I’ll make it up to you.”
When the two finally realize there is no way they can ignore their feelings they have to make that tough decision as to tell Zak. I felt really bad for Dylan. This was his brother and he felt like he had betrayed him. Can the two make this relationship work or will telling Zak be the straw that broke the camels back? You are going to have to read it to find out.
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
What happens when your best friend since high school is about to make the biggest mistake of his life? Well that is what you think when you find an engagement ring in his backpack. All of sudden jealousy and the fear makes you see things everyone else can see. You are in love with him. What happens when it is your boyfriends’ brother that you have been dating for 5 years?
After Emily finds the ring she is on a mission to prove to Dylan he is making a big mistake. She ropes her three college roommates into helping her out but they know that Emily really cares for Dylan and is not really in love with his brother Zak and have a plan of there own to help the two get together.
“They’re in love with each other. The sooner they realize it, the better. For all of us.”
Dylan has loved Emily since high school but has tried to ignore his feelings because she is with his older brother Zak the all-star quarterback.
“They’d been alone dozens of times-maybe hundreds-but Emily felt an almost electric charge in the air.”
You can feel from the connection between Dylan and Emily. Emily and Zak’s relationship is horrible. He is consumed with football and is selfish and only thinks about himself. Emily has worked around his schedule and is emotionally connected with Dylan. He is her rock! I felt though that all three lacked communication skills and if they just stopped to talk about things it would not have gotten so out of hand.
“Full disclosure,” Dylan panted in her ear,” the first time’s not going to last long, but I’ll make it up to you.”
When the two finally realize there is no way they can ignore their feelings they have to make that tough decision as to tell Zak. I felt really bad for Dylan. This was his brother and he felt like he had betrayed him. Can the two make this relationship work or will telling Zak be the straw that broke the camels back? You are going to have to read it to find out.
I received an ARC copy for my honest review.
August 31, 2014
2.5 stars
Hmm. This book started off fairly good with all of the yummy tension of a best friends to lovers story with the added complication of Emily having dated best-friend Dylan's brother for the past five years.
On one hand, Hayes handled this very realistically. She didn't shy away from the messiness of the situation at all. On the other hand, the situation became incredibly convoluted - especially with the addition of perspectives from Emily's three roommates, plus Dylan's brother (and Emily's boyfriend) Zach. Some of this felt like it was simply to set up future books in the series. I don't think we needed Zach's POV in this novel at all. And while I thought it was refreshing to see things from Emily's roommates' POV story-wise, it was also a significantly odd addition to the narrative momentum.
And then we get to Emily herself. These kinds of love triangle-y, stories of torn hearts and potential infidelity are hard to effectively pull off. Hayes does an admirable job of spelling out all the various emotions one could possibly ever feel in this situation. Emily's back and forth turmoil and emotional distress are all on the page, in far too much detail to actually push the story forward. Dylan runs hot and cold as well - his love for Emily never falters, but he's not immune to the wishy-washy syndrome these characters have.
Hayes could be a playwright, this story is incredibly dialogue heavy, which is okay, it's just that it's rare for anyone to say anything interesting. They're all obsessing over their feelings all the time. Par for the course for New Adult, I realize, but here it's just very obvious without any of the usual distractions of a troubled childhood, parental abuse, drug addiction, desires of being a rock star or something. I started losing interest around the middle of the book and powered through to a conclusion that is really only the beginning of the story. Emily and Dylan leave a trail of destruction in their wake, which is realistic but somehow undramatic at the same time.
Hmm. This book started off fairly good with all of the yummy tension of a best friends to lovers story with the added complication of Emily having dated best-friend Dylan's brother for the past five years.
On one hand, Hayes handled this very realistically. She didn't shy away from the messiness of the situation at all. On the other hand, the situation became incredibly convoluted - especially with the addition of perspectives from Emily's three roommates, plus Dylan's brother (and Emily's boyfriend) Zach. Some of this felt like it was simply to set up future books in the series. I don't think we needed Zach's POV in this novel at all. And while I thought it was refreshing to see things from Emily's roommates' POV story-wise, it was also a significantly odd addition to the narrative momentum.
And then we get to Emily herself. These kinds of love triangle-y, stories of torn hearts and potential infidelity are hard to effectively pull off. Hayes does an admirable job of spelling out all the various emotions one could possibly ever feel in this situation. Emily's back and forth turmoil and emotional distress are all on the page, in far too much detail to actually push the story forward. Dylan runs hot and cold as well - his love for Emily never falters, but he's not immune to the wishy-washy syndrome these characters have.
Hayes could be a playwright, this story is incredibly dialogue heavy, which is okay, it's just that it's rare for anyone to say anything interesting. They're all obsessing over their feelings all the time. Par for the course for New Adult, I realize, but here it's just very obvious without any of the usual distractions of a troubled childhood, parental abuse, drug addiction, desires of being a rock star or something. I started losing interest around the middle of the book and powered through to a conclusion that is really only the beginning of the story. Emily and Dylan leave a trail of destruction in their wake, which is realistic but somehow undramatic at the same time.
March 20, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, author Christy Hayes, and CAH LLC for giving me a free Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
This book has one of my favorite troupes friends-to-lovers. Emily is Dylan's brother's Zach's long time girlfriend. Emily and Dylan has been best friends for a long time, but those are not the only feelings Dylan has. Secretly, he has been in love with his brother's girl for almost two decades. One weekend, Zach gives Dylan Emily's engagement ring to hold until the perfect time comes to ask Emily to marry him. Dylan, willing to do anything for his brother, even if it means watching the girl he loves marry someone else, he holds onto the ring. Emily finds the engagement ring in Dylan's bag. Thinking he is going to ask his recent girlfriend to marry him, she sets out to stop Dylan from choosing the wrong woman to marry! She enlists the help of her best girlfriends to flirt and derail his plans. Dylan has a choice to make will he act on his feelings for Emily and risk everything or will he bury his feelings for ever?
This book was so sweet! I loved Dylan. He wanted to do the right thing for everyone involved even if it meant giving up the love of his life to his brother. Emily has so much love to give, but seems to take her for grated! Zach is very driven toward becoming a successful football player, but seems to lack the time it takes to take care of the woman he loves. I really respected Dylan and Emily in wanting to do the right thing even though it was going to hurt those they hold closest to them. Their chemistry and growth from a friendship to a romantic relationship was so well written and full of angst! I would have liked to see a lot less secrets being kept from all of the more important people involved, but it was one of the driving forces that moved the story. Overall, the ending was so satisfying! I am excited to read Zach's story in the next installment! I highly recommend this book to those who love a great friends-to-lovers story!
4.5 stars
This book has one of my favorite troupes friends-to-lovers. Emily is Dylan's brother's Zach's long time girlfriend. Emily and Dylan has been best friends for a long time, but those are not the only feelings Dylan has. Secretly, he has been in love with his brother's girl for almost two decades. One weekend, Zach gives Dylan Emily's engagement ring to hold until the perfect time comes to ask Emily to marry him. Dylan, willing to do anything for his brother, even if it means watching the girl he loves marry someone else, he holds onto the ring. Emily finds the engagement ring in Dylan's bag. Thinking he is going to ask his recent girlfriend to marry him, she sets out to stop Dylan from choosing the wrong woman to marry! She enlists the help of her best girlfriends to flirt and derail his plans. Dylan has a choice to make will he act on his feelings for Emily and risk everything or will he bury his feelings for ever?
This book was so sweet! I loved Dylan. He wanted to do the right thing for everyone involved even if it meant giving up the love of his life to his brother. Emily has so much love to give, but seems to take her for grated! Zach is very driven toward becoming a successful football player, but seems to lack the time it takes to take care of the woman he loves. I really respected Dylan and Emily in wanting to do the right thing even though it was going to hurt those they hold closest to them. Their chemistry and growth from a friendship to a romantic relationship was so well written and full of angst! I would have liked to see a lot less secrets being kept from all of the more important people involved, but it was one of the driving forces that moved the story. Overall, the ending was so satisfying! I am excited to read Zach's story in the next installment! I highly recommend this book to those who love a great friends-to-lovers story!
April 10, 2021
About the Book:
Emily Dilbert is a college sophomore and has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since second grade. Emily has also been dating Dylan’s brother, Zach, for five years. Zach is the star quarterback and a senior at Southeastern State.
Zach is visiting Addison State University where Emily and Dylan go to school to spend time with Emily before his training season begins and to ask Dylan to hold on to an engagement ring because Dylan plans to propose to Emily once the season ends.
Three problems:
1-Dylan is secretly in love with Emily
2- Emily has been questioning her feelings for Zach for quite some time
3-Emily finds the ring and assumes that the ring belongs to Dylan and he is asking his casual girlfriend, Denise, to become his bride.
The rest of the book involves Emily’s roommates trying see how committed Dylan really is to Denise, a few kisses, and some very complicated feelings that need sorting.
My Thoughts:
I haven’t been in college in a really long time and the main characters in this book were more my kids’ ages than mine but the story of complex feelings and trying to stay in a relationship just because you feel it’s the right thing to do is both ageless and timeless.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emily’s three roommates. They all had different personalities but were true friends to Emily. I also enjoyed Dylan and Zack’s youngest brother, Nick. He is a high school senior in this book and is only in a few chapters towards the end but he is full on sassy and I look forward to seeing more of him in the other books.
I liked the ending to this book because we have a conclusion but there are long range family dynamic issues that have yet to be resolved which would make since since those sort of wounds don’t heal quickly.
Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours for the opportunity to read this one and give my honest thoughts
Emily Dilbert is a college sophomore and has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since second grade. Emily has also been dating Dylan’s brother, Zach, for five years. Zach is the star quarterback and a senior at Southeastern State.
Zach is visiting Addison State University where Emily and Dylan go to school to spend time with Emily before his training season begins and to ask Dylan to hold on to an engagement ring because Dylan plans to propose to Emily once the season ends.
Three problems:
1-Dylan is secretly in love with Emily
2- Emily has been questioning her feelings for Zach for quite some time
3-Emily finds the ring and assumes that the ring belongs to Dylan and he is asking his casual girlfriend, Denise, to become his bride.
The rest of the book involves Emily’s roommates trying see how committed Dylan really is to Denise, a few kisses, and some very complicated feelings that need sorting.
My Thoughts:
I haven’t been in college in a really long time and the main characters in this book were more my kids’ ages than mine but the story of complex feelings and trying to stay in a relationship just because you feel it’s the right thing to do is both ageless and timeless.
I thoroughly enjoyed Emily’s three roommates. They all had different personalities but were true friends to Emily. I also enjoyed Dylan and Zack’s youngest brother, Nick. He is a high school senior in this book and is only in a few chapters towards the end but he is full on sassy and I look forward to seeing more of him in the other books.
I liked the ending to this book because we have a conclusion but there are long range family dynamic issues that have yet to be resolved which would make since since those sort of wounds don’t heal quickly.
Thanks to Kate Rock Book Tours for the opportunity to read this one and give my honest thoughts
December 21, 2013
***Edit -bumping my review up to 4 stars after receiving an additional two chapters from the author...thanks Christy, just what the book needed in my opinion!***
3.5 stars
Emily thinks she has everything she wants in life...going to a school she loves, great friends and a boyfriend who she has spent the last five years with...that is until she finds an engagement ring in his brothers back pack and is forced to examine her feelings for him.
Dylan has been in love with Emily for as long as he can remember but she belongs to his brother Zach who has just asked him to hold onto the ring he is going to use to propose to Emily. Dylan knows he is in for a life of having to see the woman he can never have...or can he?
The more Dylan tries to avoid Emily, the closer Emily try's to get to Dylan. One night, a kiss changes everything and forces them both to face what they feel.
This was a cute romantic read. The characters are like able and you find yourself rooting for them to figure things out. It was a little slow to start but once I got into it, I enjoyed the story.
My thoughts:
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (you have to wait until the very end to get it but worth the wait and well written. Perfect fit for the story and the characters.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 3.5(there is a big obstacle in the way of their happiness)
Cliffhanger?: Yes, this is left wide open for the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed it. If you are looking for a sweet romance with some conflict, this is the read for you.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
Emily thinks she has everything she wants in life...going to a school she loves, great friends and a boyfriend who she has spent the last five years with...that is until she finds an engagement ring in his brothers back pack and is forced to examine her feelings for him.
Dylan has been in love with Emily for as long as he can remember but she belongs to his brother Zach who has just asked him to hold onto the ring he is going to use to propose to Emily. Dylan knows he is in for a life of having to see the woman he can never have...or can he?
The more Dylan tries to avoid Emily, the closer Emily try's to get to Dylan. One night, a kiss changes everything and forces them both to face what they feel.
This was a cute romantic read. The characters are like able and you find yourself rooting for them to figure things out. It was a little slow to start but once I got into it, I enjoyed the story.
My thoughts:
Character development: 4
Level of Romance between characters: 4
Passion/Heat level: 4 (you have to wait until the very end to get it but worth the wait and well written. Perfect fit for the story and the characters.)
Angst/Heartbreak: 3.5(there is a big obstacle in the way of their happiness)
Cliffhanger?: Yes, this is left wide open for the next book.
Overall, I enjoyed it. If you are looking for a sweet romance with some conflict, this is the read for you.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2021
Such a sweet friends to lovers trope.I’d like to think I’m over teen romance but sometimes it does feel nice to read about young love and a time when your only challenges in life are relationship/friendship problems. Ah! To be young and to be in love 😅 This is a story about two best friends Dylan and Emily who have been the best of friends since forever. They are each other’s confidante and support system but there’s a catch(coz it just can’t be a perfect love story without a hiccup right?). Emily is dating Dylan’s brother Zach & Dylan has had to bury his feelings for Emily and act like her side kick all the while so as to not jeopardize his friendship with her and his relationship with Zach. But when Emily finds an engagement ring that Zach was planning on giving Emily in “Dylan’s” bag, she starts questioning everything.It leaves her completely perplexed knowing her bff is going to propose to a girl he just started dating and is hell bent on stopping him from doing it. But is it just a friend looking out for another friend or if there are feelings beneath all the that is what we discover.
This book took me by surprise but in a good way.I think I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. It’s sweet and simple fluffy romance that just flies by. It’s got drama to pull you through the narration, endearing female friendship who are super supportive and a very beautiful portrayal of healthy romantic interest. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a light and fun read you can breeze through in no time.
This book took me by surprise but in a good way.I think I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. It’s sweet and simple fluffy romance that just flies by. It’s got drama to pull you through the narration, endearing female friendship who are super supportive and a very beautiful portrayal of healthy romantic interest. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a light and fun read you can breeze through in no time.
March 20, 2021
*A big thank you to netgalley for giving me this adorable swoon worthy novel in exchange for a review*
Ahhh where do I start? Okay. So overall, this book is pure fluff. The angst is calm enough to enjoy and the romance just makes your heart jump up and down. I loved the pacing of Emily and Dylan’s romance. I loved how realistic the consequences were but I loved that they worked together through it. They did pull away and silent treatment each other a lot but like grown adults they came back and had healthy conversation after. I loved Emily! Sometimes the romantic interest is kind of 2 dimensional and bland but Emily was smart and independent and real and I loved that. Dylan was also just *swoon*. I loved that he was a healthy romantic interest, he respected Emily and her boundaries and he really did care about his brother and his family even when he was the one who messed up. This was so entertaining and so simple but still a story you were excited to see tie together in the end. Lastly I loved that we got a couple happy ever after chapters at the end. So many authors end with a kiss and we don’t get any calm non angst dates but we got a few “as a couple” chapters and I loved them! I will 100% be reading more from this author and I recommend this to anyone who loves fluffy romance!
Ahhh where do I start? Okay. So overall, this book is pure fluff. The angst is calm enough to enjoy and the romance just makes your heart jump up and down. I loved the pacing of Emily and Dylan’s romance. I loved how realistic the consequences were but I loved that they worked together through it. They did pull away and silent treatment each other a lot but like grown adults they came back and had healthy conversation after. I loved Emily! Sometimes the romantic interest is kind of 2 dimensional and bland but Emily was smart and independent and real and I loved that. Dylan was also just *swoon*. I loved that he was a healthy romantic interest, he respected Emily and her boundaries and he really did care about his brother and his family even when he was the one who messed up. This was so entertaining and so simple but still a story you were excited to see tie together in the end. Lastly I loved that we got a couple happy ever after chapters at the end. So many authors end with a kiss and we don’t get any calm non angst dates but we got a few “as a couple” chapters and I loved them! I will 100% be reading more from this author and I recommend this to anyone who loves fluffy romance!
April 7, 2021
Emily and Dylan are best friends, but Dylan has harboured feelings for her for as long as he can remember, that aren't strictly platonic. He missed out on telling her when she started dating his older brother, Zach - the star quarterback, five years ago.
We join the story as things are going awry between Emily and Zach, and (in what seems to be a last-ditch attempt to show his girlfriend he really does love her) Zach has the bright idea to propose. And who better to keep hold of the ring until he's ready than his brother, Dylan?
Dylan is understandably distraught that he might lose Emily, unable to face seeing them married. But when Emily accidentally finds the ring she jumps to the wrong conclusion. What follows is a comedy of errors until finally, faced with the truth, Emily and Dylan must face their feelings for one another and decide whether to risk upsetting the people they both care most about, in the name of true love.
This was an enjoyable read and I particularly loved the comedy surrounding the housemates and how they discover who the ring is actually destined for. I do feel that Zach and Emily seemed ill-suited from the start, so the fact that they managed to maintain a five-year relationship seems a stretch, but this didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. Recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*
We join the story as things are going awry between Emily and Zach, and (in what seems to be a last-ditch attempt to show his girlfriend he really does love her) Zach has the bright idea to propose. And who better to keep hold of the ring until he's ready than his brother, Dylan?
Dylan is understandably distraught that he might lose Emily, unable to face seeing them married. But when Emily accidentally finds the ring she jumps to the wrong conclusion. What follows is a comedy of errors until finally, faced with the truth, Emily and Dylan must face their feelings for one another and decide whether to risk upsetting the people they both care most about, in the name of true love.
This was an enjoyable read and I particularly loved the comedy surrounding the housemates and how they discover who the ring is actually destined for. I do feel that Zach and Emily seemed ill-suited from the start, so the fact that they managed to maintain a five-year relationship seems a stretch, but this didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. Recommended.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to leave an honest review*
April 16, 2021
Thank you once again, NetGalley, the publicist, and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely enjoyed the whole ride reading this book. It was a great friends-to-lovers troupe book I've ever read this year, immediately one of my favorite read. It was just a cute and sweet story for Emily and Dylan as best friends turned to chaotic but in a good way relationship.
The circumstances and plot walks of the story messed it up and turned their peaceful life upside down, blame that engagement ring, however, I'm not complaining. I absolutely adore both characters because of their personalities. They have been honest and considerate for others plus the friendship of the story is goals!
Emily and Dylan's intimate relationship was heartwarming and *chef's kiss*. Their chemistry and growth throughout the story from friendship to a relationship was well written and fast-paced that I absolutely liked it. Moreover, I would've love to see what this book has to offer from all the characters involved and how it will unravel.
Overall, I'm whipped. I loved the book as a whole and I'm genuinely excited to read the rest of the series knowing that I loved the first book. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who's into heartwarming and sweet friends-to-lovers readers! This book is for you!
I absolutely enjoyed the whole ride reading this book. It was a great friends-to-lovers troupe book I've ever read this year, immediately one of my favorite read. It was just a cute and sweet story for Emily and Dylan as best friends turned to chaotic but in a good way relationship.
The circumstances and plot walks of the story messed it up and turned their peaceful life upside down, blame that engagement ring, however, I'm not complaining. I absolutely adore both characters because of their personalities. They have been honest and considerate for others plus the friendship of the story is goals!
Emily and Dylan's intimate relationship was heartwarming and *chef's kiss*. Their chemistry and growth throughout the story from friendship to a relationship was well written and fast-paced that I absolutely liked it. Moreover, I would've love to see what this book has to offer from all the characters involved and how it will unravel.
Overall, I'm whipped. I loved the book as a whole and I'm genuinely excited to read the rest of the series knowing that I loved the first book. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who's into heartwarming and sweet friends-to-lovers readers! This book is for you!
April 20, 2021
Sometimes the love of your life has been with you the whole time, you just never noticed. That is exactly what happens to Emily when she discovers an engagement ring in her best friend's Dylan's backpack. How has he gotten so serious over his new girlfriend already, and why should she care so much since she is dating his older brother Zach?
But Emily's feelings have changed for Zach in a big way. She is beginning to see that their relationship is one sided, and she doesn't see herself happy with him anymore. And this nonsense with the ring and Dylan is eating her alive. She concocts a series of plans that in a comedy of errors backfire on her. Meanwhile Dylan has been in love with Emily forever, and that ring is certainly not what she thinks it is. And he is also tortured over all of this.
This is a new adult story that is pretty clean though I would definitely rate it on the PG13 scale as the tension between them sizzles. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. This is the second book that I have read in this series and I have been enjoying this group of roommates and their journey through college and life.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
But Emily's feelings have changed for Zach in a big way. She is beginning to see that their relationship is one sided, and she doesn't see herself happy with him anymore. And this nonsense with the ring and Dylan is eating her alive. She concocts a series of plans that in a comedy of errors backfire on her. Meanwhile Dylan has been in love with Emily forever, and that ring is certainly not what she thinks it is. And he is also tortured over all of this.
This is a new adult story that is pretty clean though I would definitely rate it on the PG13 scale as the tension between them sizzles. I really enjoyed this friends to lovers story. This is the second book that I have read in this series and I have been enjoying this group of roommates and their journey through college and life.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
April 3, 2021
Stalling for Time by Christy Hayes is my new all-time favorite contemporary romance novel. I loved the humor, the undeniable attraction between friends, the secrets, and the intense scenes. The whole story had many plotlines that connected and were just ready to explode. They all connected and caused for an explosive yet fierce read. There are the bonds that brothers have and the bonds that best of friends have. I felt sympathy for the brother who loved the woman for such a long time only to finally get a chance. This chance brings all kinds of hell and chaos. Emotions are flying high and the scenes are epic! I was hooked! Christy Hayes writes an addictive story that pulls me from my seat into her book. Once I started to read this book, I was a goner. I loved the instant chemistry. The friends-to-lovers theme worked well. This is the first novel to a brand new series. It's hot, fast, and emotionally engaging. every second was a wild rollercoaster ride that left me beginning for more. I cannot wait to read the next book in this Kiss & Tell series. Overall, it was the best contemporary romance novel. Drama, action, and heat all in one superb read.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
April 7, 2021
STALLING FOR TIME is the first book in Christy Hayes' "Kiss & Tell" series. College sophomore, Emily Dilbert has been best friends with Dylan Chamberlain since they were in the second grade. They know the other so well they finish each other's sentences. The thing is she's been dating Dylan's brother, college football star, Zach Chamberlain for the last five years. Yes, Dylan's brother. Emily's kind of sick of Zach's self-centered attitude and is trying to find the best time to break up with him. Emily and Dylan both know in their own ways, that they care more than a little bit about the other, but they've never discussed or acted upon it. But when Zach gives Dylan a ring to hold that he plans to give to Emily, everything goes to hell.
Emily accidentally finds the engagement ring in Dylan's backpack. Thinking he's going to propose to his sort-of girlfriend, Denise and feels she has to stop that. Emily proceeds to turn her life and that of her roommates, Kayla, Reagan and Shelby into a soap opera starring Emily. Everyone proceeds to make lots of assumptions and you know what that means. It's all about trying not to hurt the other, but honesty is no where to be found and eventually, everything comes to a head.
We can only imagine what happens next.
Emily accidentally finds the engagement ring in Dylan's backpack. Thinking he's going to propose to his sort-of girlfriend, Denise and feels she has to stop that. Emily proceeds to turn her life and that of her roommates, Kayla, Reagan and Shelby into a soap opera starring Emily. Everyone proceeds to make lots of assumptions and you know what that means. It's all about trying not to hurt the other, but honesty is no where to be found and eventually, everything comes to a head.
We can only imagine what happens next.
April 8, 2021
Okay I have to start with saying this was a 3.5 ⭐ read for me. It felt very romcomy (sure that's a word) but was kinda infuriating.
The main girl Emily found a ring in her best friends backpack that she assumed was for a girl he was dating for a very short time. She then decides to make her friends hit on him to show him that he isn't serious about marriage. Of course it all went to crap. That wasn't really my issue with the book. It was the fact that everyone just assumed stuff.
The whole book is set during college and I think that's suppose to make Emily's indecisiveness more reasonable but it was just hard to like her because of that. Instead the best friend turned boyfriend Dylan was my favorite character in this book. He had his money's of assuming but not as drastic as Emily. He was a total pushover cuz of how head over heels he was for Emily.
The one scene that kept this from being a 3 star read was the moment when they finally realized they both are in love with each other. The almost intimate scene was a nice break and made the book more intriguing. The main thing that kept it from being a 4 was how much I just couldn't root for Emily.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The main girl Emily found a ring in her best friends backpack that she assumed was for a girl he was dating for a very short time. She then decides to make her friends hit on him to show him that he isn't serious about marriage. Of course it all went to crap. That wasn't really my issue with the book. It was the fact that everyone just assumed stuff.
The whole book is set during college and I think that's suppose to make Emily's indecisiveness more reasonable but it was just hard to like her because of that. Instead the best friend turned boyfriend Dylan was my favorite character in this book. He had his money's of assuming but not as drastic as Emily. He was a total pushover cuz of how head over heels he was for Emily.
The one scene that kept this from being a 3 star read was the moment when they finally realized they both are in love with each other. The almost intimate scene was a nice break and made the book more intriguing. The main thing that kept it from being a 4 was how much I just couldn't root for Emily.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
April 8, 2021
Stalling for Time by Christy Hayes follows the high school couple into college. Emily and Zach seem like the perfect couple – the college football star and his supportive girlfriend. But not everything is good with them. It’s a very one-sided relationship, and I could tell from the get-go that things weren’t OK.
This story really shows why it is so important to be honest – not just in your romantic relationships, but in your friendships. Once Emily finds the ring and jumps to the wrong conclusion, it’s a series of misunderstandings and miscommunication for the rest of the story. At times it was a little humorous – especially the roommates and the part they played in getting the right people together. But after a little while, the confusion just got old and I really wanted everyone to just have a nice sit-down and sort it all out.
Emily’s plot (and the fact that her roommates seem to go along with it) seemed a little too juveline for a college student. And a little too cruel for a best friend. I feel like everyone mostly redeemed themselves by the end of the story, but it was touch and go there for a while.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
This story really shows why it is so important to be honest – not just in your romantic relationships, but in your friendships. Once Emily finds the ring and jumps to the wrong conclusion, it’s a series of misunderstandings and miscommunication for the rest of the story. At times it was a little humorous – especially the roommates and the part they played in getting the right people together. But after a little while, the confusion just got old and I really wanted everyone to just have a nice sit-down and sort it all out.
Emily’s plot (and the fact that her roommates seem to go along with it) seemed a little too juveline for a college student. And a little too cruel for a best friend. I feel like everyone mostly redeemed themselves by the end of the story, but it was touch and go there for a while.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
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