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Not Just Friends #2
His Everything
Ace Renaldo and Lauren Dunn have known each other since high school, and she's loved him for longer than she'd ever admit. But the darkness that Ace has in his life has changed the boy she once knew.He's harder, damaged. Scarred. And she doesn't know if any amount of love could penetrate the thick wall he's built around himself and his heart.To block the pain in his life, Ace fought. He needed the violence as an outlet for the agony he harbored inside.Before Lauren had come into his world, Ace knew all too well what being alone felt like. She became everything to him, a light in his darkness. But he feared he's far too scarred to ever be what she deserved.But she's everything to him, his entire world, and he wanted to be a good man for her, to love her in the way he always wanted to.But will giving in to their mutual feelings ruin their lifelong friendship?Reader note: This was previously published as His Greatest Pain. Although it has been re-edited and parts of the plot tweaked, the story itself is the same. There may be material that is sensitive to some readers.
156 pages, Paperback
First published June 3, 2015
25 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Jenika Snow
443 books8,848 followersJenika Snow is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and has been a published writer since 2009.
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
She can be found at:
www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 4, 2021
This was kind of a drag for me....
I love dark alpha men that have to fight their past demons. I also love a good redemption story. But this one was like the same few paragraphs on repeat. It starts with Ace, "my past's so dark and toxic, I'm not good enough for her", to "I'll do anything to be a good man for you" added by an "I love you so much". To which she would say, "I love you so much, too. No matter what." With a smattering of slightly kinky sex thrown in.
It just got old. I think if I read them saying "I love you" one more time, I was DNFing lol. I had high hopes after reading Toby's story but it didn't live up to it in my opinion.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love dark alpha men that have to fight their past demons. I also love a good redemption story. But this one was like the same few paragraphs on repeat. It starts with Ace, "my past's so dark and toxic, I'm not good enough for her", to "I'll do anything to be a good man for you" added by an "I love you so much". To which she would say, "I love you so much, too. No matter what." With a smattering of slightly kinky sex thrown in.
It just got old. I think if I read them saying "I love you" one more time, I was DNFing lol. I had high hopes after reading Toby's story but it didn't live up to it in my opinion.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2021
Book 2 in the Not Just Friends series by Jenika Snow and I loved it. Ace and Lauren have known each other since they were in school and their friendship was so pure as the years went on. Lauren was there for Ace even in his darkest of times and when their friendship turned into something more, it was magical. As with every relationship, there is always ups and downs but they were able to get through them to get the HEA they both greatly deserved.
April 28, 2021
I loved this story so much. Ace's life story broke my heart and I'm so glad he had Lauren as a friend. They've been friends for years but over time, their feelings have changed and grown. He thinks he's not good enough for her but he can't help himself. She wants to be with him but will he let her? They are going to have to learn from each other and take a chance. Can Lauren help Ace overcome the dark and brutal life he had as a young child? Wonderful story!
June 3, 2015
This book is perfection. I am a HUGE Jenika fan and I must have 75% of them. I think this is my favorite book out of all of them.
This is the story of Ace. His life was a brutal nightmare. Living with his drunken father, he was the target of his father's abuse. Years of beatings have created a dark rage in him that comes out when he fights. He needs to protect the love of his life, and that means beating down any man that insults her, or causes her pain in any way. The funny thing is, he hasn't told Lauren that he loves and adores her.
Lauren has secretly loved Ace from the first day she met him. He is everything she wants.
They have a rough road ahead of them with so much baggage.
This is an awesome book that I totally enjoyed. I'd love to see a continuing story with Toby, Shoshanna, Lauren & Ace.
This is the story of Ace. His life was a brutal nightmare. Living with his drunken father, he was the target of his father's abuse. Years of beatings have created a dark rage in him that comes out when he fights. He needs to protect the love of his life, and that means beating down any man that insults her, or causes her pain in any way. The funny thing is, he hasn't told Lauren that he loves and adores her.
Lauren has secretly loved Ace from the first day she met him. He is everything she wants.
They have a rough road ahead of them with so much baggage.
This is an awesome book that I totally enjoyed. I'd love to see a continuing story with Toby, Shoshanna, Lauren & Ace.
June 3, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Story of Hope and Love!, June 3, 2015
This review is from: His Greatest Pain (Not Just Friends Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, thanks Jenika Snow! Love the story of Ace and Lauren, it has has a lot of pain, anger and drama but with the perfect amount of love, lust and hope. I recommend this read because will leave you happy at the end, Ace gets his girl and the beautiful life he had always deserved. Love always win!
September 30, 2015
The majority of this story was good. Emotional where it needed to be and steamy scenes also. I liked the tortured soul bound and determined to be better and the accepting of all of his flaws heroine. What I did not care for was the ending. The HEA was sickly sweet tied up in a beautiful bow guaranteed to make you gag...too harsh? Maybe but with all the emotional torture in the beginning to have it so perfect at the end didn't make sense. So 4 stars for this one Jenika...keep them coming though because I am still reading!!
June 3, 2015
This is exactly what a HEA should be like.
The emotion in Ace and Lauren will make the blackest of hearts swell. Its a beautiful story filled w/ angst, hurt, turmoil, lust, light & love. Anyone who goes through what Ace has, should have a Lauren in theyre life. Someone to stand with and love them regardless.
Another amazing story Jenika. You never let your readers down.
The emotion in Ace and Lauren will make the blackest of hearts swell. Its a beautiful story filled w/ angst, hurt, turmoil, lust, light & love. Anyone who goes through what Ace has, should have a Lauren in theyre life. Someone to stand with and love them regardless.
Another amazing story Jenika. You never let your readers down.
May 4, 2021
I loved Ace and Lauren's story. Ace turns out to be a pretty decent guy despite his background. I loved Ace and Lauren's story. Ace turns out to be a pretty decent guy despite his background. Lauren is like a shining light for Ace and brings out something amazing in himself. Amazing friends to lovers story. A great story about love and friendship A great story about love and friendship
June 19, 2015
This is #2 in the series which can be read as a standalone. The first is "Her Best Mistake" which I though was better. This one was short, too short, tortured, sexy (some phrases the exact as book #1), and a HEA. I would have read a few more chapters on this couple to give more depth to their background and their current state. That's what you get with a novella.
June 8, 2015
Wow! This book was so good, but also so sad! My heart was just breaking for everything that Ace went through.
And Lauren was so awesome helping him through all his demons and just being by his side.
Awesome
And Lauren was so awesome helping him through all his demons and just being by his side.
Awesome
June 15, 2015
Emotional story
This is a very emotional story. Ace has had a very hard childhood and anger has become his life. A blend of romance, drama with some super sexy scenes had me eagerly turning the pages.
This is a very emotional story. Ace has had a very hard childhood and anger has become his life. A blend of romance, drama with some super sexy scenes had me eagerly turning the pages.
March 21, 2016
Really enjoyed this quick story short and it was to the point but I truly found it awesome! Some people suffer till they find their true love!!! Knowing each other from young teens they find themselves wanting more and let me tell you it's quite good
February 29, 2016
Final Score - 4.5 Stars
I don't know... don't get me wrong, I LOVED the book, but I felt it ended a bit abruptly. Otherwise, a quick and beautiful read.
I don't know... don't get me wrong, I LOVED the book, but I felt it ended a bit abruptly. Otherwise, a quick and beautiful read.
July 19, 2015
Another good read
Always enjoy a nice sweet love story. Good characters with a story right to the point. Just enough for a quick read.
Always enjoy a nice sweet love story. Good characters with a story right to the point. Just enough for a quick read.
September 16, 2015
I loved that he was willing to change and lay it all out on the open for her. I loved the kinky wild sex he gave her.
April 26, 2021
Ace and Lauren's story is the kind that breaks your heart while also melting it. I'm a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope and when you add in a damaged hero, it's like pure catnip to me! You get lots of feels from this tale that is filled with poignancy, sweetness, drama, emotion and steam. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
May 10, 2021
Lauren and Ace knew each other since high school but their backgrounds were different. Ace was this tortured and wounded soul that just needed Lauren to show him how he could be. This story was emotional a tiny bit like a Rollercoaster. It was sweet, sad, steamy, romantic and in the end they got their HEA👍👍
May 3, 2021
Ace has had a traumatizing childhood. He finds comfort and his two friends Lauren and Toby. Ace and Lauren have been in love with each other some almost from the beginning but they don’t want to risk their friendship as a romantic relationship goes south. Ace doesn’t feel like he’s good enough for her. Will they take the next step and try for their HEA?
May 12, 2021
Ace and Lauren have known each other for, it seems like forever. As they grew up, she slowly started falling in love with him but Ace didn’t feel like he could reciprocate. His life was not the best and he had some very dark days and didn’t want to bring her into that.
Years later, things change as they both do things to help each other and take their relationship to the next level.
This was a very quick story but it was heavy with his background but it needed to be something that they needed to be very open about. They both did it for love, for the love they give and receive.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Years later, things change as they both do things to help each other and take their relationship to the next level.
This was a very quick story but it was heavy with his background but it needed to be something that they needed to be very open about. They both did it for love, for the love they give and receive.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
May 17, 2021
The truth will lighten your heart
Another fantastic read from this author! I always love a dark romance with an alpha male who has a tortured soul and the innocent sweetheart who brings him back to the light. This was a great example of friends to lovers. These two had to overcome so much emotional baggage and that just made the HEA that much sweeter. I truly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to whatever the author brings my way next.
Another fantastic read from this author! I always love a dark romance with an alpha male who has a tortured soul and the innocent sweetheart who brings him back to the light. This was a great example of friends to lovers. These two had to overcome so much emotional baggage and that just made the HEA that much sweeter. I truly enjoyed this story and am looking forward to whatever the author brings my way next.
May 10, 2021
An emotional roller-coaster ride
His Everything is the second book in the Not Just Friends series and is the story of Ace and Lauren. This story takes you from the lowest lows to the highest highs, with some loopy loops in there just for the fun of it. Your heart will break at times, sing at times and beat hard and fast at times as you read this well written, intense and lovely best friends to so much more story.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
His Everything is the second book in the Not Just Friends series and is the story of Ace and Lauren. This story takes you from the lowest lows to the highest highs, with some loopy loops in there just for the fun of it. Your heart will break at times, sing at times and beat hard and fast at times as you read this well written, intense and lovely best friends to so much more story.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
May 4, 2021
Jenika Snow writes some amazingly well rounded novellas. This one was no different. We meet Ace and Lauren as teenagers who are best friends. Ace has this continued feeling that even though he loves Lauren, he isn't good enough for her. He was brought up by a terrible father and feels that he is the monster his father was. Lauren was a steadfast friend who loved Ace with all she had just as he is. She understood the feelings he had towards himself, not that she liked them. One of the best parts of this book is, Lauren never once attempt to change Ace...she loves him as he is and for who he is. I wanted a little more from this book. I felt like we got a lot of Ace and how things played out for him, but I wanted a little more of Lauren and how she felt during the time that Ace was self-destructing on a regular basis. Even without that though, this is an excellent short and steamy read.
May 4, 2021
His Everything is a re-release that has been re-edited and freshened up. I enjoy Jenika Snow's novellas and liked this one too.
Ace and Lauren have known each other since high school. Ace has been abused growing up and Lauren sees something in him that he doesn't see in himself. Ace is a pretty tortured guy and some of the abuse he experienced is tough to swallow. Lauren is sweet and in love with Ace. Of course he is in love with her too but believes his darkness will overshadow her light.
They are good friends and finally realize they can be good together in other ways. Sexy short story with lots of emotion.
Ace and Lauren have known each other since high school. Ace has been abused growing up and Lauren sees something in him that he doesn't see in himself. Ace is a pretty tortured guy and some of the abuse he experienced is tough to swallow. Lauren is sweet and in love with Ace. Of course he is in love with her too but believes his darkness will overshadow her light.
They are good friends and finally realize they can be good together in other ways. Sexy short story with lots of emotion.
May 6, 2021
An absolutely fantastic, well written, and emotionally deep book two in the Not Just Friends series! An emotional read that is well written, relatable, funny, witty, steamy, and engaging. The characters are likeable, best friends, and you will root for them; the chemistry between them is undeniable. Definitely recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 3, 2021
What an amazing love story! Ace has been through so much growing up and it’s made him a hard and violent man. Lauren has been his best friend for many years and has always been there for him. They both have stronger feelings just didn’t want to ruin the friendship they had until it finally came out. He’s trying to be a better man for her but she loves him unconditionally! This is such a sweet and emotional read! Amazing characters and wonderful story! Very well written. Absolutely loved it! Highly recommend
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 4, 2021
Ace has had a sh$tty life growing up around his alcoholic father. But the one constant in his life is his friendship with Lauren. When Ace and Lauren realize that their young feelings for each other have grown to adult feelings, Ace doesn't feel like he is his good enough for Lauren. But Lauren knows that Ace is just right for her and he can overcome his anger issues. This is a wonderful story to read. Of love growing and maturing between two people who have grown up in different ways. They can overcome the trials and obstacles in their life. This is book #2 in the "Not Just Friends" series. Enjoy!
May 3, 2021
I thought that this was a short yet sweet friends to lovers book. Lauren and Ace were really good together. I really liked the connection and chemistry between these two. Lauren is Ace's light his dark world while Ace is Lauren's entire world. I really enjoyed how Lauren was accepting of Ace completely. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Jenika as a great author.
I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free e-book copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 3, 2021
OMG Ace and Lauren's story blew me away. Their story sucked me in at the very first page and did not let me go. Ace and Lauren have been best friends since they were teenagers but now as adults they want more. Ace has spent years dealing with the aftermath of his father's severe abuse and as a result he gets in fights to cope with the pain. The only bright spot in his life is Poppy, aka Lauren. Will they get their HEA? 5 stars! Jenika Snow has written another monster hit!
May 4, 2021
Emotional intense read
An intense best friend to lovers romance read that doesn’t disappoint! Ace and Lauren has been best friends since high school when they take the next level to their friendship, it was emotional, sweet and worth the wait. Ace’s background was emotional and heartbreaking but he found the light at the end of the tunnel when he met Lauren. Loved their storyline and the development of their relationship was hot and will have you cheering for their HEA.
An intense best friend to lovers romance read that doesn’t disappoint! Ace and Lauren has been best friends since high school when they take the next level to their friendship, it was emotional, sweet and worth the wait. Ace’s background was emotional and heartbreaking but he found the light at the end of the tunnel when he met Lauren. Loved their storyline and the development of their relationship was hot and will have you cheering for their HEA.
April 29, 2021
Ace had a horrific childhood, his only comforts bring his friends at two different times of youth, Toby and Lauren. He and Lauren have always been in love with each other, but we’re afraid to ruin their relationship. Wow, when they get together, they are really intensely hot. He is willing to do anything for her, including try to help himself. I love how proactive he gets. And I love that she just loves him as he is and lets him know he never needs to change anything about who he is for her. Really good story.
I received a free copy of this book.
I received a free copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews