Everything He Isn't

by Lauren Stewart

Opposites might attract, but they don't always get along.

After years of working at my father’s interior design firm, I’ve finally landed my first solo project.

I have no intention of letting anything screw it up. Now, more than ever, I need order and control.

So, of course, that’s when fate tosses a hot mess of temptation into my life.

Cooper Wahl is completely wrong for me. He’s everything on my “con” column and nothing from the “pro” side.

Unfortunately, he's also known as the ultimate fix-it guy, and I desperately need his help to prevent my project from falling apart.

The more time I spend with him and his pocket-sized dog, the more I question if the rules I live by were made to be broken.

Can I keep things strictly professional with Cooper and focus on furthering my career? Or will the wrong man—and a bit of disorder—be exactly what I need?


Laugh-out-loud rom-com meets engaging emotion in Everything He Isn’t, the latest must-read contemporary romance by Lauren Stewart!

Genres: Contemporary, Rom Com, Adult, Contemporary Romance

ebook

Published November 1, 2021

About the author

Lauren Stewart lives in Northern California with two teenagers, a cat named Luna Lovegood, and a very hairy, drooly old man who loves belly rubs. Lauren reads almost every genre so naturally, her writing reflects that. In all her novels, you'll find elements of other genres--fantasy, mystery, romance, paranormal, suspense, all with a touch of humor.

Because what doesn't kill us should make us laugh.

Join her newsletter to get exclusive Once and Forever extras, deleted Hyde scenes, and a PNR novella: http://bit.ly/LS_news

Website: https://www.LaurenStewartAuthor.com
Facebook: https://bit.ly/LS-on-FB

FULL LIST OF BOOKS:

Once and Forever
Darker Water
Virtually Impossible
Deeper Water
Immaterial Defense

Hyde
Hyde
Jekyll
Strange Case

She's Everything - Coming Soon
Everything She Isn't
Two Doors Apart
Never, Ever a Bride

Others
No Experience Required
Second Bite

The Heights - Coming Back Soon
Into the Dark
Into the Fire
Into the Wild

Reviews

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything He Isn't quickly pulled me in and was an instant favorite! With a grumpy and sunshine vibe, fabulous banter, heartwarming friendships and steamy scenes, this book swept me away. The characters stole my heart, the story line played out like a movie and I loved every single thing about this book! Romance lovers will fall hard for this story!

“If we’re not following each other, what should we call it?”
He squinted. “We could call it fate.”
The corner of his mouth lifted, and my heart clenched.

Sophie Dillon had been handed her largest project ever, with her dad’s interior design firm. After some hiccups along the way, she ended up needing Cooper Wahl’s help. His business was the perfect fit for what she needed, but Cooper himself was not the best fit for Sophie personally. Even if there were tons of sparks between them. But the more time they spent around each other, it was hard to deny what was there. Even if Sophie had a list three pages long for why Cooper wasn’t what she was looking for. Or was he?

Every second of every day for as long as I could remember I’d known what I wanted, and he wasn’t it. - Sophie

I loved Sophie right away, quirks and all. She had lots of preconceived notions for what she wanted in life, how her life was to go and she lived by her lists. She was also extremely driven and was dedicated to her father’s business. She wanted more than anything to prove to him that she could be trusted with his business someday. Underneath it all, she was the most fabulous friend, hilarious, quick witted, kind, and smart. But she could definitely be judgmental at times. And all of those times, her judgement was directed right at Cooper.

I didn’t know my neighbors, mostly because they were people, and being civil would only encourage them to talk to me again. - Cooper

Cooper was the ultimate book boyfriend! But my heart hurt for him since he was jaded from his past and damaged by his ex. It made him a little leery of beautiful women, like Sophie. So I loved that we got to alternate chapters between them and hear all that he had to say too! Because while Sophie would always try and be positive, Cooper was the polar opposite. He could be such a grump lol! His grumpy thoughts made me smile and laugh so much. But at the same time he could be kind, generous, loyal and protective. I loved all sides of Cooper!

We shouldn’t fit together, but we did. Better than I’d ever fit with anyone. - Cooper

When Sophie and Cooper were in the same room, it was electrifying. Not only was their banter smile inducing, but the tension between them was so steamy. And while they both judged each other, the sizzling chemistry was impossible to ignore! The way everything evolved was addictive and as the book progressed, oh goodness, it was so hot! Ohhh and I have to say that Lauren Stewart is the queen of meet cutes! Sophie and Cooper’s meet cute?! I was laughing so hard! It is one of my favorites, ever!

Seven days per week, twenty-four hours per day.
For eleven years.
No crying.
No indecision.
No doubts about what I wanted or the person I was meant to be with.
Every day.
Except today.
Today, he ruined everything.

Everything He Isn’t tricked me in the best of ways. I started the story out laughing at Sophie and her antics and I had so much fun watching everything unfold. But somehow along the way my feelings became intense. And before I knew it, my heart was in my throat and I cried three different times. This book snuck up on me and became my every thought. It was heartwarming yet powerful. Hilarious yet serious. And I loved every single minute of it!

“I need to be with you, Soph,” he whispered against my cheek. “I can’t give up on something I know is real. We’re right together.”

On top of Sophie and Cooper, there were the most fabulous of friends and family! I could easily write forever about them! Plus there was the most adorable dog ever! So if you love adult romance, you definitely need this book in your life! Everything He Isn’t consumed my every waking thought. With friendship, romance, banter, steam and tons of heart filling the pages, I loved this book with my whole heart!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you ever go out for dinner and order the same exact entre because you knew you would enjoy it and not be disappointed? Did you ever watch a movie you taped more than once because you knew it would make you smile? That is how I feel every time I begin to read one of Lauren Stewart’s books. This time I picked up “Everything he isn’t", Lauren’s latest book.

I hate when people give spoilers and share the plot of the story, so I won’t be sharing, except to say the story is delightful and the banter is witty and engaging. The sarcasm and humor as these two opposites grow and learn from each other is so constant that I found myself with a big smile on my face as I was giggling out loud. The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts. This book is so delicious that I read the entire thing in one day in spite of my annoying family who wanted to eat. Thank you Lauren for making me smile and for once again creating a world where happy endings do occur. I think I just found my new favorite entre.

I received this book for free, but I would have gladly paid for spending the day with Lauren’s amazing mind.

[Lauren Stewart]

New release date, people! I moved it up to November 19th, so the Americans could read it over the holiday week to escape their families. I know, very thoughtful of me.

Anyway, it’s been a long time coming, but I’m very happy to be back, especially with two awesome characters like Sophie and Cooper. I love opposites attract stories because arguing leads to such fun banter, and you know how much I love me some banter!

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Lauren for trusting me with an ARC copy to read for her.

If you need a nice humorous, sexy read then this is it.
Lauren really let's her funny side out in this book and you'll find yourself snort laughing your way through parts of it.


Cooper ( not Coop) Wahl and Sophie(not Soph) Dillon, are totally incompatible, or at least they are according to Sophie's list of the perfect man for her! Cooper isn't even in the running, except on the 'con' list! He ticks all those boxes. But, things being what they are, all those 'cons' don't stop the pair starting a "friends with benefits" relationship.
I'm unsure if Sophie realised how cute she really was, but also so distracted by her list that she nearly missed the perfect man, right in her own home. Poor Cooper ended up doing all the wooing, and it went right over Sophie's head that he had feelings for her.
No spoilers here.
I had some really good giggles whilst reading this and it really brightened my day, and what's better? Were going to get more of the same! Yay, second book . . .here I come!

I particularly loved this quote: "Nobody that tiny could hold their liquor- he'd just end up embarrassing himself"

[Damanda1923 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what I love more than amazing character development and hilarious dialogue?

Nothing.

And that's why if Lauren Stewart writes it, I read it.

Everything He Isn't is Sophie and Cooper's story and it's got some sweet moments, some emotional moments, and some hilarious moments (no spoilers but there is a scene with Sophie and a cocktail napkin that I am still giggling about). They're two people who, on paper, should never work but in person it's a different ballgame.

I loved how all the characters (particularly the two MCs) are multi-faceted and really do take the time to look at themselves and try to grow. Both halves of this couple start off with the typical hard-headedness most of us have (or had, in my case) in our mid-20's but the book doesn't spend chapter upon chapter beating that dead horse. Instead it focuses on Cooper and Sophie's interactions and how they each react to being pushed out of their own comfort zones.

This is 1st person dual POV with a crazy fun cast and some (fanning myself) serious steam. Totally binge-worthy!

I did receive an ARC of this awesome book but the opinions expressed here are all mine (I'm very opinionated).

[Jen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything He Isn’t is a really sweet, opposites attract story about Sophie and Cooper. Sophie thrives by planning and living a very ordered life, she makes lists for everything, including a three page list of qualities she’s looking for in her perfect man. She’s so determined to meet her perfect man that she’s gone as far as staking out places where she might meet a guy who checks off all her requirements, such as the senior center, art galleries, home improvement stores and the grocery store. She has a hilarious encounter with Cooper, a handyman who is very much her opposite. While there are intense sparks between the two of them, Sophie quickly shuts things down when she realizes that Cooper doesn’t check off most of the boxes on her list. Sophie works at her father’s interior design firm and is managing her first solo project. She wants it to be perfect to prove to her father that she’s capable to take over the business but is forced to scramble when she has to fire the contractor. Sophie hires Cooper to finish the job, but they quickly butt heads when her designs and his experience conflict. What comes next as they learn to work together is what made this a truly great story!

I enjoyed this book so much I stayed up way too late reading. I loved the two main characters, they have depth and while neither are perfect, you really do like them. I really enjoyed it when they pushed each other out of their respective comfort zones. This story had a lot of emotional depth; it had humor, but also made me tear up with both joy and sadness. I truly didn’t want to put it down because I wanted to see what they would do next or how they would handle the next obstacle. My only complaint is that I read it too quickly! This was a really fun, sweet story and I highly recommend it. I am also definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Nancy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

EVERYTHING HE ISN'T is an opposites attract love story. Sophie Dillon is looking for the perfect man. She has made a list of pros & cons, but no one is perfect. One of her rules is he must be a cat lover & most of all her cat Orion. So she stakes out the grocery store pet food isle. That is how she meets Cooper Wahl. He is there to buy dog food, but accidentally picks up a huge bag of cat food. Sophie follows him to the checkout line & Copper accidentally hits her with the bag of cat food. Disaster in the making! But fate isn't done with them at all. Sophie has worked for her father's interior design firm for years, but just when she has finally landed her first solo project, she realizes that she will need Cooper's help. He is the famous & popular “Get'er Done” Man. He is know to be able to solve anything. She knew she needed him to succeed. He just wanted her. They were polar opposites but love can conquer all. Truly knowing someone wanted the best for you, and you wanted the best for them, made it easier to ignore the small stuff. Great story & I did really enjoy it!

[Jess M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC, but all opinions are my own.

I love the way Lauren Stewart writes. The chemistry between her characters is always charming, the banter always funny without ever being over the top or forced, and the happily ever after always feels satisfying.

Sophie puts her foot in her mouth more than any heroine I've maybe ever read. All I kept thinking was, how are these two people ever going to get together after this? Watching her and Cooper evolve throughout the book was a delight, and felt natural. The Grand Gesture at the end had me guessing what they would pull off.

Everything He Isn't is a perfect balanced rom com, the kind of comfort read you can sit down and know you'll love the characters and enjoy their story.

[Heather Dochylo · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars!!!!

Warning: reading a new Lauren Stewart book may cause marital strife especially when you warn your husband you're going to need 24 to 36 hours around her release date of uninterrupted time, and he decides to build a new garden shed 24 hours before the release in Canada in NOVEMBER. Oh yeah, you're expected to put down Lauren and help.

Review: FREAKIN WONDERFUL, when I finally escaped the garden shed. I could stop there because everything Lauren writes in addictive, but there was a sweetness to her Mr. Grumpy Handyman here encountering a ladylove he definitely isn't interested in finding at this point in his life, when he's just come to realize he's attracted to a type of woman who maybe isn't good for him. His Miss Right/Wrong here ticks all the boxes for his classic type on first glance, but he comes to realize quickly that she's so much more. The angst here is created by what our would be lovers think they want for themselves and in classic Lauren fashion they banter their way through conflict, resolution, further seemingly insurmountable conflict through heart pounding and warming resolution. Lauren is an author who excels at creating men so real (not strictly billionaires/sports heroes/rockstars), so delicious and funny because they're flawed in the best ways all romance lovers will love.

[Emme · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that saying, “opposites attract?”

Sophie and Cooper are about to find out, firsthand, how exactly that works, bickering about it and with each other as they go. Plenty of bumps along the way, mixed with many moments that had me laughing out loud.

Sophie is every bit rigid as Cooper is easy going. Polar opposites. A series of events keeps shoving them together, and watching them navigate them and each other, proves to be highly entertaining.

The side characters add to the story, rounding it out while adding depth. The relationships are intricate and play out through the story as much as the story between Sophie and Cooper.

Lauren has a way of writing characters that you have an easy time understanding and getting to know. They’re real, with flaws and are relatable. Her knack for writing sharp, witty banter comes naturally and never seems forced.

I loved this book and the characters we get to meet along the way, even the little fuzzy ones. They’re endearing, and reaching the end is always bittersweet because you don’t want to say goodbye to them.

This is one you don’t want to miss out on!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Apologies for this choppy review- I’ll update after I finish it and can dedicate more time.) I’m really enjoying this book so far. The characters have are engaging with distinct voices, relatable personalities, the dialog is fresh and witty. The banter between the MC’s is especially spicy and salty- both male and female are given equal time and perspective, which I love. The story is well paced, well-written, but still easy to read. It’s hard to predict exactly where the story is going, which is refreshing and keeps me coming back for more.

[Sarah Gulyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Cooper the first time he opened his mouth. He was amazing! He was funny, thoughtful and romantic, even when he didn't want to be.

Sophie, she irked me, at first. I started off really not liking her character but once I got more into the story, it made more sense why she was the way she was.

I loved all of the side characters, too! Normally, you get at least 1 who is a total jerk, but not in this story. Everyone was really likable.

[Bonnie Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grumpy man versus the woman with a perpetual smile on her face. She's all about order and has a to-do list for everything. He thrives in chaos but you can count on him to get the job done. Opposites? Not necessarily. This charming story and highly relatable characters kept me involved in the action and turning the pages. Snappy dialogue, humor, and tender moments made this an engaging read. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Catherine]

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