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Blue Collar Bensons #1
First Comes Loathe
Conceited. Harlot. Easy. Addict.
A-list Hollywood actress, Scarlett, has been called every name in the book. Most she’s earned with her attention-seeking antics, high-maintenance personality, and bed-hopping. But even the most glamorous and sought-after actress can have a vulnerable center hidden beneath the glittery exterior. Years in the spotlight have battered Scarlett into a woman she no longer recognizes. Hitting rock bottom in a humiliating public display finally wakes her up to the disaster her life has become. It’s time for Scarlett to hang up her stage name, move somewhere no one will find her, and start over as plain old Michaela Hudson.
If there’s one thing mechanic Keith Benson hates, it’s a rich woman who thinks the world should bow at her feet. Someone like that hot mess of an actress Scarlett who can’t take a breath without wanting her adoring fans to shower her with love. Pretentious women make him sick. But he finds a doozy when he comes to the rescue of a stranded motorist. Within five seconds, the gorgeous Michaela rubs him the wrong way. He wants no part of her, no matter how his body responds. Unfortunately, she moves onto his block and quickly befriends his siblings. He has enough problems, including an abusive father bent on screwing up Keith’s life. The last thing he needs is an uppity neighbor he hates but can’t get off his mind.
While settling into her new life is smoother than Michaela feared, it’s not all sunshine and smiles. She’s always worried someone will discover her true identity, and she can’t stop thinking about the grouchy neighbor she angered after long her first night in town. While she hopes to remain anonymous for as long as possible, she can’t avoid Keith forever. With a little work, they develop a tentative friendship, which turns complicated once they give into the scorching heat between them.
As they cautiously grow closer, Keith’s problems bleed into Michaela’s issues, wreaking havoc on an already tenuous connection. Is there any chance for the disgraced Hollywood star and the man who loathes her?
A-list Hollywood actress, Scarlett, has been called every name in the book. Most she’s earned with her attention-seeking antics, high-maintenance personality, and bed-hopping. But even the most glamorous and sought-after actress can have a vulnerable center hidden beneath the glittery exterior. Years in the spotlight have battered Scarlett into a woman she no longer recognizes. Hitting rock bottom in a humiliating public display finally wakes her up to the disaster her life has become. It’s time for Scarlett to hang up her stage name, move somewhere no one will find her, and start over as plain old Michaela Hudson.
If there’s one thing mechanic Keith Benson hates, it’s a rich woman who thinks the world should bow at her feet. Someone like that hot mess of an actress Scarlett who can’t take a breath without wanting her adoring fans to shower her with love. Pretentious women make him sick. But he finds a doozy when he comes to the rescue of a stranded motorist. Within five seconds, the gorgeous Michaela rubs him the wrong way. He wants no part of her, no matter how his body responds. Unfortunately, she moves onto his block and quickly befriends his siblings. He has enough problems, including an abusive father bent on screwing up Keith’s life. The last thing he needs is an uppity neighbor he hates but can’t get off his mind.
While settling into her new life is smoother than Michaela feared, it’s not all sunshine and smiles. She’s always worried someone will discover her true identity, and she can’t stop thinking about the grouchy neighbor she angered after long her first night in town. While she hopes to remain anonymous for as long as possible, she can’t avoid Keith forever. With a little work, they develop a tentative friendship, which turns complicated once they give into the scorching heat between them.
As they cautiously grow closer, Keith’s problems bleed into Michaela’s issues, wreaking havoc on an already tenuous connection. Is there any chance for the disgraced Hollywood star and the man who loathes her?
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2021
315 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 6, 2022
Wow! What a heartfelt story filled with a ton of emotion and a lot of drama. One thing to mention is that out of all the books we have read so far this year, this book and brand-new series has had the best cast of characters ever. We thought the characters were absolutely awesome! We loved the family unit of the Benson children they were a lot of fun, and they were engaging we loved their teasing their camaraderie some were full of sass others funny and one that had a grumpy and judgmental attitude. Considering this family had been to hell and back, we loved that they were so close and there was a lot of love there between them, and we loved that they always had each other's backs. Keith stood out as the protector of all of them.
One thing we loved most about the story, it, it felt very real. Scarlett aka Mickie was a bit of a train wreck when were first met her despite her fame and fortune she was very lost but, we loved how she took responsibility for her past and moved forward to create a band new life and left that toxic life behind that was killing her. We loved her determination and even though she was still a bit lost and insecure at times you could just tell she had one heck of a backbone, we also found her to be funny and sassy when the situation warranted it!
Keith was one of those characters you want to hate but, he makes it impossible and from the moment we met him our constant thoughts were this man needs a good a--kicking! We loved his love and devotion to his family and how he was all about protecting them but, his treatment from the moment he met Mickie was deplorable here Mickie was trying to move on from her past and here you had Keith letting his define his current action and deeds.
Talk about a couple having awesome chemistry because Keith and Mickie had that in spades. This couple had some rather fan worthy hot and sexy scenes, those two we like a moth to a flame. Smoking Hot together!
Overall, we really loved the story and could not put it down. The story was full of tons of drama and had a cast of some really awesome characters that were impossible not to fall in love with, and it was about all the messy bits' life throws your way. But, in the mix of all the crazy, sometimes something beautiful comes out of all those ashes...
One thing we loved most about the story, it, it felt very real. Scarlett aka Mickie was a bit of a train wreck when were first met her despite her fame and fortune she was very lost but, we loved how she took responsibility for her past and moved forward to create a band new life and left that toxic life behind that was killing her. We loved her determination and even though she was still a bit lost and insecure at times you could just tell she had one heck of a backbone, we also found her to be funny and sassy when the situation warranted it!
Keith was one of those characters you want to hate but, he makes it impossible and from the moment we met him our constant thoughts were this man needs a good a--kicking! We loved his love and devotion to his family and how he was all about protecting them but, his treatment from the moment he met Mickie was deplorable here Mickie was trying to move on from her past and here you had Keith letting his define his current action and deeds.
Talk about a couple having awesome chemistry because Keith and Mickie had that in spades. This couple had some rather fan worthy hot and sexy scenes, those two we like a moth to a flame. Smoking Hot together!
Overall, we really loved the story and could not put it down. The story was full of tons of drama and had a cast of some really awesome characters that were impossible not to fall in love with, and it was about all the messy bits' life throws your way. But, in the mix of all the crazy, sometimes something beautiful comes out of all those ashes...
April 14, 2021
ARC provided by the author. It felt weird reading a book by Lilly that wasn’t a part of the MC world. At the beginning of the book I wasn’t a fan of the heroine but once she met him she changed. Can’t wait to see what’s to come in this series.
August 21, 2021
Had to take off a star
This would have been a 5 star book for me but I had to deduct one for the grammatical errors. I can take a few errors but this book had too many. I will definitely read the next books in the series, I just hope they get proofread first.
This would have been a 5 star book for me but I had to deduct one for the grammatical errors. I can take a few errors but this book had too many. I will definitely read the next books in the series, I just hope they get proofread first.
March 23, 2021
OMG I loved this BOOK!!! Lilly Atlas loved every minute of this one. Did it over one day, I couldn’t stop reading once I started. Scarlett/Mickie and Keith was an electric, sexy and Hot couple.
I have to say that when I started this book, I really didn’t like Scarlett, but once I kept reading I really loved her. She was amazing, she went through so much and then she pulled herself up and totally remade herself into the person she was always meant to be. When she and Keith met, lol… Shame I felt sorry for her, and I wanted so smack him for being so judgemental. But once they got over some hang ups it seemed like it was a good start.
Keith really annoyed me at times when he kept on jumping to the wrong conclusions. But I loved that his siblings and especially Jagger was there to keep on pushing him to see where his feelings and relationship went with Mickie.
This was definitely a story I loved. I loved both these characters, even though I wanted so wack Keith a few times. I loved Keith’s siblings. They totally rocked, especially Jagger. And that ending, lol… How did I know that was going to happen. I cant wait to read the next book in this series, it is going to be so awesome so see how JP meets his match 😊 ♥.
This was a story about a rich women moving to a small town to find herself and meeting the love of her life, who doesn’t want to read that 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
I have to say that when I started this book, I really didn’t like Scarlett, but once I kept reading I really loved her. She was amazing, she went through so much and then she pulled herself up and totally remade herself into the person she was always meant to be. When she and Keith met, lol… Shame I felt sorry for her, and I wanted so smack him for being so judgemental. But once they got over some hang ups it seemed like it was a good start.
Keith really annoyed me at times when he kept on jumping to the wrong conclusions. But I loved that his siblings and especially Jagger was there to keep on pushing him to see where his feelings and relationship went with Mickie.
This was definitely a story I loved. I loved both these characters, even though I wanted so wack Keith a few times. I loved Keith’s siblings. They totally rocked, especially Jagger. And that ending, lol… How did I know that was going to happen. I cant wait to read the next book in this series, it is going to be so awesome so see how JP meets his match 😊 ♥.
This was a story about a rich women moving to a small town to find herself and meeting the love of her life, who doesn’t want to read that 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
March 23, 2021
This is the first non MC book I’ve read from Lilly Atlas and it did not disappoint. First Comes Loathe is book 1 in the Blue Collar Benson series.
Scarlett has become a terrible person in the limelight and feels the need to reevaluate her life, so she leaves it all behind for a small town and reinvents herself as Mickie.
Keith is a broody small town mechanic with the weight of the world on his shoulders trying to protect his siblings and deal with their abusive father. The last thing he needs in his life is a high maintenance actress.
Sparks fly when these two opposites meet but can they move past their own personal issues to have a relationship or will their pasts tear them apart?
Scarlett has become a terrible person in the limelight and feels the need to reevaluate her life, so she leaves it all behind for a small town and reinvents herself as Mickie.
Keith is a broody small town mechanic with the weight of the world on his shoulders trying to protect his siblings and deal with their abusive father. The last thing he needs in his life is a high maintenance actress.
Sparks fly when these two opposites meet but can they move past their own personal issues to have a relationship or will their pasts tear them apart?
November 22, 2025
Who doesn't love a hot mechanic and a women with a backbone and brain.
May 3, 2022
When I read the blurb, I was like, "Nope. I'm not going to like this. This girl sounds like a snot. She's going to be one of those out there females, and I'm going to struggle through the whole book while she plays 'who has the bigger balls' with the male MC." Well, I have the ketchup ready for my hat because I apparently am going to eat it. This book ROCKED. Loved it! I started reading it, thinking that I'd fit it in on my reading schedule with my other books. Yeah, well, the other books got thrown to the side, and this one got devoured in a short period. I had a hard time putting it down. It's not that it's super exciting. It's very basic contemporary romance. But I loved the characters, and the story was so compelling. I just couldn't stop reading.
"Scarlett" is an A-list Hollywood actress who has let that lifestyle consume her. She's addicted to drugs and alcohol. Due to this, she is participating in risky behavior and acting out. The more time she has spent as an actress, the worse she became. After she tries crystal meth for the first time when she walks off the set of big time movie, she has a heart attack. It's the wake-up call she needed. Scarlett slowly morphs into Michaela Hudson (her real name) through months of rehab and therapy, she claws her way back toward her old self. Part of her transformation involves leaving Hollywood behind forever and moving to a small town where she meets the Benson family. All of the Bensons love her, except for Keith, who immediately hates her on sight. He can't stand rich women due to his past history and makes judgments on her based on what she looks like (she went back to her natural look and she appears nothing like Scarlett now). However, after he spends more time with her since her family keeps inviting her to things, he finally begins seeing the real Michaela...and he really loves that woman. It's too bad that he LOATHES the actress Scarlett. If he knew Michaela's secret, that would be it for them.
Keith Benson has a lot riding on his shoulders: not only does he make sure his brothers and sister are well-taken care of, he promised his late mother that he would make sure that his dead-beat father stayed out of trouble. This means that he'll take the guy home from bars after he's been drinking all day, every day, pay the guy's rent, and bail him out of jail--all doing this while the other siblings are in the dark. Then, Michaela Hudson rolls into town. Keith immediately can't stand her. She represents everything he hates: rich, demanding, stuck-up, power-hungry. Except...she doesn't seem like any of these things. Keith is sure that this must be an act, but when he starts to realize it's not, he begins to let down his guard. Their ensuing relationship is explosive, and they get along well together. Unfortunately, she's carrying a secret that could destroy their relationship, and she's not the only one keeping secrets either...
Well, I was totally wrong about Michaela. Instead of being a loud-mouth, she was an all-around likable character who was continuously working toward self-improvement. I ended up relating to her so much as I messed up a good chunk of my life through untreated mental illness and alcohol compounding that. Maybe that's why I loved the book so much? lol I liked how Keith had his own flaws and past issues that he had to work through, and it wasn't just him looking down on Michaela because of her past. It was just a well-done book. Good story. Good main characters. And the supporting characters were a hoot! Love the small-town vibe. It really came to life in this story. I don't get that in every small town story. If I could give the book a sixth star, I would.
Blue Collar Bensons Series
-Review of First Comes Loath (Blue Collar Bensons #1)
-Review of Shock and Aww (Blue Collar Bensons #2)
"Scarlett" is an A-list Hollywood actress who has let that lifestyle consume her. She's addicted to drugs and alcohol. Due to this, she is participating in risky behavior and acting out. The more time she has spent as an actress, the worse she became. After she tries crystal meth for the first time when she walks off the set of big time movie, she has a heart attack. It's the wake-up call she needed. Scarlett slowly morphs into Michaela Hudson (her real name) through months of rehab and therapy, she claws her way back toward her old self. Part of her transformation involves leaving Hollywood behind forever and moving to a small town where she meets the Benson family. All of the Bensons love her, except for Keith, who immediately hates her on sight. He can't stand rich women due to his past history and makes judgments on her based on what she looks like (she went back to her natural look and she appears nothing like Scarlett now). However, after he spends more time with her since her family keeps inviting her to things, he finally begins seeing the real Michaela...and he really loves that woman. It's too bad that he LOATHES the actress Scarlett. If he knew Michaela's secret, that would be it for them.
Keith Benson has a lot riding on his shoulders: not only does he make sure his brothers and sister are well-taken care of, he promised his late mother that he would make sure that his dead-beat father stayed out of trouble. This means that he'll take the guy home from bars after he's been drinking all day, every day, pay the guy's rent, and bail him out of jail--all doing this while the other siblings are in the dark. Then, Michaela Hudson rolls into town. Keith immediately can't stand her. She represents everything he hates: rich, demanding, stuck-up, power-hungry. Except...she doesn't seem like any of these things. Keith is sure that this must be an act, but when he starts to realize it's not, he begins to let down his guard. Their ensuing relationship is explosive, and they get along well together. Unfortunately, she's carrying a secret that could destroy their relationship, and she's not the only one keeping secrets either...
Well, I was totally wrong about Michaela. Instead of being a loud-mouth, she was an all-around likable character who was continuously working toward self-improvement. I ended up relating to her so much as I messed up a good chunk of my life through untreated mental illness and alcohol compounding that. Maybe that's why I loved the book so much? lol I liked how Keith had his own flaws and past issues that he had to work through, and it wasn't just him looking down on Michaela because of her past. It was just a well-done book. Good story. Good main characters. And the supporting characters were a hoot! Love the small-town vibe. It really came to life in this story. I don't get that in every small town story. If I could give the book a sixth star, I would.
Blue Collar Bensons Series
-Review of First Comes Loath (Blue Collar Bensons #1)
-Review of Shock and Aww (Blue Collar Bensons #2)
August 12, 2022
Male MC:
Keith was an asshole. A grade A asshole who was extremely judgmental, rude, quick to assume he knew things about Mickie and had pegged her right, and had lots of baggage that coloured his view of her throughout the story. There'd be tiny glimmers of decency and sweetness every now and then, but nowhere near enough of it to redeem him as a character and make him at all likeable.
Female MC:
Michaela was also unlikeable. She's described as strong and a wonderful person (by her BFF and by Keith at different points) but nothing from the beginning when we're introduced to her when she's still a drunk and addict sets up that there's any good personality traits hiding behind her addictions. Her descent into alcohol and drugs is explained as her filling a void as she's overwhelmed and swept under by the tide that is Hollywood. However, her origin story of starting off in Hollywood is almost vengeance/revenge-based for being told she doesn't have the makings of a star during her very first audition. That doesn't exactly scream healthy persistence and grit. She's rude and mean to people and is an unlikable diva that has lost touch with herself. After hitting bottom and cleaning up her life, she's not any more interesting or special of a character.
Relationship:
Mickie and Keith get off on the wrong foot, have hate sex very early on (though they don't even know each other enough to actually hate each other), fall into a not-quite-friends-with-benefits arrangement that is exclusive and includes spending lots of time together, realize they're fallen into a relationship without having labelled it that or having any conversations, have heart to hearts and make promises even though they're still not official or sharing their actual feelings, and things eventually implode.
Secondary Characters:
Along the way there are cliché baddies that pop up every now and then to add side plot drama and stir the pot. They're predictable characters and their actions aren't imaginative. They cause all sorts of problems and we get superficial (and again, cliché) backstories to explain why the baddies turned out to be baddies. Sigh.
Writing:
I did not enjoy the writing. From a technical standpoint, I got very hung up on the many grammar and spelling errors. I was frequently wondering at the editing (or lack thereof). It was also clunky, lacked fluidity, and read like hundreds of other subpar or barely adequate romance novels I've read before. Nothing original.
Slight Silver Lining:
The redeeming element of the book (and the thing that made this a 2 star rather than a 1 star review) is the Benson siblings. They're a hoot. Their banter was fun. Great sass and ribbing.
Keith was an asshole. A grade A asshole who was extremely judgmental, rude, quick to assume he knew things about Mickie and had pegged her right, and had lots of baggage that coloured his view of her throughout the story. There'd be tiny glimmers of decency and sweetness every now and then, but nowhere near enough of it to redeem him as a character and make him at all likeable.
Female MC:
Michaela was also unlikeable. She's described as strong and a wonderful person (by her BFF and by Keith at different points) but nothing from the beginning when we're introduced to her when she's still a drunk and addict sets up that there's any good personality traits hiding behind her addictions. Her descent into alcohol and drugs is explained as her filling a void as she's overwhelmed and swept under by the tide that is Hollywood. However, her origin story of starting off in Hollywood is almost vengeance/revenge-based for being told she doesn't have the makings of a star during her very first audition. That doesn't exactly scream healthy persistence and grit. She's rude and mean to people and is an unlikable diva that has lost touch with herself. After hitting bottom and cleaning up her life, she's not any more interesting or special of a character.
Relationship:
Mickie and Keith get off on the wrong foot, have hate sex very early on (though they don't even know each other enough to actually hate each other), fall into a not-quite-friends-with-benefits arrangement that is exclusive and includes spending lots of time together, realize they're fallen into a relationship without having labelled it that or having any conversations, have heart to hearts and make promises even though they're still not official or sharing their actual feelings, and things eventually implode.
Secondary Characters:
Along the way there are cliché baddies that pop up every now and then to add side plot drama and stir the pot. They're predictable characters and their actions aren't imaginative. They cause all sorts of problems and we get superficial (and again, cliché) backstories to explain why the baddies turned out to be baddies. Sigh.
Writing:
I did not enjoy the writing. From a technical standpoint, I got very hung up on the many grammar and spelling errors. I was frequently wondering at the editing (or lack thereof). It was also clunky, lacked fluidity, and read like hundreds of other subpar or barely adequate romance novels I've read before. Nothing original.
Slight Silver Lining:
The redeeming element of the book (and the thing that made this a 2 star rather than a 1 star review) is the Benson siblings. They're a hoot. Their banter was fun. Great sass and ribbing.
February 12, 2022
First Comes Loathe
(Blue Collar Bensons #1)
Written by: Lilly Atlas
Michaela Hudson (Scarlett) went to LA to become an actress. From a small West Virginia farming town to a professional crash and burn, Michaela or Mickie has gone through a 10-year career rise and fall. A medical emergency, a stint in rehab and months of working on her herself, she’s moved from Hollywood to Vermont, looking to restart her life as Michaela Hudson leaving Scarlett persona behind.
Keith Benson, was raised in a small Vermont town, yes, he did a stint in the army working as a mechanic and when he left went back home to do what he had promised his mother he would do, take care of his siblings and watch out for his father. He meets Michaela when he goes to change her blown tire outside of town. He has an issue with rich people, along with a few other issues (drug & alcohol abuse) and it’s because of those feelings he immediately puts walls up and doesn’t allow himself to see past them. Unfortunately, that sometimes sets Keith up to miss who Michaela is now.
When they do take steps to understand where the other came from they discovered that the pull they had felt from their first meeting became a hot steamy relationship that could set off a fire alarm!
There is a lot packed into First Comes Loathe, both of the main characters, Michaela and Keith have dealt with multiple issues and both did not have a stellar childhood. One of the biggest factors that cause much of the angst and distrust comes by holding back information.
Along with the angst and distrust is a wonderful spreading of humor and family support. The Benson siblings, Veronica (Ronnie), Jagger, JP, Ian and Jimmy bring humor and support to not just the story line but the two MC’s.
Mental health, childhood trauma and substance abuse are all parts of this story and were treated with care throughout the book.
I enjoyed meeting Michaela and Keith and the rest of the Benson’s and am looking forward to beginning JP’s story next.
(Blue Collar Bensons #1)
Written by: Lilly Atlas
Michaela Hudson (Scarlett) went to LA to become an actress. From a small West Virginia farming town to a professional crash and burn, Michaela or Mickie has gone through a 10-year career rise and fall. A medical emergency, a stint in rehab and months of working on her herself, she’s moved from Hollywood to Vermont, looking to restart her life as Michaela Hudson leaving Scarlett persona behind.
Keith Benson, was raised in a small Vermont town, yes, he did a stint in the army working as a mechanic and when he left went back home to do what he had promised his mother he would do, take care of his siblings and watch out for his father. He meets Michaela when he goes to change her blown tire outside of town. He has an issue with rich people, along with a few other issues (drug & alcohol abuse) and it’s because of those feelings he immediately puts walls up and doesn’t allow himself to see past them. Unfortunately, that sometimes sets Keith up to miss who Michaela is now.
When they do take steps to understand where the other came from they discovered that the pull they had felt from their first meeting became a hot steamy relationship that could set off a fire alarm!
There is a lot packed into First Comes Loathe, both of the main characters, Michaela and Keith have dealt with multiple issues and both did not have a stellar childhood. One of the biggest factors that cause much of the angst and distrust comes by holding back information.
Along with the angst and distrust is a wonderful spreading of humor and family support. The Benson siblings, Veronica (Ronnie), Jagger, JP, Ian and Jimmy bring humor and support to not just the story line but the two MC’s.
Mental health, childhood trauma and substance abuse are all parts of this story and were treated with care throughout the book.
I enjoyed meeting Michaela and Keith and the rest of the Benson’s and am looking forward to beginning JP’s story next.
March 25, 2021
First comes loathe was such a great book it would be book one in the Blue Collar Bensons and I can't wait to read more about the Benson family and hopefully see more of the heroines BFF . I've read a lot of books by Lilly Atlas and I fall for her stories every time I open her books I can't wait to read more by the author . In the first couple of pages I didn't know how I would feel about Scarlett but the more I got to know the real Scarlett the more I fell for her and just thought she was so strong to overcome challenges and trying to be a better person . Now Keith was harder to fall for it's understandable the way he was but come on dude some of the things he said was really hurtful and just mean but when he got over his issues he was just amazing being the oldest brother he took care of his younger siblings and held a lot of unneeded guilt they just loved him and didn't hold any grudges towards him . Them as a couple was electric I really liked them together they both had some dirty thoughts about the other and when they finally did the deed lets just say HOT . Now onto the secondary characters so loved them with the Benson siblings and Scarletts best friend make some pretty funny moments I hope to see more of these characters in the future I'm really excited to read were this series takes off to . Over all this was such a good book loved everything about it even the painful parts just brought more to the story .
stars = 5
hero = 4.5
heroine = 5
side characters = 5
steam = 4
stars = 5
hero = 4.5
heroine = 5
side characters = 5
steam = 4
June 27, 2021
4/5 - I’m just saying… CORN MAZE. And JP’s book better be next!
I’m a huge fan of Ms Lilly Atlas. She writes layered romance stories full of emotions and intimacy. Not to mention she can throw down when it comes to sexy times. This book was a little more subdued than her MC series but it worked and was actually perfect for the setting in VT.
I loved Keith from the beginning. He’s the grumpy and sweet, plus a guy that loves his family but is also afraid of his heart being broken. Even when he’s not so fair to Mich, I still love him.
Mich took longer for me to warm up to. I think it has to do with the opening chapter of who she was before moving to VT from CA. But she turned out to be a cool heroine that’s strong without being a bitch.
The Benson family is great. They are hilarious and their bickering made me snort laugh at times. I want to be part of their family.
Ralph is the best bff I’ve read in a long time. He’s a great guy.
The EPILOGUE! I loved it. I usually have problems with romance epilogues but this one was perfect.
The reason I rated the book 4/5, had to do with unnecessary angst. I get it’s there so the story can happen and build tension, I just don’t like angst if it can be avoided.
I total rec this book
Book Ratings:
5⭐️- Loved everything. Highly rec
4⭐️- Liked but something bugged me
3⭐️- Ok but vital missing elements to genre
2⭐️- Dislike but you may
1⭐️- Dislike, so much wrong, no rec
I’m a huge fan of Ms Lilly Atlas. She writes layered romance stories full of emotions and intimacy. Not to mention she can throw down when it comes to sexy times. This book was a little more subdued than her MC series but it worked and was actually perfect for the setting in VT.
I loved Keith from the beginning. He’s the grumpy and sweet, plus a guy that loves his family but is also afraid of his heart being broken. Even when he’s not so fair to Mich, I still love him.
Mich took longer for me to warm up to. I think it has to do with the opening chapter of who she was before moving to VT from CA. But she turned out to be a cool heroine that’s strong without being a bitch.
The Benson family is great. They are hilarious and their bickering made me snort laugh at times. I want to be part of their family.
Ralph is the best bff I’ve read in a long time. He’s a great guy.
The EPILOGUE! I loved it. I usually have problems with romance epilogues but this one was perfect.
The reason I rated the book 4/5, had to do with unnecessary angst. I get it’s there so the story can happen and build tension, I just don’t like angst if it can be avoided.
I total rec this book
Book Ratings:
5⭐️- Loved everything. Highly rec
4⭐️- Liked but something bugged me
3⭐️- Ok but vital missing elements to genre
2⭐️- Dislike but you may
1⭐️- Dislike, so much wrong, no rec
March 22, 2021
**I WAS GIVEN THIS ADVANCED READERS COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW**
The only reason this book is not getting the full 5 star is because, well Ms. Atlas knows, and it's just me being mildly Petty and salty.
I normally do have a hard time sinking into enemies to lovers stories, unless I know the writing style of the author. I have read everything she has wrote so I was not the least amount of worried when I dove head first into this book.
Keith Benson is a broken man. Not physically but emotionally, and it has made him both hard and protective all at the same time. He will walk through fire for his family, well most of them. He has seen many things in his life that have tainted his view on happiness and does love really exsist. And that didn't change when he saw her.
Michela is a woman on the mend from so many toxic relationships, with people, with her career and with herself. She isn't running, she is healing. She is strong and ready to take on the world one small problem at a time. Then she meets the Bensons. And they bring her into the fold of their family unit. She see what she has been missing out on. In so many different ways.
They are both explosive when together and I am not talking just in the pants. Please give this steamy heartfeld story about overcoming yourself and building family.
I recommend this book 📚🤓.
-Ashton
The only reason this book is not getting the full 5 star is because, well Ms. Atlas knows, and it's just me being mildly Petty and salty.
I normally do have a hard time sinking into enemies to lovers stories, unless I know the writing style of the author. I have read everything she has wrote so I was not the least amount of worried when I dove head first into this book.
Keith Benson is a broken man. Not physically but emotionally, and it has made him both hard and protective all at the same time. He will walk through fire for his family, well most of them. He has seen many things in his life that have tainted his view on happiness and does love really exsist. And that didn't change when he saw her.
Michela is a woman on the mend from so many toxic relationships, with people, with her career and with herself. She isn't running, she is healing. She is strong and ready to take on the world one small problem at a time. Then she meets the Bensons. And they bring her into the fold of their family unit. She see what she has been missing out on. In so many different ways.
They are both explosive when together and I am not talking just in the pants. Please give this steamy heartfeld story about overcoming yourself and building family.
I recommend this book 📚🤓.
-Ashton
March 22, 2021
4.75 intensely hot stars
This is my second Lilly Atlas book that isn’t an MC story and it was even better then I expected!! This story just hit the spot. It was sweet and sexy and a little dark and deep in ways I didn’t expect. It was something that I hoped for and then it was even better then I could have hoped for.
Mick is a sweet broken women who is in need of a new start, and some TLC. Keith is a rough broody man who is used to carrying the world on their shoulders. It shouldn’t work but they are drawn to one another. Pair that with a family that you can’t help but love and a bestie who is the actual twisler covered best and you have a hit.
My favorite things? The kids names origins were boss as hell. Also, the birth family & found family blending. It was so perfectly done.
But there is something else that really made this story something special. The abuse issues (both substance and emotional, mental) we see here are raw and real. And handled with care. Even when someone should slap a certain man for not dealing as we might want. Still even then it’s an intense lovely story about healing and hope.
This is my second Lilly Atlas book that isn’t an MC story and it was even better then I expected!! This story just hit the spot. It was sweet and sexy and a little dark and deep in ways I didn’t expect. It was something that I hoped for and then it was even better then I could have hoped for.
Mick is a sweet broken women who is in need of a new start, and some TLC. Keith is a rough broody man who is used to carrying the world on their shoulders. It shouldn’t work but they are drawn to one another. Pair that with a family that you can’t help but love and a bestie who is the actual twisler covered best and you have a hit.
My favorite things? The kids names origins were boss as hell. Also, the birth family & found family blending. It was so perfectly done.
But there is something else that really made this story something special. The abuse issues (both substance and emotional, mental) we see here are raw and real. And handled with care. Even when someone should slap a certain man for not dealing as we might want. Still even then it’s an intense lovely story about healing and hope.
March 23, 2021
First Comes Loathe is amazing!
Michaela is a beautiful character! She’s very smart and beautiful. She goes through a few traumatizing events and as a result, she works to change how things affect her. It was harder for me to get through the introduction of the book at first because of the events that followed. Eventually, she realizes that she NEEDS a change.
Keith has been through hell and so have his siblings. They’ve overcome a very bad reputation their family has endured and for the most part, their reputation has gotten better. However, some things cannot be forgotten. Keith is broody, has trust issues, works hard and has a secret he keeps from his siblings.
Michaela and and Keith meet by chance (although they would have met sooner or later) and sparks fly, but not in the best of ways. I absolutely love the character development for them both and the steps each character has to working on their own issues and how they bring out the best from each other. Their chemistry is off the charts!
I fell in love with the Bensons and I can’t wait to read the next book! This was my first book by Lilly Atlas and certainly NOT my last!
Michaela is a beautiful character! She’s very smart and beautiful. She goes through a few traumatizing events and as a result, she works to change how things affect her. It was harder for me to get through the introduction of the book at first because of the events that followed. Eventually, she realizes that she NEEDS a change.
Keith has been through hell and so have his siblings. They’ve overcome a very bad reputation their family has endured and for the most part, their reputation has gotten better. However, some things cannot be forgotten. Keith is broody, has trust issues, works hard and has a secret he keeps from his siblings.
Michaela and and Keith meet by chance (although they would have met sooner or later) and sparks fly, but not in the best of ways. I absolutely love the character development for them both and the steps each character has to working on their own issues and how they bring out the best from each other. Their chemistry is off the charts!
I fell in love with the Bensons and I can’t wait to read the next book! This was my first book by Lilly Atlas and certainly NOT my last!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2021
I always knew that I would LOVE anything Lilly Atlas wrote so I didn't even have to read the blurb before picking First Comes Loathe up. Scarlett is a hot mess of an A-list Hollywood actress whose life has been in a downward spiral for some time, but now that she's hit bottom in the public eye, she knows that she can't continue on like she has been. She decides that she's going somewhere that the paps can't find her, and she's going to start over as Michaela Hudson. Keith is a grumpy man who is trying to keep his younger siblings safe from his father, and he has no time nor the inclination to deal with any sort of high maintenance women. The moment he comes face to face with Mickie, he knows that she's that type, and he literally decides to dislike her instantly. It actually got on my last nerve that he likes to jump to conclusions instead communicating like an adult. Despite all the issues, they slowly become friends which got the sparks really flying and that chemistry won't be denied for long but she's still hiding a big secret, and we all know dirty little secrets come out! To find out how it all plays out, you know what to do! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 11, 2021
Great read
I loved Keith and Mickie's story. Their story is filled with ton of emotion and a lot of drama. The Benson siblings are a lot of fun, the banter, the sass, their funny, grumpy, judgmental and full of attitude. Their also close and there was a lot of love there between them, and they always had each other's backs. Keith brings the oldest was the protector of them all.
Mickie better know as the actress Scarlett was trying to turn her life around and leave Hollywood and Scarlett behind after her world spun out of control. She moved to a small town in Vermont to start over and when she ment the Benson siblings her life really took a turn for the better.
Mickie and Keith didn't hit it off as well as her and his siblings did, but as their story progressed their chemistry was off the charts and they were steaming up the pages. I loved when they opened up to one another about Their childhood and pasts. Their story is full of drama and you can't help, but fall in love the siblings and Ralphie. The bombshell at the end omg I can't wait to read JP's story.
I loved Keith and Mickie's story. Their story is filled with ton of emotion and a lot of drama. The Benson siblings are a lot of fun, the banter, the sass, their funny, grumpy, judgmental and full of attitude. Their also close and there was a lot of love there between them, and they always had each other's backs. Keith brings the oldest was the protector of them all.
Mickie better know as the actress Scarlett was trying to turn her life around and leave Hollywood and Scarlett behind after her world spun out of control. She moved to a small town in Vermont to start over and when she ment the Benson siblings her life really took a turn for the better.
Mickie and Keith didn't hit it off as well as her and his siblings did, but as their story progressed their chemistry was off the charts and they were steaming up the pages. I loved when they opened up to one another about Their childhood and pasts. Their story is full of drama and you can't help, but fall in love the siblings and Ralphie. The bombshell at the end omg I can't wait to read JP's story.
April 3, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 4.5 Stars!
First Comes Loathe, Blue Collar Bensons book 1 is a brand new contemporary romance series by Lilly Atlas
I’ll be honest my heart wasn’t ready to let the Hells Handlers MC go, however, once I got my head around it not being a mc romance, this story got me by the heart and didn’t let go.
The author has created another world of stories to fall in love with, and another great set of characters especially the Benson siblings.
First Comes Loathe introduces us to The Bensons, in particular Keith Benson, a grumpy car mechanic who takes the responsibility of being the eldest sibling very seriously, he’s protective of them and tries so hard to protect them from their abusive drunk father.
Now, Scarlett, hmm 🤔 I’m with Keith here, I thought she was a right bitch at the beginning of the book, the author wrote her perfectly, it’s hard to like her at the beginning, but that just makes us fall for her when she begins her new life away from the show business, glitz and glamour. She moves to a small town in Vermont and goes by her birth name of Michaela Danson aka Mickie (loved how her name fitted the Bensons family)
Mickie wanting acceptance for who she really is was heartfelt, with a blown tire Mickie and Keith meet and the love/hate relationship begins.
Both H/h have such great depth, their past pain and tough backgrounds have left them both with some insecurities, and as the author stated within the book they’ve both been wounded by life, but Good Lord when they come together they burn up the pages (seriously, the corn field scene 🔥🔥) the romance was crazy hot, the witty banter between the Bensons siblings kept the story real, there’s plenty of tension throughout the book which kept me on the edge, and difficult decisions which are made near the end of the book make it a page turner.
The epilogue leaves clues of possible future books especially for Keith’s brother JP 😱
All in all this was a great start to what I believe will be another winning series 👏🏼
First Comes Loathe, Blue Collar Bensons book 1 is a brand new contemporary romance series by Lilly Atlas
I’ll be honest my heart wasn’t ready to let the Hells Handlers MC go, however, once I got my head around it not being a mc romance, this story got me by the heart and didn’t let go.
The author has created another world of stories to fall in love with, and another great set of characters especially the Benson siblings.
First Comes Loathe introduces us to The Bensons, in particular Keith Benson, a grumpy car mechanic who takes the responsibility of being the eldest sibling very seriously, he’s protective of them and tries so hard to protect them from their abusive drunk father.
Now, Scarlett, hmm 🤔 I’m with Keith here, I thought she was a right bitch at the beginning of the book, the author wrote her perfectly, it’s hard to like her at the beginning, but that just makes us fall for her when she begins her new life away from the show business, glitz and glamour. She moves to a small town in Vermont and goes by her birth name of Michaela Danson aka Mickie (loved how her name fitted the Bensons family)
Mickie wanting acceptance for who she really is was heartfelt, with a blown tire Mickie and Keith meet and the love/hate relationship begins.
Both H/h have such great depth, their past pain and tough backgrounds have left them both with some insecurities, and as the author stated within the book they’ve both been wounded by life, but Good Lord when they come together they burn up the pages (seriously, the corn field scene 🔥🔥) the romance was crazy hot, the witty banter between the Bensons siblings kept the story real, there’s plenty of tension throughout the book which kept me on the edge, and difficult decisions which are made near the end of the book make it a page turner.
The epilogue leaves clues of possible future books especially for Keith’s brother JP 😱
All in all this was a great start to what I believe will be another winning series 👏🏼
March 23, 2021
This is the 1st in a new series and is Keith and Michaela’s story. Scarlet / Michaela was an actress with a high maintenance personality, which hides her vulnerability, and when she decides to revert to her real name and have a fresh start in a small town. Keith is the eldest sibling in the Benson family, and is a broody car mechanic who is overprotective about his siblings with an abusive drunk father. When Keith meets Michaela, they do not get off to the best of starts, and he is not happy when he finds out that she has moved into his block and has befriended his siblings. The chemistry between these two is explosive and undeniable, but what will happen when her secret is revealed? This is a seamlessly written storyline which has amazing characters and is a heartfelt and all-consuming read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
March 27, 2021
I was a bit apprehensive starting this book (I just loved the MC romances so much!) but I love this author's writing style so much I'd give anything she writes a chance, and this book was such a great read!
It takes a great author to introduce a character that you instantly dislike, only to turn it around and have them become a firm favourite. You can't help but admire Mickie as she grows and develops, and I loved how these issues were tackled- Lilly addresses difficult topics so well!
Keith, admittedly, was a teeny bit annoying with his prejudice towards Mickie, but with his history you come to understand why. I loved the dynamic between the whole family and their unwavering support.
Overall, I loved the progression of Mickie and Keith's relationship, especially the growing trust on Keith's part and the ending has me really excited to see where this series goes!
It takes a great author to introduce a character that you instantly dislike, only to turn it around and have them become a firm favourite. You can't help but admire Mickie as she grows and develops, and I loved how these issues were tackled- Lilly addresses difficult topics so well!
Keith, admittedly, was a teeny bit annoying with his prejudice towards Mickie, but with his history you come to understand why. I loved the dynamic between the whole family and their unwavering support.
Overall, I loved the progression of Mickie and Keith's relationship, especially the growing trust on Keith's part and the ending has me really excited to see where this series goes!
March 27, 2021
I am a huge fan of this author’s MC books so I just had to try a different genre for her and I wasn’t disappointed. The storyline was intriguing from the jump and I just couldn’t put the book down once I started. The story was a sweet enemies to lovers. Scarlett is an A-list Hollywood celebrity whose career has been in a downward spiral for sometime now. Once she has hit rock bottom she decides to leave Hollywood and move to somewhere else the pups can’t find her and be in bed. As Michaela Hudson. When Keith meets Michaela they don’t get off to a good start. He isn’t happy when he learns that she moved near him and befriended his siblings. Their chemistry is off the charts and this love-hate relationship. But will Keith do when Michaela‘s secret is revealed?
March 23, 2021
I have been a huge fan of Lilly Atlas's MC books and was excited to try a book from a different genre by her. First Comes Loathe was an excellent book and I was intrigued by the plot and characters from the beginning.
Michaela "Scarlett" is starting a new life after her life comes crashing down as a Hollywood star. She is surrounded by toxic situations mostly due to her own actions but has decided to leave that life in the past. That is when she meets Keith Benson - who is broody and can be an alphahole. Their relationship had a lot of ups and downs and real-life situations full of emotion. I loved this enemies to lovers romance and would highly recommend if this a trope you enjoy!
Michaela "Scarlett" is starting a new life after her life comes crashing down as a Hollywood star. She is surrounded by toxic situations mostly due to her own actions but has decided to leave that life in the past. That is when she meets Keith Benson - who is broody and can be an alphahole. Their relationship had a lot of ups and downs and real-life situations full of emotion. I loved this enemies to lovers romance and would highly recommend if this a trope you enjoy!
March 26, 2021
What a great book!
I'm so used to MC romance from Lily, but boy did she out do herself with this book. What a wild ride Mickie took as Scarlet and with trying to forget her. Keith doesn't trust very easily or should I say he doesn't trust whatsoever. Along comes Mickie settling into the house across the street and she wants to make friends. She finds a friend in Ronnie the only Benson girl. And then there were the Benson boys. They all stick together as a family. Mickie quickly instills herself in the family. But unfortunately circumstances change and Keith kicks her to the curb. Wow!! What a book.
I'm so used to MC romance from Lily, but boy did she out do herself with this book. What a wild ride Mickie took as Scarlet and with trying to forget her. Keith doesn't trust very easily or should I say he doesn't trust whatsoever. Along comes Mickie settling into the house across the street and she wants to make friends. She finds a friend in Ronnie the only Benson girl. And then there were the Benson boys. They all stick together as a family. Mickie quickly instills herself in the family. But unfortunately circumstances change and Keith kicks her to the curb. Wow!! What a book.
March 27, 2021
A new series that starts off with a bang? I’m in!
I see good things ahead for this series. Mickie is no doormat. She’s rediscovering who she is and what she wants, and not even the grumpy jerk who makes her heart and body sing will stop her. And that grump? Well, he’s trying really hard not to want anything except to see Mickie leave town. It’s just too bad Keith can’t stop his heart from wanting, his siblings from befriending Mickie, or his head from hoping. Not even two monumental events can stop a love like this one, and the emotions that each event wrung out of me were so worth the pain because of how it all turned out.
I see good things ahead for this series. Mickie is no doormat. She’s rediscovering who she is and what she wants, and not even the grumpy jerk who makes her heart and body sing will stop her. And that grump? Well, he’s trying really hard not to want anything except to see Mickie leave town. It’s just too bad Keith can’t stop his heart from wanting, his siblings from befriending Mickie, or his head from hoping. Not even two monumental events can stop a love like this one, and the emotions that each event wrung out of me were so worth the pain because of how it all turned out.
April 9, 2021
Keith has had a rough life. His dad is a worthless drunk and there are old acquaintance s that think of him as lower than dirt. He and his siblings own businesses and are respectful. Michaela is trying to start her life over after her stint as a Hollywood starlet exploded. She craves peace and quiet. The sparks fly when the two meet. Keith has been burned by wealthy women. Michaela has a secret that could make the strains I their relationship very volatile.
Lilly Atlas is a terrific writer her stories suck you I and you become immersed in the story. I can't wait for the next book. Which you get a peek at towards the end of the book. I loved it I am sure you will too.
Lilly Atlas is a terrific writer her stories suck you I and you become immersed in the story. I can't wait for the next book. Which you get a peek at towards the end of the book. I loved it I am sure you will too.
March 30, 2021
Wow is all I can. I am so use to Lilly Atlas and MC bikers that I was a little unsure about First Comes Loathe. This is book 1 in the Blue Collar Benson series. I am normally not an enemy to lover fan but this was a good story.
I loved both these characters; so many times, I wanted to shake Keith. Keith and Micki are so opposite that they are perfect for each other…lol
And not to give anything away but I did not see that ending coming. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! Five stars, Mrs. Atlas!
I loved both these characters; so many times, I wanted to shake Keith. Keith and Micki are so opposite that they are perfect for each other…lol
And not to give anything away but I did not see that ending coming. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! Five stars, Mrs. Atlas!
December 30, 2021
I thought nice quick read from an author I love - sounded promising but didn’t grab me as much as other series by Lilly. Boy was I wrong! I’m obsessed with this family and need books on all the siblings like yesterday - so much easier when you join a series halfway through.
I will say Keith took some getting used, also Keith is not a sexy enough name for him. Having said that I love Jagger from the word go and am warming to JP, Ronnie is a hoot and I hope in the next novel we get to see more of the other brothers Ian and ... Jimmy (that’s his name)!
I will say Keith took some getting used, also Keith is not a sexy enough name for him. Having said that I love Jagger from the word go and am warming to JP, Ronnie is a hoot and I hope in the next novel we get to see more of the other brothers Ian and ... Jimmy (that’s his name)!
February 19, 2022
nice story about not letting past define your present
Mickaela was once a sought after actress, until her life spun out of control and she almost lost her life. Now she’s in a small Vermont town trying to rebuild. Her neighbors across the street are a good bunch of siblings…except for the ornery oldest brother…with whom Mickie just has insane chemistry. Good story showing how both main characters grow from untrusting people to opening up to let in love. Looking forward to the next book.
Mickaela was once a sought after actress, until her life spun out of control and she almost lost her life. Now she’s in a small Vermont town trying to rebuild. Her neighbors across the street are a good bunch of siblings…except for the ornery oldest brother…with whom Mickie just has insane chemistry. Good story showing how both main characters grow from untrusting people to opening up to let in love. Looking forward to the next book.
March 29, 2021
This story totally captured my attention and held it down. Reading about Mack's rise into Scarlett and then finding herself once again. I had so much fun reading the back and forth between the siblings. This story totally made me want to learn more and I am not usually into third person story telling, but this story was totally different and I loved how it was well written. I found some errors here and there, but it wasn't enough to take me away from the overall story.
March 30, 2021
Initially I was bummed when I heard that the author’s new series wasn’t going to be an MC series, but instead about a family in small town Vermont. I loved all of the author’s other books and characters, so I gave this one a shit. I’m so happy that I did! I loved the book and this new family. Keith was both hilarious with his grumpiness and so sad with his damage from his upbringing. I can’t wait for JP’s book!
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