Cherished Girl

Neighpalm Industries Collective #5

by Lexie Winston

Harlow’s life was looking pretty good despite the attacks in Hawaii.

With Thomas on board, she has finally caught herself all of the Summers boys and is feeling pretty good about it. Jaxon and Jacinta's news, while shocking, is being dealt with and everyone is adjusting to the new circumstances. Things are finally starting to look good, with very little stalker action, the icing on the cake. Have they finally lost interest?

Making more permanent plans to stay in California is a big step forward in her relationship with the brothers but an ex has dumped a bombshell on them, and a surprise body has everyone questioning everything they thought they knew.

Is Harlow ever going to catch a break?

Join Harlow and the Summers family in the next instalment of the Neighpalm Industries Collective to find out the answer to all of these questions and more.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Why Choose, M M Romance, Adult, Audiobook

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2022

Reviews

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!!!
The Summers' family is hands down my favourite to read about. Cherished Girl picks up straight after the previous book and boy does the drama really kick off after the first page. Throughout the entirety of not only this book but the entire series, I was on the edge of my seat, invested in the plot. The romance, angst, suspense, drama... what more can I say to convince you that this is a MUST READ!
Nanna is probably my favourite out of the Summers clan, she is just so unapologetically honest; it's very refreshing to read about. All the side characters really complement the story nicely.
I NEED A BOOK ABOUT HOPE AND THE MCCALLISTERS. I just know that their story is going to be EPIC.
I'm sooo excited to read the next book, it's going to be super satisfying when everything ties up and the drama gets resolved. Highly recommend anything written by Lexie Winston, you won't be disappointed.

[Daisy Delfin · Rating 5 out of 5]

BASIC FACTS:
Pages: 285
My rating: 4.5
Genre: Contemporary RH Romance
Themes: Foster Girl meets rich Dad & family, abuse, enemy to lovers, stalker
Protagonist Ages: 25 and older
Pacing: slow paced concerning time, fast paced because a lot of things happen over a short period of time
Plot Rating: 4

I really loved this book. The only bad thing was, that I couldn’t read it with my #cakeeater friends, because I told the to start this book when they can read it in one go. Still love the characters very much. Harlow sometimes looses the old Harlow. The old Harlow hated it when Max left her in favour of her rich friends. Now she leaves Max in favour of her new family. And there were other things in the fourth book, where she shamed other women even though she declared that she can’t understand that. So this are changes I do not like so much. She is still a good person most of the time.

The Characters:

Harlow: Daughter of a single mother, who is a drug addict and makes money by selling herself. Grows up with the Boston’s after they somehow took her from her mother. Is not allowed to travel outside of Connecticut. Goes to a private school with Maxine her foster sister and friend. She goes to College and becomes a vet at 25.
Declan: First kid adopted by Brad. He is head of the Talent agency and Film production. He likes to control everything. Normally sides with Jacinta and Jaxson because he vowed to protect Jacinta at a young age and holds this up until today.
Jaxon: Second kid adopted by Brad together with his sister Jacinta.
Jaxon’s mom had a bipolar disorder. She begs Brad to adopt Jaxon and wants to keep Jacinta initially. But Brad tells her that he will take both twins or no one and she relents. Jaxson is her favourite child. But she is mean to Jacinta. So Jaxson starts protection Jacinta at a young age, first from their mother later he tries to protect her from everyone. Jaxson leads the club and hotel branch of Neighpalm.
Kai: Not sure when he was adopted. He had a nice foster family, but they were poor. The approached Brad, if he was willing to take Kai in and he did. He is a adrenaline junky, runs Neighpalm Energy Drink and has extreme sports teams.
Thomas: Adopted by Brad. Is head of the Airline. He was betrayed by his ex fiancé, who sold military airplane plans that belonged to Neighpalm Industries. After that he mistrusts women.
Holden: was adopted together with Oliver. They were the last kids taken into the family. Holden’s family were very religious and found him with a boy and he went into the system and ended up in a group home where he met Oliver and started a relationship with him. After he was adopted he ended their relationship because he feared that the summers won’t accept it and send them away. Holden is head of the Record label and music talent agency of Neighpalm.
Oliver: was adopted together with Holden. They were the last kids taken into the family. Oliver’s parents were drug addicts and cooked drugs too. When he was young they started to sell Oliver to their dealer who was into kids. His parents would drug him with ecstasy and send him to the dealer. He felt guilty for enjoying it but it was the drug. He also thought that he was forced to have sex with guys and it took some time for him to find out that he is bisexual. He was found after his parents and their dealer were shot and went in the system. He went through some foster families and one of them threw him out because their son was interested in Oliver but not willing to come out. He end in the group home where he find Holden and where both are found and adopted by Brad. He started Neighpalm Ink and wants to expand this business.

Maxine: Daughter of Chuck and Melinda Boston. Grew up privileged but her mother kept her floored. She helps with the horses and does horse stunts in Films when needed. She loves Harlow, but she wants to be friends with the rich kids in their private school and that leads to trouble between the girls.
Chuck: Maxine’s father and Harlow’s foster father. He is from old money and married a farmers daughter. His parents are stuck up and give Harlow grieve for being poor. He takes good care of the people who work for him.
Melinda: Farmers daughter with a talent to work with horses and how to treat them well. Maxine’s mother and Harlow’s foster mother. Harlow’s mother was her assistant. And they were friends. At the time Melinda is pregnant Harlow’s mother is pregnant too. She helps Harlow’s mum, even though she knows that she runs with the wrong crowd. She keeps her employed and Harlow is raised together with Maxine until Harlow’s mum tries to steals Melinda’s engagement ring and wedding ring while she is out riding. After that Melinda has to fire her, even if she is worried about Harlow. For some time Harlow lives with her mum, until the Bostons get her and foster her. Harlow assumes that the Boston stuck some deal with her mum.

Nana and Poppy: Brad’s mum and Dad. They had a daughter too, but the daughter died when she was a Teenager. Nana is a strong, open minded woman, who was working for Neighpalm Industries besides her beloved husband Poppy. She is mischievous. Poppy is the calm one. He let Nana take the lead but reigns her in when needed. They are first friends with Chuck’s parents, but they become friends with Melinda and Chuck too. So they have known Harlow since she was little and always loved her. Nana planed to bring Harlow to California after graduation, so she could present her grandsons with a Nana approved girl. Both are really happy when they find out that Harlow is their granddaughter. They respect her and they know exactly what kind of person Harlow is.
Brad: Nana and Poppy’s son. CEO of Neighpalm Industries and head of one of the richest families. He used to visit Chuck and Melinda, but would use a fake name when he was there, so he could enjoy his visit without being bothered by others who want his money or other things. He is very intelligent like Harlow and hides his some of his skills from the family. On one of his visits he meets Harlow’s mum and has an affair with her but ends it when she get’s more and more involved with here other group and does drugs. After that he never returns to the Bostons. But the Bostons with Maxine visit them in California. But they never talk about work so he does not know that Harlow’s mum is not working for the Bostons anymore.
Jacinta: Jaxson's twin. Was abused (psychologicaly) by her mum. Sometime self conscious. Very protective of Jaxson and her brothers. Likes Alex and Shane. She is the CEO of Neighpalm fashion.

Alex: Model. He seems to have a rough past but we do not get to know what happened before he became famous. He is a nice guy and meets Harlow, when Jacinta takes her to a photo shoot. He has a crush on Jacinta. He is bisexual and in a relationship with Shane the Photographer.
Shane: Famous Photographer who works a lot for Neighpalm Industries. He is with Alex but both love Jacinta.
Jace: New Designer who has an interview in the second book and gets the job. Is in a relationship with Alex and Shane but all of them are interested in Jacinta.
Hope: Holden’s friend. They met in College when they had a group work and both were unhappy that they had to do the work because they are both really bright. After that they worked together in College and became friends. She gets a job at Neighpalm as the PR Lady. She is also accepted as part of the Summer’s extended family.
Josh: Stable Manager for the Summer’s horses.
Emma: Looks after the House of the Russian guy who disappeared. She rescues Harlow when she was pushed into the deep pool and gets to know the Summers family especially Brad. Brad and Emma seems interested in each other but she also has a girl friend.

Luke: Chuck’s stable hand. He is interested in Harlow in a creepy way.
Cecilia: Brad’s assistant. She has access to the Summer’s Mansion and a lot of access to Neighpalm Industries. She is delusional thinking that she has nearly a ring on her finger from Brad. And she is a bitch to Harlow. Strange things happens to Harlow and I think that she is involved maybe working together with Luke or they just started their attacks at the same time randomly.



Summery: detailed, lot’s of spoiler

At the End of book 4 Veronica doped the bomb that she is pregnant from either Kai or Thomas. Then the book ended. This book starts on the flight to Connecticut and the Bostons. We get Harlow’s POV of the big news. Harlow follows Thomas and listens in when Veronica tells him the news. She starts to record what Veronica say. She basically stole the sperm from the condoms Kai and Thomas used and inseminated herself. And she confesses all this while Harlow is recording and calling reinforcement. Finally Jilly takes Veronica to the stuff rooms and Thomas and Declan call their lawyer. When they come back they are in a better mood but tell the others they will see. So upon landing Thomas wakes Harlow so she doesn’t miss, that the police arrived to arrest Veronica. It turns out that she poisoned the other flight attendant and will get jail time. The lawyer also assures them, that she won’t keep the baby and a paternity test will be done.

After a good rest, they are off to the Boston’s estate. Melinda and Chuck are happy to have one of their daughter back. They also welcome all Summers. And Brads parents come to visit but they treat Harlow really bad and everybody is really angry about their behavior.

Thomas and his brothers leave to go to this biker bar. Thomas contact found the business card of this bar near the dead PI. On their way there Jaxon suggests to the guys that he wants to give the zoo and the house to Harlow, so she can start a non profit branch of Neighpalm Industries. And he would like to move into the castle with Harlow and her harem. They guys like the idea and start making plans how to get this started. But first they have to visit the biker bar. There Thomas meets Bear. Bear is the guy who taught Harlow how to shoot and gave her a gun, because he saw that the clients of her mum were very interested in Harlow. And he knew that she needed a way to defend herself. Also he made her mum jealous by telling her that he likes Harlow. He tells Thomas that Harlow’s mum was one of the club girls. She had a sister but he did not know her name, but Diane ranted about her sister and said that she destroyed her affaire with Brad. Also there was a prospect with a Russian name and accent interested in Diane. He wanted to find out where the guy is now. He never patched in.

Harlow leaves to go outside and Melinda and Chuck follow. They tell her that they want to move to California, somewhere near to Harlow and Maxine. Harlow is happy and Chuck helps them to find a new home for them and their horse business. Thea also tell her that Luke was murdered and that they found a diary where he wrote down what he did to Harlow. But the incident, where DS and Jenny were sprayed with fake blood and the Jacinta dummy was shot was not Luke’s deed.

Thomas and Harlow go to her barn and she shows him where she lived and worked. There she tells him that she treated Melinda’s and Chuck’s horses but also the horses of their neighbours. Sometime she treated wild animals too, but after they healed up she returned them to their wild life. Jaxon helps Harlow to pack up her stuff. He sees a picture of Harlows mum and is reminded of a friend of his mum. I think this is will play a role in the solution of all the mysteries, floating around. Is this Harlows aunt?

Chuck and Melinda find a house near Brad’s house and are happy to move there.

Doc Davis (the vet who wanted Harlow to work in his clinic) calls. He ask her to go over to a house near to the Boston’s because a woman was attacked by a Bobcat and is currently locked up in her car. Harlow, Thomas and Declan take some tanqs and guns with them and drive over to this place. But instead of finding a bobcat Harlow finds a white tiger. She shotts at the tiger with a traiq. After the tiger is out she exams it and it is in a bad shape but shows signs of giving birth recently. Harlow asks the woman about it. Harlow forces her to answer some questions. Turns out that they have other wild animals and when Thomas and Harlow go to invest it, they find pythons, another white tiger, who seems the father of the recently new born, and a black panther. When Harlow holds out her hand to the panther, it gives her it’s paw and Harlow sees, that the cat had been declawed. Harlow is angry. She finds the litter of the white Tiger and when she takes a closer look at the other Tiger she sees that someone tried to declaw him and fudged up badly. Because the Tiger is in great pain and has a life of pain ahead they put him down. So they take the panther and the little tigers with them to Harlows place. Harlow treats them. The guys make plans to take them to California for Harlows wild life rescue business. After the guys called Brad secretly, he looks into getting permits so they can keep the rescued animals. Brad wants to finance everything which has to be renewed. And he hires a vet, a zoologist and a building crew. They start building a cage for the wild cats while Harlow and the others are away. When they finally tell Harlow about giving the house to her so she can run her own zoo, she happily agrees.
When they arrive in California, Harlow meets the building crew. Declan has taken the cat litter into his care and is eager to be around them.

Brad started a relationship with Molly and Emma (can’t remember when).

The next day they go over to the estate of the count. There Emma tells them that she knows where the vault is. And she tells them that she was sworn to keep secrets from her father. Poppy and Nana realise who Emmas Dad is. Emma shows them the secret entrance to the vault, also that there is a secret entrance to the so called sex room and the safe room which the count turned into his Master bedroom. So they go to the vault first and when they open it they find a dead body and loads of drugs. They have to call in officials. They decide to explore the tunnels, so the officials can get to the vault via the tunnel system and they don’t have to reveal the secret passage in the house. While Kai and Thomas explore the tunnels. Harlow and Oliver explore the other secret rooms and Holden and Hope talk. Hope tells him the story how she knows the construction guys and that she lived with them for two years. But on graduation night, they got drunk and she slept two of them and was caught by her foster mum. The foster mum threw her out. Since nobody took her side she went to LA on her own. Luckily she had won a full ride scholarship at UCLA. She didn’t talk to them until they met one day before. When Holden has to open the front door Jaxon’s bike explodes, Emma and Brad who were near got banged up. So they decide that they go to Brad’s house and the others leave two, after they made sure that Thomas and Kai found the entrance to the tunnels.

After the two agents sent by the guy Thomas knows inspected the vault they have to call in others and the lawyer Forrest supervises it. Thomas and Declan stay too.

When everybody is back at the house, Brad offers Hope to adopt her. He is happy to have three girls and Hope was already a honorary Summers. She is touched and agrees. Nana tells her to move into the house and tells her to use a room in Nana’s wing of the house. Nana is scheming to push Hope and her foster guys together, who are also moving into this wing.

They get a brief time, where everybody is busy with work. At the night of the gala the Summers and Forrester meet up in Harlows room. First Forrester hands Harlow the papers of her name change. She took Brads surname. Next he hands Hope the Adoption papers. And then they get news about Veronica. The Dad is Kai and it’s a girl. Everybody is okay with the news. But Forrester also tell them that Veronica is delusional and thinks that there will be a happy ending for her and Thomas. She thinks the baby is Thomas jr. She ignores the facts, that it’s a girl and Kai is the Dad. But the Psychologists need their help so that Veronica won’t hurt the baby. They agree to do, what needs to be done. He also tells them that the dead person in the vault was the count.

During the Charity Gala Harlow finally meets Maxine. She has changed a lot, lost a lot of weight and keeps avoiding her family. She promises to tell Harlow and her parents what’s going on during a lunch on Monday but Harlow tells her, that she is away and will return on Wednesday. (I think she acts like Maxine here. With her stuff being more important than her sister.)

After the Gala Jaxon, Jazzy and Harlow leave the hotel and a driver is there to take them to the cruise ship. Jazzy sees that he is taking them somewhere else. But when she starts saying this the driver sprays their back seat compartment with some gas and the three of them get drowsy. Before Harlow gets unconscious she sees the persons face and recognises it. Big cliffhanger here.

[Yaiza · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found myself skiping the house tour parts and the rescue of the tiger cubs.

And also, why does every person Harlow loves has to have an harem too?

I’ve lost interest in the story.

[Katherine Eliza · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, this is a rant.

I thought this was the final book but I was wrong. Another book of basically nothing happening until the last 20 pages to end on a cliffy.

I think my problem is that the main storyline/mystery through this series is the stalker. Who’s the stalker? What does the stalker want? Why the stalker? How the stalker? Stalkers? Well, we get half the answer in the first pages of this book, and my god was it lazy. No two ways about it. So anticlimactic. Like literally “So this person? Turns out they were your stalker responsible for this, this, this, and this.” Like alright. So no confrontation and no earned reward from having read all the books so far to find out that one answer. Okay. Then when you’re like 250 pages in “oh remember there’s a stalker the stalker has done something right under the nose of the Summers family and run away”. It almost seems like a joke at this point.

The drama that this book deals with is so boring, and every scene takes SO LONG to get through. There are situations that present themselves for prime drama and Harlow just doesn’t seem to mind anything. I feel like she’s hardly a character anymore. The story has gone on too long and both the characters and the plot have lost their focus and no longer feel special. It’s sad bc I loved this series when it started but I’m probably just going to skim the final book to finally get the answer to the damn stalker question that’s been hovering at the same level with basically no payoff or even buildup for five freaking books.

Plus, I hate the thing. You know. The thing that’s the non-drama in this book. That thing. It sucks and I hate it.

And here’s a little snippet from my review of book 3 that still applies:

And I think I care more about what’s wrong with Harlow’s best friend and surrogate sister Max than Harlow does. God, girl. Call your friend. Or does “ASAP” mean something else in Connecticut?

Harlow has completely abandoned her sister-friend Max. Remember Max? Well something is seriously wrong with her and Harlow is “worried” and determined to talk to her. So when Max asks her to lunch so she can tell her and her parents what is wrong, Harlow apologizes bc she has to go to this gala for her boyfriend maybe and can they do Wednesday? 😬 girl.

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie this series is addictive as hell. The drama, lust and rich people antics are off the charts and things never seem to chill out or calm down. In fact every time someone makes the mistake of assuming they are safe or there is no threat, surprise surprise the stalker/hater strikes again. At this point it's looking like not only is Harlow's mother entrenched in this mess, so are the neighbors of the Summers who happen to be related to Jacinta and Jackson. Somehow so many story-lines are circling back to the same place and now that the threads are aligning I'm am dying for the reveal. Lots of the story has been predictable to me but there are a few small moments that are still making this fun and exciting to read. We're left with another brutal cliffhanger that leaves the fate of 3 in the balance. I'm just ready for answers. I have some guesses but I think there are so many more pieces that I have yet to put together, which will hopefully end with a grand reveal and or climax. Now that Harlow and her guys have a home and future prospects it'll be nice to see them free of outside drama so they can focus on their own. This is especially true if one of them really has a child to term with that psycho Veronica that the gang will end up raising. What a convoluted soap opera this is turning out to be but I'm bringing popcorn and here for more!

[Seragrime · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this series, which is probably why at first glance my review might seem confusing, but honestly, the staking sub-plot is just dragging on at the expense of the group.

Because does this ever really feel like a RH novel? It feels like our FMC, Harlow, is always stuck on the outside looking in or part of solo-mance.

The Summers family is solid, the foster-adopted, grandparents and dad all interconnect. They have special things unique to their group dynamic and the individual interpersonal relationships. By this point in the series, Harlow is clearly loved and wanted but never included.

She has no special thing with anyone. Not Brad, who is busy pursuing a thruple of his own instead of bonding with his newly discovered daughter. Poppy disappears unless in the company of his wife, whilst Nana appears a few chapters before disappearing as well.

Even her shared loved of romance novels with Jazzy is more told than seen.

Same goes with the Summers family dynamic, Harlow has a seat at the table (most of the time) but the focus is always on protecting her or mitigating the stalker and not developing any of the relationships. So for me, the romance has become formulaic; interaction with sole brother or coupled brothers then wash, rinse and repeat with a different one until she's made her way through the roster.

By this point I was hoping to see the relationships deepen through connection and routine and not just want and desire. The threads are there but because the stalker-plot demands so much attention, we never really see the sweet intimacy of her relationships or even the group itself shifting and growing to accommodate this new dynamic of sharing a girlfriend.

And for me, especially with a contemporary RH, that part needs to be treated with the same importance as the sub-plot.

[Emma Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK !!!!!!!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and from the very start of this series I fell in love with Harlow and this book just keeps giving. We get answers but then we just get more questions, Lexie knows how to keep you hooked and wanting/needing more all the time. I can't wait for the next book but don't want it to end. Please read this series it is amazing.

[kerry burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG started this series of books at start of the week and couldn't put them down. And now I'm gutted 6th book not released until July and OMG what a cliff hanger I'm on the edge of my seat....who is the 2nd stalker...
Cecelia? Something about her how did she know the stuff she did
Carmen? The twins mum she disappeared years ago had she came back.
Diane mystery sister? Harlow's aunt that nobody knows or has any knowledge of.
Paul? Boston's stable hand no reason for him to be mentioned in the book so why is he, he mysteriously disappeared.
There's also the mystery of where drago the twins father is his dad's has been discovered so where has he been for 25 years.
There is also something about the woman lawyer that was part of the counts house trust think it has something to do with the vault.
Oh please bring this release forward can't wait to read this. Also hopefully be other books from series like Jacinta's, max and hopes stories.

[Morgyn Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much! I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened next I love all of the characters and how connections are developing! So excited to see what’s to come!

[Becki · Rating 5 out of 5]

-This is book 5 in an ongoing series, it is absolutely imperative to read the first four books before reading this one!
-This is a Reverse Harem, but there is also MM content within the harem.
-This is not the last book in the series, so not all storylines are wrapped up yet, and there are still quite a few questions left unanswered.
This author has outdone herself, AGAIN! Absolutely amazing follow up to book 4. While I love reading series, I tend to be wary of a series with more than 3 or 4 books because sometimes it just feels like...too much. Too much crap for one person or group of people to deal with, or just plain repetitive, but man oh man did this author outdo herself. Despite this being the fifth book in the series, it did not drag, it was not repetitive, and the plot moved along at a perfect pace. This might be my favorite book in the series yet because it somehow felt both like so much was happening and going down, while also feeling like I was completely immersed in the scenes, and there was so much description and care in the detail. This balance was so perfect, and it isn't often seen in writing, especially in reverse harems, so I loved seeing it here. As always, there is more drama in this book, more mystery and questions, and definitely more steaminess :) The character and relationship development in this book was great, and I really enjoyed getting to go further into Harlow's world and life. I think my main nitpick would just be that it felt like a fair amount of the story ended up focusing on two other women and their setups, and while I enjoy setups and spinoffs, there is just so much open ended and left in mystery right now within Harlow's story, that it was a little frustrating to read so much about Hope and Jacinta and all, but I can't really complain, because Harlow will be getting a whole other book still, and at the end of the day, I am eager to read about Jacinta and Hope, just wish the set up had been a little subtler. I think it was just so noticeable to me because there is A LOT going down with Harlow and everything, I mean TWO different stalkers? Dang girl. But despite all of that craziness, and all of those questions still unanswered, there was a fair amount of time spent on Jacinta, Hope, AND Max. And while I'm super curious about all three of them...I am a little more curious about Harlow's shit storm, lol. But ultimately, I thoroughly enjoyed the read, and I am so eager for the next book of course!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are so addictive with the author keeping the reader on the edge with romance, thrills, great character development and their backstories with some good old suspense & mystery.

Before I go any further the reader needs to beware there is another CLIFF HANGER! and what a Cliff hanger at that!

Now I have done my best to keep this as spoiler free as possible!

But first in this book we get to see the fallout from the last books cliffhanger, and thank god we get some answers from that plus some good old fashioned karma! Unfortunately Harlow and the Summers are still dealing with the stalker, but it seems as though we are getting closer and closer to finding out their identity! We really get to see the Summers future really starting to take shape, whilst also seeing what their future will look like (once all the stalker drama is finished). I loved that we really get to see the relationship dynamic for Harlow & her boys, and how Harlow's dreams start to unfold - with some help from the boys. I loved reading more about Harlows passion for her vet work the exotic animals and how her individual relationships with the boys are developing.

I love the different family and relationship dynamics with Harlow & her harem, Jacinta & her forming harem, Nana & Poppy, Chuck & Melinda, Daddy Summers & his forming relationships PLUS we get to learn more about Hope and her background.

I still have questions that need to be answered, like who is the stalker? What will their relationship look like once the stalker has been dealt with? Will EVERYBODY get their happy ending? What will happen with the Count's properties? and what is going on with Max?

I can't wait for April 2022 and the next book to see what happens for Harlow and her family!

[Shelby E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! OMFG!!! This series continues to be amazing!! I seriously love this freaking series! Harlow is coming be of the best FMC I have ever read. I love her maturity, intelligence, her kind heart, her compassion, and her sass!

So I’m this book, we immediately pick up from the previous cliffhanger and we find out that Veronica violated Kai and Thomas by stealing their sperm and later using their sperm to get herself pregnant! She literally is freaking crazy! Well, she will get arrested/detained for various reasons. And it turns out the baby belongs to Kai, but the crazy woman thinks it’s Thomas’s baby. Harlow rescues some mistreated exotic cats (Nyx the female jaguar and the 5 white tiger cubs). Her guys realize this is perfect for Harlow and that they decide to give her the cats and get her own sanctuary for mistreated exotic animals! They also are going to use the house from the count (the twins new ancestor revelation) and turn that house into their own personal home. Speaking of this house, the chapters regarding the secret vault!!!?? Holy moly! What a roller coaster ride!

Harlow is down one stalker, but one is still at large. You learn more about her mother and some interesting facts about the past. One stalker is still at large! And I have no freaking idea who it is! I’m usually really good at finding the clues and piecing it together. But nope. Nada. I know the stalker is a male…that’s it and that Harlow knows the person! Ugh!!! That cliffhanger and kidnapping!! A bloody dagger to the heart! I really really need the next book ASAP!!!

There is something going on with Max. I don’t know what is going on but it affect her and her health, and the relationship with Harlow. But what was Max going to tell Harlow!!!???

All the characters seem to be getting their own little harems and added lovers! It so cute and heart warming! Also, Hope was also adopted into the family!

Harem: Declan, Thomas, Kai, Holden, Oliver, and Jaxon

Sexiness: 5 out 5 steamy! 🔥 There is MM.

Multiple POVs

This review is of my own opinion.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was super lucky to get an ARC for this story and absolutely can't wait for the next! These books are just so much fun to read. There is mystery, suspense, comedy, true friendships and swoon worthy romance, what more can you ask for!

I want to keep this totally spoiler free and if you have read the previous 4 books then you know that each book has held up to the one before. This series hasn't declined a bit and each book just further cements your love for this family!

This story picks up right after the cliff hanger left in the last book and just goes nonstop from there. We get some answers to our stalker questions and we start to see the future for Harlow and her men. We get a glimpse into what they all would like to build together and have their future be and I can't wait for them to get it!

We also meet some delicious new characters that have a connection to Hope and I am so stoked for that as she is my, most favorite character outside the family. I felt like this book more than others stayed with the Harlow and all the Summer siblings and we didn't see too much from Alex, Shane, Max or even Nana and Poppy (who I love). There was more than enough drama and intrigue with the Summer's that it worked but I do look forward to catching up with those characters again!

I just love being in this world and seeing all the friendships and love that this family has for each other and those around them. I believe the next book will bring about all the answers that we are desperately wanting and I can't wait to read it!

[Christy Almeida · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I squealed like a teenage girl at a boy band concert when I won an ARC of this book. I've been loving Harlow's story and was so excited to dive in and see where Lexie takes us this time. Happily, she picked up right where we left off - lots of drama and mystery and hot men.

This series started out as a slow burn and then got really HOT. This worked out perfectly because we really got to see the relationships develop, the character grow, and the suspense build. Honestly. I'm not a fan of a big harem, but since Lexi took her time to build the relationship, we really got to know the characters.

Best of all the suspense and mystery helps make it a 5 star read. I mean, we've got hot men, a strong, independent heroine, a solid mystery that is driving me nuts, and a relationship I'm invested in.

Lexi starts to wrap up the story in Cherished Girl so I'm finally getting some answers. Its great to see how the relationship is growing and getting glimpse of how I believe their future will end up. (And honestly kinda sad too as I've really come to love this unusual family.)

Don't think it's all happily ever after though. This is still a dramatic read that you won't want to put down and in typical Lexi fashion, you're gonna wanna scream at the cliffhanger!

If you haven't read this series yet, I absolutely urge you to give it a try. If you have, then Cherished Girl will NOT disappoint! Go one click!

Now, I'm going back into, my little corner to wallow and count the days until the next book comes out...

[ChristinaReads5 · Rating 3 out of 5]

so far not my favorite out of the series but still enjoyed

Harlow has been hit with a blow. Veronica is pregnant, she used nefarious means but she got her end goal. The twins find out who their biological father was and start to look into what they will inherit and the stalker is still out there.

Okay, I understand cliffhangers and why authors use them. But this one was super annoying to me.

I hate the baby angle and really with it wasn’t happening. The author even wrote into the story how it was soap opera like and I agreed and didn’t like it.

The stalker went to the back burner to the story even though they have shot one of the summers, has killed two people and has done a bunch of threatening and vandalizing.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Jacinta and Harlow, that was a complete 180 and it is refreshing to have some female companionship that isn’t toxic or a means to getting closer to the Summer guys.

It was kind of annoying with all of the poly relationships. I felt like Oprah, a poly relationship for you! One for you! And one for you!! Some of the relationships can stay with two people, not every family remember needs a harem. That was just too much and then the adoption of Hope and the addition of construction guys working under Neighpalm Industries….not gonna touch it. Family went from standoffish to outsiders to let’s add all of you to the clan.

I’m gonna finish try next book and hopefully it goes back to what the first 3 book made me feel.

[Booksfordays40 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be able to get an ARC copy of this book, and I’m so glad I did. I love Harlow’s story. We get a little more insight into her mother- not a lot- there is still one stalker on the loose. This book really focuses on Harlow’s life and how she balances the 6 brothers. Where the first few books were full of angst, this one is much more focuses on their HEA. Things are finally starting to look up, figuring out her place with the family and what she will be doing for a job. (I won’t be too specific here, as I don’t want to give too much away. I find this book a breath of fresh air- granted there are still a few mysteries to clear up, they aren’t out of the woods yet- but it really is a “next” perfect book in the series. And oh, if you can’t stand cliff hangers, watch out. This one ends on a doosey. Many times i get tired of a series, but that’s not the case here- I’m eager for more of Harlow’s story and the obvious other spin off books from other characters that will HOPEFULLY be coming at some point. I’ll just leave the dangling carrot there- don’t want to give anything away!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fall in love with the characters more and more throughout the series. Harlow and her men have grown so much throughout the series, and you get to see more of their relationship. Harlow’s dream of being a vet for exotic animals is starting to become a reality, and her men are doing everything they can to achieve it *swoon* *heart eyes*.

We get to see the fallout from the previous book, even though it made me upset, everyone’s reactions were supporting and you know there is no love lost. You really get the see the growth with the men and all of their relationships.

We get a little more insight on her mom’s side of the family and her stalker, but we are getting closer to figuring out who it is. There is also more around the mysterious Count’s estate, and what Jax & Jacinta want to do with it.

This book had it all- romance, suspense, mystery, angst, spice, laughter, friendships, and phenomenal character development. You learn more and more about this family and it keeps you on your toes! Even though it’s cliff hanger after cliff hanger, this series keeps your interest. I seriously cannot wait for this next book, it can’t come soon enough.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of the book. As always Lixie Winston has blown me away, you are an incredible author, a fantastic writer.
This is one of my favourite series, and I love the style of writing from the author, Lexie Winston.
I have been loving Harlow's story and I love that we were able to see more growth as just her, you are seeing her in her element. I love that we are seeing the growth of her's and Thomas relationship, seeing the two of them together was a highlight of the book.
Was awesome to finally see them learn more about the house across the street.
I love that hope was finally made a member of the family! That was something that I wasn't seeing coming, loved that it surprised me, also loved the surprises with the stalker, her mom, and some new drama with the flight crew. Her relationship with her sisters makes me so happy, I'm glad that it is finally working out with everyone, essentially Janika!
Although was wishing throughout the book that we saw more of her relationship with the other guys because I felt like it was focused a bit on only some of them.
I would highly recommend this book to people.

[veronika_21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is in my Top 10 and Lexie ones again showed me why.
The book has high heat, mysteries, lots of love and crying moments. It shows Harlow’s story is slowly coming to an end and I love it.
There are some things solved and some new information uncovered and I can’t wait to see where it leads us.
I loved the storyline about the Count’s estate and what Jaxon wants to do about it - it melted my heart.
One thing that was “too much” for me was how complicated the estate is. I couldn't wrap my mind about it and I can’t imagine someone will live there.
Oh and I can’t forget to mention the cliffhanger from the last book and how it was solved? My jaw dropped literally. I have to applaud Lexie for this!
Overall I loved how we got to see what a long journey the family had come and how solid they are. And the new addition? I cried like a baby and I hope we will get her book as well. Because she is amazing and I love her.
Last thing is the cliffhanger… Oh the cliffhanger can war with Tate James's ones and the last book can't come soon enough.

[Mimi.Reads.Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right where the last one ended, in the middle of a dramatic revelation. Things move along quickly from there, so much is going on! In some books, it could come across as disorganized or scattered but this is very well done. Everything flows smoothly from one scene to the next, and the pacing keeps the pages turning.

It was really sweet to see Harlow finally being treated with the respect and love that she deserves, not just from her romantic partners, but from Jacinta as well. We get to see Harlow closer to her best, the woman she is when she’s not battling vindictive siblings in addition to the stress of her new life and the stalker(s).

Lots of questions are answered, several still are not, and new ones pop up in this book. We get to meet some new characters and find out more about others, including a couple who seem like they might get their own stories someday.

The spice level is 🥵🥵🥵 and about the same level as the previous book. The next book, I think the last one in Harlow’s story, is out in April and available for pre-order now!

[KLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll admit I had some continuity / trope issues with this installment. Let's address trope first: I am really not a fan of the "OW pregnant with mmc's baby" trope. I liked how this was dealt with and accepted, but I didn't like the direction the author went in the series with this. I could continue along this train, but I won't.

As for continuity. ... The first books were all "I won't take your money or your family help" not that I fully agreed with this stubbornness from the MFC, but in this book, it's like completely flipped. "Oh you want to give me a house, giggle giggle, oh yes please build me a zoo, giggle giggle, oh don't worry, I can just put that on the house account.". (I may be taking some creative liberties with my quoted dialogue here :))
Finally, the relationships all felt like a lot of work in this installment.

Sigh ... I've come this far so yes I'll be finishing the series, but it's probably good there is only one more book.

[Be · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

So good. This one may be my favourite in this series! Lexie Winston had again outdone herself. Perfect writing. Intriguing storyline’s and plenty of twists and turns.

As with all the book so far in the Neighpalm Industries Collective series you do need to read the books before this one - it is a continuation of the story of Harlow and the Summers.

In the previous book - Wanted Girl - we got the see the relationships build, in this one - Cherished Girl - we see the relationship being solidified - and it is fantastic!

We also saw what happened after the last cliffhanger! It was awesome. And this cliffhanger was just as good - I love this authors cliffhangers!

There was so much to love about this book and the series as a whole. I cannot wait for the final part of Harlow’s series - Loved Girl.

Thanks again for your fantastic writing Lexie!

[Jennifer Felderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kicks and screams. Ok I swear I’m fine. Have you ever read a book, and everything is amazing. Good things are happening in Harlow’s life. She has an incredible support system, Jacinta is a protective, happy sister, and business is good. I enjoyed the happy glow, even though I knew something was going to happen.

The stalker hasn’t been found yet, and there aren’t any real leads. He/she does enjoy popping up a few times to remind us that the stalker is there.

Harlow deserves all of these good things, but the shadow of Max also stays with us. What’s going on with her? Why is she keeping secrets from her sister and parents?
I really love this series, and I’m equally sad and excited to read the final book coming.

But that ending took me by surprise!

[Samantha Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so freaking much!!

Cherished Girl is book 5 in the Neighpalm Collective series.

Harlow is still dealing with the stalker and the things the stalker has done. We also get some more info about her mother(who i really dont like even more now). I can't wait to find out who this stalker is!!

Harlow and her guys are working toward their future and I adore them all together. She gets her job figured out (which is seriously the sweetest thing ever from one of her guys) and I am loving watching their relationships all grow and become so strong.

There are still so many questions to be answered and after that cliffhanger, I am counting down the days to the next book!

This series just keeps getting better and better and I love it!!!

[Claire Bosman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherished Girl picks up right where Wanted Girl left off. The relationship between Harlow and the guys is progressing nicely with a few "bumps" along the way and part of the stalker storyline is revealed but I get the feeling not all is as it seems. Although we were introduced to some new characters, Harlow, the Summers' men and the mystery mansion were the main focus of this book. Loved this book, the only downside was the shower scene with Thomas (my favourite Summers) and their first time alone together, was glazed over with no details. It was something I personally was looking forward to in this book. Overall it was a solid and entertaining read and after that cliffhanger, I can't wait for the next book.

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherished Girl is the fifth book in Lexie Winston’s ( Neigh-Palm Industries Collective Series ) this book picks up right where the previous one left off . Right in the middle of a huge revelation. Of course I’m not telling what that is. What I will say is that Harlow is still dealing with the stalker and the repercussions of his actions . We also get a lot more insight into Harlows mom and the relationship between her and her guys ,what there future might look like . Many questions are answered and many new ones arise . Cherished girl is a emotional rollercoaster, it’s steamy, emotional, intriguing, mysterious, suspenseful and full of many twists and turns . I can promise you that once you start you will not be able to stop
a

[Louise Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Cherished Girl is the penultimate book in Harlow and the Summers story and sees many of the questions from this book start to reach their conclusion with an epic cliffhanger at the end. I absolutely love this series and each book is better than the last. Lexie Winston’s characters just have a way of making you fall in love with them and drag you deeper into the story. The story itself is brilliant and I really enjoyed it and it was great seeing things start to fall in place for the characters. Overall, an absolutely fantastic book with loads going on in the story itself and characters you just can’t help but fall in love with. I would recommend giving it a read.

[Kirsty Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series! This book picks up exactly were the last one left off. From start to finish I read it within 24hrs, as I literally couldn’t put it down. Cherished girl gives the answers to a lot of questions from the pervious books, but not all. I loved seeing Harlows relationship with the guys grow in this book, but also watch as the family worked together to make Harlows dream come true. As always nana and poppy are complete legends, and forget about book boyfriends, I’m claiming Brad as my book dad 😂 I truly love reading about these characters, and I’m going to sad to see their story end in the next book, although I know they will pop up in Jacinda’s books

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cherished Girl

💥 Boom! This book opens with a bang and keeps going strong as we get closer to the mystery of who is stalking our FMC and the whys behind it.

We get sooo many surprises in this one book, additions to the family, some major plot twists, some answers to several questions we had.

All in all I was fantastically impressed with all the goodness that Lexie was able to pack into one book!

Continue the adventure with Harlow and her men as she grows into the woman she has always dreamed she would be, and get ready for some jaw dropping moments that you will be invited to witness!

One click this next book in the series and…then be prepared to be swept away.