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Bardstown #1
I Like Me Better
Sugar and spice and everything nice?
No way.
She’s sugar and sass and a pain in my...well...you know.
It was just supposed to be a two-month leave from my cushy job in Chicago. Stabilize the family bakery business following the death of my father, and then get back to the city. It would have gone flawlessly had I not run smack dab into Hadley Hutton on my first night back. That spit-fire competitive girl was my college nemesis, always one-upping me, until she mysteriously didn’t return for our senior year.
So, imagine my surprise when I’m introduced to the bakery’s newest manager and it’s her! Now I have to work closely with her nearly everyday. Words fly and tempers flare between us, just like they did in college, except something is different about her now. There’s more to Hadley Hutton than her sweet looks and salty attitude.
Maybe if I can figure her out, she’ll see I’m not the jerk she thinks I am.
Or maybe I’m just creating a recipe for disaster.
This book is a full-length interconnected standalone! The books in the Bardstown series can be read in any order as each one features a different brother in the Fox family. These books are adult in nature and should only be read by those 18+ years old.
No way.
She’s sugar and sass and a pain in my...well...you know.
It was just supposed to be a two-month leave from my cushy job in Chicago. Stabilize the family bakery business following the death of my father, and then get back to the city. It would have gone flawlessly had I not run smack dab into Hadley Hutton on my first night back. That spit-fire competitive girl was my college nemesis, always one-upping me, until she mysteriously didn’t return for our senior year.
So, imagine my surprise when I’m introduced to the bakery’s newest manager and it’s her! Now I have to work closely with her nearly everyday. Words fly and tempers flare between us, just like they did in college, except something is different about her now. There’s more to Hadley Hutton than her sweet looks and salty attitude.
Maybe if I can figure her out, she’ll see I’m not the jerk she thinks I am.
Or maybe I’m just creating a recipe for disaster.
This book is a full-length interconnected standalone! The books in the Bardstown series can be read in any order as each one features a different brother in the Fox family. These books are adult in nature and should only be read by those 18+ years old.
328 pages, ebook
First published November 26, 2021
295 people are currently reading
947 people want to read
About the author
Susan Renee
41 books650 followersInternational Best Selling author, Susan Renee, wants to live in a world where paint doesn't smell, book boyfriends are real, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she's not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 1, 2021
Susan Renee did it again! I loved her book, Seven. And this book is just as amazing! It is the first book in The Bardstown Series, which will consist of 4 related standalone small town contemporary romances.
Beckham is living his life in Chicago as an accountant at this hot shot firm. When his father dies he reluctantly returns to Bardstown, to check on the finances of his dad’s bakery.
What Beckham doesn’t know is, that his father hired Hadley to manage the family bakery. He and Hadley have a competitive history that dates back to their high school years. Needless to say, when they meet, it isn’t a happy reunion.
Hadley has been dealt some very rough cards in her life, while Beckham’s has been an easy one.
They’ll have to work together and well… things get rather steamy!
I absolutely loved this ARC and definitely recommend you read it too! The release is set for September and if you like small town steamy/spicy romance, this definitely is the book to get! I’ll be looking forward to the rest of the series.
Beckham is living his life in Chicago as an accountant at this hot shot firm. When his father dies he reluctantly returns to Bardstown, to check on the finances of his dad’s bakery.
What Beckham doesn’t know is, that his father hired Hadley to manage the family bakery. He and Hadley have a competitive history that dates back to their high school years. Needless to say, when they meet, it isn’t a happy reunion.
Hadley has been dealt some very rough cards in her life, while Beckham’s has been an easy one.
They’ll have to work together and well… things get rather steamy!
I absolutely loved this ARC and definitely recommend you read it too! The release is set for September and if you like small town steamy/spicy romance, this definitely is the book to get! I’ll be looking forward to the rest of the series.
May 17, 2022
Just didn’t buy their relationship 🤷🏻♀️
This is a hard review to write for a number of reasons.
1) Because I love the author, love the other books of hers I’ve read, and always want to say great things about peoples’ work.
2) I did really like the storyline, and the cast of supporting characters (who I am expecting to see in the following books).
But I’m going to be honest and say I just didn’t feel the connection between Hadley and Beckham. Supposedly they grew up in the same small town together but did not know each other because there were somehow two separate school districts. They wound up in the same college and had a couple classes together, but were not exactly friends or close. Hadley had a crush on Beckham until he changed and became obsessed with competing for top scores in classes. It became some savage competition. She suddenly disappeared between junior and senior year and he never thinks of her again, until their paths cross ten years later.
After a family tragedy, she’s forced to return home from college and takes a job working for Beck’s family. Somehow we are to believe that even though the two had no real sort of relationship, she made his family promise to never mention she worked for them and went into hiding on the rare occasions he came home to visit. Not because she was ashamed, but because she had feelings for him? It’s all weird. After his father‘s death he returns home to help deal with the books, and discovers she is working there. He is a complete grade A jerk off. Total tool. I cannot fathom why anyone would be attracted to him. After he insinuates she is the town wh0re, and accuses her of sleeping with two of his brothers to get her job, and suggesting she can work off a dry cleaning bill with smexual favors, why she would possible consider him attractive, I can’t imagine. And let’s not forget her bff’s suggesting “ maybe it’s like when boys are mean to you because they really like you but don’t know how to tell you?” These are 30-something’s for starters, and “boys will be boys” mentality is disgusting even in little boys.
In the middle, they get together and things are good. They are believable and cute together. The storyline progresses and things are great….. until they’re not. The morning after they finally sleep together and telling her he will never leave her, he does just that. He literally gets out of her bed and ghosts her. He gets a text about some potentially bad things going down with his job, but rather than share any details or say he needs to go back to Chicago to figure things out he just leaves her. Weeks and weeks go by with no contact. But suddenly he gets his Epiphany and things get straightened out so she just welcomes him right back with open arms after he admits he always loved her. 🤬🤬🤬
I know I trash talked a lot. Don’t misunderstand- the writing is great, the storyline is great, the sideline characters are awesome. I just didn’t buy the relationship between these two. And honestly, I really wanted her to tell him off and wind up with someone else. Maybe even his brother 😏
This is a hard review to write for a number of reasons.
1) Because I love the author, love the other books of hers I’ve read, and always want to say great things about peoples’ work.
2) I did really like the storyline, and the cast of supporting characters (who I am expecting to see in the following books).
But I’m going to be honest and say I just didn’t feel the connection between Hadley and Beckham. Supposedly they grew up in the same small town together but did not know each other because there were somehow two separate school districts. They wound up in the same college and had a couple classes together, but were not exactly friends or close. Hadley had a crush on Beckham until he changed and became obsessed with competing for top scores in classes. It became some savage competition. She suddenly disappeared between junior and senior year and he never thinks of her again, until their paths cross ten years later.
After a family tragedy, she’s forced to return home from college and takes a job working for Beck’s family. Somehow we are to believe that even though the two had no real sort of relationship, she made his family promise to never mention she worked for them and went into hiding on the rare occasions he came home to visit. Not because she was ashamed, but because she had feelings for him? It’s all weird. After his father‘s death he returns home to help deal with the books, and discovers she is working there. He is a complete grade A jerk off. Total tool. I cannot fathom why anyone would be attracted to him. After he insinuates she is the town wh0re, and accuses her of sleeping with two of his brothers to get her job, and suggesting she can work off a dry cleaning bill with smexual favors, why she would possible consider him attractive, I can’t imagine. And let’s not forget her bff’s suggesting “ maybe it’s like when boys are mean to you because they really like you but don’t know how to tell you?” These are 30-something’s for starters, and “boys will be boys” mentality is disgusting even in little boys.
In the middle, they get together and things are good. They are believable and cute together. The storyline progresses and things are great….. until they’re not. The morning after they finally sleep together and telling her he will never leave her, he does just that. He literally gets out of her bed and ghosts her. He gets a text about some potentially bad things going down with his job, but rather than share any details or say he needs to go back to Chicago to figure things out he just leaves her. Weeks and weeks go by with no contact. But suddenly he gets his Epiphany and things get straightened out so she just welcomes him right back with open arms after he admits he always loved her. 🤬🤬🤬
I know I trash talked a lot. Don’t misunderstand- the writing is great, the storyline is great, the sideline characters are awesome. I just didn’t buy the relationship between these two. And honestly, I really wanted her to tell him off and wind up with someone else. Maybe even his brother 😏
August 8, 2021
Hadley is college drop out working in a bakery. Beckham has to take a leave from his job to help take care of his late father's bakery. They see each other again after years of being apart. Wow. This fantastic. The sugar and sass comment was priceless! Graham, Asher and Emmet are amazing! Hadley and Beckham both let their pride get to them. She isn't afraid to speak her mind when it comes to him. He is a mess when it comes to her. I laughed so much through this. They were written beautifully. I love the ending. I wish it was longer. I really like this a lot.
April 24, 2023
Cute book. If it's going to be enemies to lovers, it's gotta really change, not in love with each other from the beginning. I like the hate to love change.. forced proximity 😅 I don't regret reading it. It was predictable, but maybe that's why I read it.
April 20, 2023
I can't with this story. I don't think I felt a love story more than this one.
Beckham and Hadley are so far my favorite couple and their story is one for the ages. I cried and smiled through this entire book.
I highly suggest this and all other books that have these characters.
Beckham and Hadley are so far my favorite couple and their story is one for the ages. I cried and smiled through this entire book.
I highly suggest this and all other books that have these characters.
September 7, 2021
I am in love with Susan's books and this one is just as fantastic! I was so lucky to get an advanced copy of this book and I devoured it in 2 days, which was pretty on par for all of Susan's books for me. With every single book of hers I feel like I am reading a rom com. In I Like Me Better there is humor, there is steam, there is a family dynamic that I absolutely love. And there are so many yummy sounding baked goods. If you have a giant sweet tooth like me, just be warned, you will crave cupcakes for days. And pie. And cookies. And muffins. Beckham and Hadley's start may have been rocky, but their love story was so beautiful to read. Thank you Susan for sharing this story with us and I can not wait to see what happens next with the Fox Brothers.
September 6, 2021
I love this book and can’t wait to read the rest of series. Hadley is a strong women who’s been through hell but says it like it is she takes no none sense from beckham when he tries to take over things, I’ve cried laughed and felt anger, I love the the banter between the brothers and the love the whole family has for Hadley. Definitely recommend this to read
September 3, 2021
Look, I did not expect to cry… and I did not expect some life lessons and advice from this book but let me tell you.. I got it all. This was the perfect book. I loved the whole small town girl and city boy - enemies to lovers. I think I liked it best because I’m the age of the characters and it reminds me that it’s not too late to change things. I totally fell for the Fox boys, I want my own!! Susan Renee is a fantastic writer. I cannot wait to read about the rest of the Fox family and their little town.
September 28, 2023
Once I put my hands on this book, I literally couldn’t let go until I finished it! I loved it so much! Romance, enemies to lovers trope, dual 1st person POV (which I love) and lots of feelings; laughter, sadness, anxiety, flirt, agony, love. I loved the brothers relationship, they all added value to the story. It’s the first book I read by this author but will definitely try the rest of the series. If you are into spicy romantic stories, you have to get this. I recommend it 100%!
September 11, 2021
Ok, I loved this story!
Having read a few of this authors books, and loving them, when I heard about this book, I had to read it. And I’m so glad I did! It was absolutely amazing! And what a surprise it was to learn it is set in Bardstown Kentucky, which is only a few hours from me. This book had me hooked from page one. Beckham is this corporate accountant, that knew he didn’t want to stay in his small town. He wanted bigger things. Hadley had big dreams, but things happened, and she chose a different path. These two knew each other from college, where they competed with each other, but didn’t have any idea their were from the same small town. When Beckham’s dad dies, and he comes home to help the family bakery, he runs into her. I loved the characters in this book. They were real, and showed real emotions. And I have to admit, I teared up at some parts. Hadley has been dealt a tough hand, but she’s made the best of it. Putting her everything into the Foxes Bakery. Watching these two fight, and then fall for each other, was amazing. And I can’t wait for the rest of this series. I definitely recommend this book. It’s funny, and heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, and has some steamy moments, if you love those.
Having read a few of this authors books, and loving them, when I heard about this book, I had to read it. And I’m so glad I did! It was absolutely amazing! And what a surprise it was to learn it is set in Bardstown Kentucky, which is only a few hours from me. This book had me hooked from page one. Beckham is this corporate accountant, that knew he didn’t want to stay in his small town. He wanted bigger things. Hadley had big dreams, but things happened, and she chose a different path. These two knew each other from college, where they competed with each other, but didn’t have any idea their were from the same small town. When Beckham’s dad dies, and he comes home to help the family bakery, he runs into her. I loved the characters in this book. They were real, and showed real emotions. And I have to admit, I teared up at some parts. Hadley has been dealt a tough hand, but she’s made the best of it. Putting her everything into the Foxes Bakery. Watching these two fight, and then fall for each other, was amazing. And I can’t wait for the rest of this series. I definitely recommend this book. It’s funny, and heartwarming, sometimes heartbreaking, and has some steamy moments, if you love those.
September 9, 2021
I like me better is an enemies to lovers romance. It's about two people, Beckham Fox and Hadley Hutton, who knew eachother in college. After she dropped out of college due to personal reasons, they don't see eachother again until they meet again in their hometown Bardstown several years later. They hate eachother, or do they? Read this story as Beckham and Hadley get to know eachother again ...
Hadley is my all time favourite character in this book, she's such a strong and loving woman, she's so creative and helpful towards others and takes care of others first before thinking about herself.
Beckham is a bit if a jerk in the beginning of the story, but as it progressed, i started to love him, because he's just a big softy and a romantic guy too.
As i was reading this book, it was just like i was watching some of my favourite kind of romantic movies. I loved this book so much, i couldn't get enough of it! I almost threw my ipad across the room and I literally cried happy tears at the end of this one, and I don't often do that...
Sorry Mrs. Renee for taking a while longer to read this one, i really enjoyed your work! It's one of my favourites up until now.
Hadley is my all time favourite character in this book, she's such a strong and loving woman, she's so creative and helpful towards others and takes care of others first before thinking about herself.
Beckham is a bit if a jerk in the beginning of the story, but as it progressed, i started to love him, because he's just a big softy and a romantic guy too.
As i was reading this book, it was just like i was watching some of my favourite kind of romantic movies. I loved this book so much, i couldn't get enough of it! I almost threw my ipad across the room and I literally cried happy tears at the end of this one, and I don't often do that...
Sorry Mrs. Renee for taking a while longer to read this one, i really enjoyed your work! It's one of my favourites up until now.
March 21, 2024
I liked this book when I started it. It got a little over explanatory and there were some minor editing things, but over all the writing was good, the story was well paced, the character’s relationship was fairly organic.
And while the first spicy scene got a little… weird, the first kiss scene more than made up for it. (Because DAMN 🥵🥵)
Also… the group texts/interactions between Beckham and his brothers were basically the absolute best.
So this book was headed to a solid 3.5 for me.
Until the third act break up. Which, truthfully, I have no issues with a third act break up. But this one was SO. FREAKING. DUMB. There was absolutely no reason for Beckham not to tell her what was going on. There was absolutely no reason for him not to suggest long distance for a bit or AT THE VERY LEAST tell her that he didn’t want this coming back on anyone else and they would have to keep their distance until he could figure it out.
Not to mention that even when it finished, he was like “whelp guess I��m stuck here forever even though it turns out I hate it.”
The whole thing just made zero sense to me and really kind of ruined the book.
So 2/2.5 stars for this one.
And while the first spicy scene got a little… weird, the first kiss scene more than made up for it. (Because DAMN 🥵🥵)
Also… the group texts/interactions between Beckham and his brothers were basically the absolute best.
So this book was headed to a solid 3.5 for me.
Until the third act break up. Which, truthfully, I have no issues with a third act break up. But this one was SO. FREAKING. DUMB. There was absolutely no reason for Beckham not to tell her what was going on. There was absolutely no reason for him not to suggest long distance for a bit or AT THE VERY LEAST tell her that he didn’t want this coming back on anyone else and they would have to keep their distance until he could figure it out.
Not to mention that even when it finished, he was like “whelp guess I��m stuck here forever even though it turns out I hate it.”
The whole thing just made zero sense to me and really kind of ruined the book.
So 2/2.5 stars for this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
I Like Me Better is Susan Renee’s first book in a new Small Town, enemies to Lovers romance based on the four Fox brothers. This first story, I like Me Better, is about the eldest Fox brother Beckham. Beckham has chosen to live outside of their small town in Chicago,
and is a big shot businessman, but a family issue brings him back home to sort out his families business. He ends up running into his longtime crush, and girl who gave him a run for his money in college, Hadley Hutton.
The two of them get off to a bad start, as is typical of a enemies to lovers romance. Before long, Beck and Hadley are spending all of their time together. But what happens when it’s time for Beckham to return to his cushy job
This was a sweet and even sexy, enemies to lovers romance set in a small town. It has just the right amount of spice, lots of humor, and romance. It’s a 5 star read for me with a 2 chili pepper heat rating
October 12, 2021
I'm writing this through blurry eyes as I spent the last portion of this book crying. This was my first spicy romance book and I was not disappointed. I laughed, smiled, cried all in the space of the two days I was reading this book at it wasn't even my time of the month. This is the perfect academic rivials to lovers book. Hadley and Beckham's relationship didn't just grow throughout this book but they also grew in themselves and it was so beautiful. I love a women with sass who doesn't take no s**t from no man and stands her ground. I loved the family dyamic between the four brothers and I can't wait to read the next books in the series and get their POV's and if they get what Beckham got in Chapter 21 then I'm sure tears will be spilled again. If you want a spicy book that will tuck at your heartstrings and make you feel every emotion under the sun then this is the book for you. Also if anyone wants to sign up to be the Whitney to my Hadley that would be great.
July 5, 2023
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only*
Enemies to lovers
Bardstown Series (Book 1 takes place 17-18 years after the prequel)
Beckham is coming back to Bardstown to get a handle on the family's business's financial problems. His father recently passed away and left the books in a mess. Since Beckham is an accountant, it falls to him to straighten it out. He is not a small-town man, though. He likes the big city. Hadley was always outscoring him in college, but she vanished senior year. He doesn't know it yet, but he's about to find out she works for his family while taking care of her stroke-ridden mother. It was all kept secret from him. Things are about to explode between them, but there are still some things neither know. And he still has a life back in Chicago...
This book takes you on an emotional journey. It's not as heartbreaking as SEVEN, but it will still get to you. Well written and put together.
*over 18 readers only*
Enemies to lovers
Bardstown Series (Book 1 takes place 17-18 years after the prequel)
Beckham is coming back to Bardstown to get a handle on the family's business's financial problems. His father recently passed away and left the books in a mess. Since Beckham is an accountant, it falls to him to straighten it out. He is not a small-town man, though. He likes the big city. Hadley was always outscoring him in college, but she vanished senior year. He doesn't know it yet, but he's about to find out she works for his family while taking care of her stroke-ridden mother. It was all kept secret from him. Things are about to explode between them, but there are still some things neither know. And he still has a life back in Chicago...
This book takes you on an emotional journey. It's not as heartbreaking as SEVEN, but it will still get to you. Well written and put together.
September 7, 2021
Enemies to lovers. Dual POV. 2/5 spice. Super cute romance novel.
The first couple of lines really got my attention and gave me a giggle. “My pen is huge. It’s bulbous and weighty and it feels good in my hands.” The opening drew me in to the main character. He experiences an event that causes him to leave his big city life and come home to his small, country town.
I love the introduction to the protagonist. She’s witty, sarcastic, and doesn’t take crap. I love how she becomes part of his life without him knowing right away how. My heart breaks for her family situation but I love that she has people in her corner. And the ice breaker for the beginning of their relationship is swoon worthy. I almost cried when Beckham started reading the letter from his dad. And the epilogue is AMAZINGLY sweet. Perfect ending and I can’t wait to read the brothers’ stories, and maybe Whitney and Elias.
The first couple of lines really got my attention and gave me a giggle. “My pen is huge. It’s bulbous and weighty and it feels good in my hands.” The opening drew me in to the main character. He experiences an event that causes him to leave his big city life and come home to his small, country town.
I love the introduction to the protagonist. She’s witty, sarcastic, and doesn’t take crap. I love how she becomes part of his life without him knowing right away how. My heart breaks for her family situation but I love that she has people in her corner. And the ice breaker for the beginning of their relationship is swoon worthy. I almost cried when Beckham started reading the letter from his dad. And the epilogue is AMAZINGLY sweet. Perfect ending and I can’t wait to read the brothers’ stories, and maybe Whitney and Elias.
November 2, 2021
First time reading a book by the author Susan Renee and her writing is amazing. Her book ‘I Like Me Better, is the first in this new series and is definitely a 5 star book. The main characters Beckham and Hadley strike sparks off of each other, words do fly when the are in each other’s company. They are so entertaining and well developed characters and the story has humor, that will almost having you laughing out loud. The story has romance, drama, heartbreak and you will definitely be wishing for their happy ever after. The book hooked my interest and read late into the night. This small town story packs the suspense with baited breath which kept me turning the pages. Highly recommend reading the book as Ms. Renee is a talented writer. I have added her to my favorite author’s list.
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.
January 25, 2022
The sassy baker and straight lined accountant you never knew you needed
Susan Renee does it again with this heart warming romantic comedy.
Hadley made Mr. Fox promise he'd never tell his son, and her old collage rival, she was his new bakery manager, but when Mr. Fox passes away there's only one option for Bardstown Bakes. For Beckham Fox to put his accounting degree to good use and make a new business plan. He shows up expecting to find a mess of paperwork to clean up and file but he doesn't expect the bombshell that outdid him in every way in college to be dishing out orders to the employees, or for llhis long buried crush to resurface.
Join these two as they learn to work as a team instead of competing against eacher and enjoy the steamy collision of two powerhouses.
Susan Renee does it again with this heart warming romantic comedy.
Hadley made Mr. Fox promise he'd never tell his son, and her old collage rival, she was his new bakery manager, but when Mr. Fox passes away there's only one option for Bardstown Bakes. For Beckham Fox to put his accounting degree to good use and make a new business plan. He shows up expecting to find a mess of paperwork to clean up and file but he doesn't expect the bombshell that outdid him in every way in college to be dishing out orders to the employees, or for llhis long buried crush to resurface.
Join these two as they learn to work as a team instead of competing against eacher and enjoy the steamy collision of two powerhouses.
September 8, 2021
Susan Renee has done it again, and with a new series! Her latest book, I Like Me Better, is the first in this new series and is just as great as all of her other series! The characters are so entertaining that they’ll literally make you laugh out loud (yes, even while you’re sitting in the doctor’s office waiting room ☺️), and through love, tears (yours and theirs), heartbreak, and perfect ‘get your head out of your @$$’ reminders, you become part of the family and their happily ever after. Just a heads up, there is a shocker that will make your jaw drop; the doozy I’m referring to is not the one at the beginning of the book...keep reading! I can’t wait for the rest of the series! If you haven’t read every one of Susan Renee’s books you need to - they’re all worth it!
September 9, 2021
Of course when I heard there was a new book coming out I could not wait!
This is one of Susan's very best works of fiction, hands down. She has made all the characters come alive off of the pages in this book. She was able to reach inside me and squeeze my heart with her words. This story has so much emotion, I was done before I knew it because I didn't want to put it down. There are so many laugh out loud scenes, some pretty embarrassing things happening in the bar, in the bakery, maybe in other parts of public places...
If you have yet to pick up a Susan Renee book, you are surly missing out on some amazing story telling, she has hit it out of the park with this one and I honestly cannot wait to see what she could possibly come up with for the rest of the brothers.
This is one of Susan's very best works of fiction, hands down. She has made all the characters come alive off of the pages in this book. She was able to reach inside me and squeeze my heart with her words. This story has so much emotion, I was done before I knew it because I didn't want to put it down. There are so many laugh out loud scenes, some pretty embarrassing things happening in the bar, in the bakery, maybe in other parts of public places...
If you have yet to pick up a Susan Renee book, you are surly missing out on some amazing story telling, she has hit it out of the park with this one and I honestly cannot wait to see what she could possibly come up with for the rest of the brothers.
September 18, 2021
Sweeter than a Christmas cookie, spicier than a good carrot cake!
I just finished I Like Me Better (Bardstown, #1) by Susan Renee.
It was not what I expected, although, I am not sure what I expected. Anyway, I loved it.
Small town romance done right.
Sweet, spicy, sassy, and steamy.
Beckham and Hadley’s story launches a new series that I can’t wait to binge!
All the feels, a tear or two, and some belly laughs.
Hadley, a female love interest, is my weekend spirit animal!
The book quote that describes her is, “Sugar and spice and everything nice? No way. She’s sugar and sass and a pain in my ass.”
She sports t-shirts with sassy sayings and gets stuff done, my favorite, “Maybe Swearing Will Help.”
I just finished I Like Me Better (Bardstown, #1) by Susan Renee.
It was not what I expected, although, I am not sure what I expected. Anyway, I loved it.
Small town romance done right.
Sweet, spicy, sassy, and steamy.
Beckham and Hadley’s story launches a new series that I can’t wait to binge!
All the feels, a tear or two, and some belly laughs.
Hadley, a female love interest, is my weekend spirit animal!
The book quote that describes her is, “Sugar and spice and everything nice? No way. She’s sugar and sass and a pain in my ass.”
She sports t-shirts with sassy sayings and gets stuff done, my favorite, “Maybe Swearing Will Help.”
April 28, 2024
“I couldn’t stop being around you, because I like me better when I’m with you, Had.”
Dang it, Susan….you did it to me again. Loved this book. I love her ability to have a romance novel with depth. Are there steamy moments? Yup. But there is also such strong character development, heartwarming moments, and laugh out loud parts. The Schitt’s Creek references had me cackling!
I love the relationship with Hadley and Beckham. I love that she always “on-upped” him and that he had to admit he found that intimidating. Because you know, FMC don’t have to be damsels in distress. We can save ourselves.
You all know I love good series, and Susan Renee already got me with her Chicago Red Tails one. Can’t wait to continue the Bardstown Series and see what the remaining Fox brothers have for us.
Dang it, Susan….you did it to me again. Loved this book. I love her ability to have a romance novel with depth. Are there steamy moments? Yup. But there is also such strong character development, heartwarming moments, and laugh out loud parts. The Schitt’s Creek references had me cackling!
I love the relationship with Hadley and Beckham. I love that she always “on-upped” him and that he had to admit he found that intimidating. Because you know, FMC don’t have to be damsels in distress. We can save ourselves.
You all know I love good series, and Susan Renee already got me with her Chicago Red Tails one. Can’t wait to continue the Bardstown Series and see what the remaining Fox brothers have for us.
August 13, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. Susan’s writing style is fun and draws you in making you feel like the characters. Hadley is great and so is Beckham. I loved all the Fox brothers and I’m so excited that there are more coming. I know I have more possible book boyfriends in the future. I really love how she brings in the passion for providing and giving back to their communities. There is not enough of this in the real world…to see it being portrayed so wonderfully in a book…loved it.
Reading this as my first book of hers…I’m going to go back and one click a lot of her catalog.
Can’t wait for the next!!
Reading this as my first book of hers…I’m going to go back and one click a lot of her catalog.
Can’t wait for the next!!
August 31, 2021
I fell in love with Hadley and Beckham's story! In true Susan Renee fashion, the book was filled with witty one-liners and great chemistry between characters. I loved how the characters had a kind of personal growth as they fell in love; it created people that were rich and relatable. Beckham's brothers in the story hint at the future of the series and I am HERE for it! Hadley and her besties are smart, independent women who made me crack up. Hopefully we'll get to see more of them in the coming books.
If you like small-town romance, steamy scenes with witty characters, or anything else by Susan Renee, you'll love this book!
If you like small-town romance, steamy scenes with witty characters, or anything else by Susan Renee, you'll love this book!
November 15, 2024
Hadley doesn't have things easy, she had to drop out of college, and now manages a bakery, so when the beloved owner dies, and her old rival, the owners son comes and starts interfering there are fireworks. But are those fireworks hiding more than meets the eye.
This was well fine, honestly, I don't really have any strong feelings about it. It was a spicy romance with an awful lot of sass, and well, miscommunication which is my least favourite trope ever. It all comes across as kinda childish and pathetic at times but there is nothing wrong with the book on the whole. I probably wouldn't read the others in the series as there are far better small town romances out there.
This was well fine, honestly, I don't really have any strong feelings about it. It was a spicy romance with an awful lot of sass, and well, miscommunication which is my least favourite trope ever. It all comes across as kinda childish and pathetic at times but there is nothing wrong with the book on the whole. I probably wouldn't read the others in the series as there are far better small town romances out there.
August 16, 2021
I received this book as an ARC to review. I absolutely loved it! This was a refreshing romance with a down home vibe. It is a story that actually feels realistic to me.
The main character wears these spectacular shirts that set the “vibe” for her customers on Mondays. I am so in love with this book and all of its characters!
I can’t wait to be able to buy it once it goes live next month! This is a book that you won’t be disappointed in purchasing for yourself, your friends or a book fairy gift!
I don’t want to give any spoilers but it’s a 10 out 10!!! Pre order yours ASAP!
The main character wears these spectacular shirts that set the “vibe” for her customers on Mondays. I am so in love with this book and all of its characters!
I can’t wait to be able to buy it once it goes live next month! This is a book that you won’t be disappointed in purchasing for yourself, your friends or a book fairy gift!
I don’t want to give any spoilers but it’s a 10 out 10!!! Pre order yours ASAP!
August 22, 2021
Was fortunate to get an ARC of this 😊 While I always enjoy reading Susan Renee's books, I must say I prefer this genre (see also Seven, one of the 1st I read of hers) over the more recent rom-coms. Don't get me wrong, I Like Me Better still had plenty of laughs 😉 Loved the small town, friends to enemies to lovers situation, plus all the glimpses into the Fox brothers who will be getting their own stories. And don't even get me started on the swing scene and bakery scene! 🔥🔥🔥 Add this to your Goodreads, or better yet, your cart, NOW!
September 7, 2021
This book was so good! Well written and good storyline. Beckham and Hadley have great chemistry and are characters you can totally relate to! Definitely a small town, enemys to lovers troupe. The back and forth banter and teasing was so funny, but there were also plenty of heart breaking moments in this book too.
I laughed, cried, cursed characters out, and basically went through every emotion reading this one. I can't wait to explore more of these brothers as the series continues! I am a sucker for spin off books!
I laughed, cried, cursed characters out, and basically went through every emotion reading this one. I can't wait to explore more of these brothers as the series continues! I am a sucker for spin off books!
September 10, 2021
I am in love with Susans new book!!!
I Like Me Better is an enemies to lovers small town romance that follows Hadley Hutton and Beckham Fox. Hadley and Beckham knew each other in college but Hadley had to drop out and they lost contact.
Several years after college, they both end up back in Bardstown which is their hometown. Hadley is working in a bakery and Beckham is helping take care of his fathers bakery after his passing.
I couldn't get enough of this book!!! I even cried 😭😭 Susan, this series is gonna be AMAZING 😘😘😘
I Like Me Better is an enemies to lovers small town romance that follows Hadley Hutton and Beckham Fox. Hadley and Beckham knew each other in college but Hadley had to drop out and they lost contact.
Several years after college, they both end up back in Bardstown which is their hometown. Hadley is working in a bakery and Beckham is helping take care of his fathers bakery after his passing.
I couldn't get enough of this book!!! I even cried 😭😭 Susan, this series is gonna be AMAZING 😘😘😘
September 27, 2023
I enjoyed this one … I do think Beck could have handled the leaving a little differently, more maturely … I loved Hadley she was a QUEEN and I loved her quirkiness, her spunky witty shirts… they gave me life… I loved them together , tho I’m not a big fan of the old ways of “a guy picking on a girl because he likes her” especially as an over 30 year old… I get the tension and the build but it’s just a not something I enjoy… THANKFULLY he wasn’t “mean” to her , it only used that as a reference as to the tension between them…
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