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Fair Oak #2
Then There Was You
Three simple rules.
Two broken souls.
One powerful connection.
Devlin King was a sexy grump.
A bitter divorcee.
And for a few short months, my dirty little secret.
The rules for our no-strings-attached relationship were simple:
1. Keep it quiet.
2. Keep it safe.
3. Keep our emotions in check.
We never anticipated his darkness calling to my brokenness,
my boldness colliding with his cynicism,
or our relationship jumpstarting our lifeless hearts.
Together, we were madness, mayhem and passion,
yet we foolishly believed that ending our arrangement would be effortless.
That we could simply go back to being friends.
That no one would get hurt.
But oh, how wrong we were.
*This book contains explicit language and content some may find triggering. It is recommended for readers 18+. While Then There Was You can be read as a standalone, it does contain spoilers for Now This Is Us.
Two broken souls.
One powerful connection.
Devlin King was a sexy grump.
A bitter divorcee.
And for a few short months, my dirty little secret.
The rules for our no-strings-attached relationship were simple:
1. Keep it quiet.
2. Keep it safe.
3. Keep our emotions in check.
We never anticipated his darkness calling to my brokenness,
my boldness colliding with his cynicism,
or our relationship jumpstarting our lifeless hearts.
Together, we were madness, mayhem and passion,
yet we foolishly believed that ending our arrangement would be effortless.
That we could simply go back to being friends.
That no one would get hurt.
But oh, how wrong we were.
*This book contains explicit language and content some may find triggering. It is recommended for readers 18+. While Then There Was You can be read as a standalone, it does contain spoilers for Now This Is Us.
- GenresRomanceFriends To Lovers
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2022
97 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Lee
5 books285 followersBook hoarder. Coffee Addict. Romance Writer. Jennifer Lee has dreamt of publishing her first book since she was a young girl, and now, she's finally making that dream come true. When she's not hiding in her writing cave, she loves spending time with her college sweetheart-turned-husband, her two amazing kids, and her rescue pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 19, 2023
”Devlin was starch-white shirts and the winter moon. I was blood red wine and a burning flame. Together, we were a messy misfortune, fated for a tragic conclusion before we even began.”
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Kylie and Devlin’s installment in the Fair Oak series since reading Now This Is Us, and it did not disappoint! The angst and banter between the two was top notch, and I loved watching both of these mistrusting individuals slowly break down the walls and fall for each other. There is a nice, slight continuation from the circumstances surrounding the climax of book 1, but you can easily read this book as a standalone. The author has kindly included trigger warnings for the content of this story at the beginning of this book with a link to the back of the book, so that readers can choose whether they want to go in blind or have an idea of what is included before diving in, and I LOVE that! If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with a heart of gold and small town soul, this is it.
”Then you came along, and it’s like all the broken pieces are falling back into place.”
*I received a copy for review purposes.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Kylie and Devlin’s installment in the Fair Oak series since reading Now This Is Us, and it did not disappoint! The angst and banter between the two was top notch, and I loved watching both of these mistrusting individuals slowly break down the walls and fall for each other. There is a nice, slight continuation from the circumstances surrounding the climax of book 1, but you can easily read this book as a standalone. The author has kindly included trigger warnings for the content of this story at the beginning of this book with a link to the back of the book, so that readers can choose whether they want to go in blind or have an idea of what is included before diving in, and I LOVE that! If you’re looking for a contemporary romance with a heart of gold and small town soul, this is it.
”Then you came along, and it’s like all the broken pieces are falling back into place.”
*I received a copy for review purposes.
January 3, 2023
3.5 stars
I think this was very much... it's not the book it's me. I'm feeling slumpy and I had to force myself to keep picking this up and reading it. The first 80% was slow for me, but I loved the last 20%. Either way the writing wasn't bad, the story wasn't bad, I just struggled to get into it. I enjoyed the authors debut novel so much and I'll for sure pick up more books in the future. Especially a Grant one!
I think this was very much... it's not the book it's me. I'm feeling slumpy and I had to force myself to keep picking this up and reading it. The first 80% was slow for me, but I loved the last 20%. Either way the writing wasn't bad, the story wasn't bad, I just struggled to get into it. I enjoyed the authors debut novel so much and I'll for sure pick up more books in the future. Especially a Grant one!
January 4, 2023
I absolutely loved this! This had all the angst and emotions you could ask for! My heart belonged to Devlin on this one. Ugh this man fell so hard and you couldn't help but feel broken hearted for him every time Kylie put her walls up. You could just feel his emotions through the pages, I wanted to hug him so tight!
I loved that this didn't immediately start off with Devlin & Kylie getting together. They were both going through their own pain and relied on each other for comfort. They were such opposites but it worked so well and we got to see the slow development of feelings and things changing between them. I felt like I was going on the journey right there with them and that has to do with how great the writing was. Loved that we still got all the characters, they are such a great friend group and hope we get more from this series
I loved that this didn't immediately start off with Devlin & Kylie getting together. They were both going through their own pain and relied on each other for comfort. They were such opposites but it worked so well and we got to see the slow development of feelings and things changing between them. I felt like I was going on the journey right there with them and that has to do with how great the writing was. Loved that we still got all the characters, they are such a great friend group and hope we get more from this series
Read
January 13, 2023DNF at 31%
Sadly neither the characters or story are working for me. No point in continuing when I’m not invested at all.
Sadly neither the characters or story are working for me. No point in continuing when I’m not invested at all.
December 28, 2022
“Nothing ever goes as planned when I’m around you.”
Ok, so Now This Is Us was a great debut, but Jennifer Lee’s sophomore release was hands down everything I was hoping it would be. Then There Was You is angsty. It’s emotional. It’s fun. It has that found family and small town vibe that feels so cozy. It gets hot. The tension, banter, and connection between Kylie and Devlin is exactly what was teased in NTIU. Both of these characters have been through it and have also been through something huge together, so watching them form this bond and then try so hard NOT to fall in love was just… agh. It’s everything I love in romance books. Opposites in a secret friends with benefits situation. Sigh. I love that longing and that inner battle these characters try to fight through.
There are some real life situations in this one, so definitely check the CW/TW the author provides!
Ok, so Now This Is Us was a great debut, but Jennifer Lee’s sophomore release was hands down everything I was hoping it would be. Then There Was You is angsty. It’s emotional. It’s fun. It has that found family and small town vibe that feels so cozy. It gets hot. The tension, banter, and connection between Kylie and Devlin is exactly what was teased in NTIU. Both of these characters have been through it and have also been through something huge together, so watching them form this bond and then try so hard NOT to fall in love was just… agh. It’s everything I love in romance books. Opposites in a secret friends with benefits situation. Sigh. I love that longing and that inner battle these characters try to fight through.
There are some real life situations in this one, so definitely check the CW/TW the author provides!
December 19, 2022
"Together, we were a messy misfortune, fated for a tragic conclusion before we even began."
What You'll Find:
✔️Smalltown Romance
✔️Grumpy Sunshine
✔️Friends With Benefits
✔️Angst & Steam
✔️Dual POV
Then There Was You tells the story of Kylie and Devlin who we met in book one of the Fair Oak series. And who knew I was going to love them even more than Jordan and Harper?? Certainly, not I! But here we are.
"Devlin was starch-white shirts and the winter moon. I was blood-red wine and a burning flame."
Devlin is recently divorced and bitter. Kylie is a quirky ball of sunshine. But she's hiding pain from a secret in her past. In their brokenness, they find each other. And what starts as a no-strings arrangement naturally forms into so much more. And gosh they just fit so perfectly. They balanced each other out. Built each other up. I loved them together!
This story completely captivated me from the start. I breezed through the first half without even putting it down I was so in love with these characters and their story. While I felt the great build up to Kylie's past led to a tiny bit of an anticlimactic reveal (for me)... it was still so very heartfelt and emotional. The author did such a great job at weaving all the feels together in this one, while adding pockets of humor that made you smile. And let's not forget the great steam, with even a 'good girl' or two!
Overall a fantastic read! I can't believe this is only the author's second book! I'm so excited for more from her and these additionally great side characters! I hope Brady's story is coming up soon.
"I spent years with the worst kind of person, and then you came along, and it's like all the broken pieces are falling back into place."
*TW note can be found in the book. This book does contain spoilers for book one, better read in order.
What You'll Find:
✔️Smalltown Romance
✔️Grumpy Sunshine
✔️Friends With Benefits
✔️Angst & Steam
✔️Dual POV
Then There Was You tells the story of Kylie and Devlin who we met in book one of the Fair Oak series. And who knew I was going to love them even more than Jordan and Harper?? Certainly, not I! But here we are.
"Devlin was starch-white shirts and the winter moon. I was blood-red wine and a burning flame."
Devlin is recently divorced and bitter. Kylie is a quirky ball of sunshine. But she's hiding pain from a secret in her past. In their brokenness, they find each other. And what starts as a no-strings arrangement naturally forms into so much more. And gosh they just fit so perfectly. They balanced each other out. Built each other up. I loved them together!
This story completely captivated me from the start. I breezed through the first half without even putting it down I was so in love with these characters and their story. While I felt the great build up to Kylie's past led to a tiny bit of an anticlimactic reveal (for me)... it was still so very heartfelt and emotional. The author did such a great job at weaving all the feels together in this one, while adding pockets of humor that made you smile. And let's not forget the great steam, with even a 'good girl' or two!
Overall a fantastic read! I can't believe this is only the author's second book! I'm so excited for more from her and these additionally great side characters! I hope Brady's story is coming up soon.
"I spent years with the worst kind of person, and then you came along, and it's like all the broken pieces are falling back into place."
*TW note can be found in the book. This book does contain spoilers for book one, better read in order.
February 2, 2023
4 ⭐'s
I really enjoyed Devlin and Kylie and their friends with benefits relationship was almost great. Their love connection? Not so much.
I was happy with how everything worked out and that was good...it just took a bit to get there. All the back and forth was a lot.
I hope a Grant or Brady book comes out but I'm definitely hoping for a Parker book...although maybe in a few "book" years.
I really enjoyed Devlin and Kylie and their friends with benefits relationship was almost great. Their love connection? Not so much.
I was happy with how everything worked out and that was good...it just took a bit to get there. All the back and forth was a lot.
I hope a Grant or Brady book comes out but I'm definitely hoping for a Parker book...although maybe in a few "book" years.
Want to read
July 11, 2022I need to know who is in this book asap because if it’s correlated to the “Now This Is Us” IM READING ITTT
December 23, 2022
TW: miscarriage, infidelity
Jennifer Lee’s debut novel, Now This is Us, is my favorite indie debut of 2022! As such, I was very excited to read the sequel, Then There Was You.
Writing a sophomore novel that is just as amazing as your debut novel is not an easy feat, nor is releasing two books in one year. As such, I’m in awe of Jennifer, who is such a talented writer!
Her writing style is so addictive and immediately sucks you in. She also has a knack of keeping you emotionally invested in the story while you impatiently wait for the conflict to be revealed because you’re wondering what is preventing her angsty protagonists from being together. Furthermore, she writes angst with such finesse. The banter between her MC’s seems so natural and effortless. No wonder I devoured this book in merely 8 hours in two sittings - could’ve been one sitting had sleep 😴 not been a necessity.
I loved how both Kylie and Devlin, each of them fighting their own demons caused by their troubled past relationships, found comfort in each other, thus helping each other heal. I also appreciated the depiction of how tough it can be to take the first step towards therapy because being vulnerable is hard and suffering in silence sometimes seems like the easier option.
I highly recommend this one if you like books with:
🌼 Friends with benefits to lovers
🌼 Small town romances
🌼 Angst and steam 💥💥💥
🌼 Dual POV
🌼 Dual timelines
TTWY is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review. I ordered a physical copy even before I finished the book and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a third book set in Fair Oak with Kylie’s brother, Brady as the MC!
Jennifer Lee’s debut novel, Now This is Us, is my favorite indie debut of 2022! As such, I was very excited to read the sequel, Then There Was You.
Writing a sophomore novel that is just as amazing as your debut novel is not an easy feat, nor is releasing two books in one year. As such, I’m in awe of Jennifer, who is such a talented writer!
Her writing style is so addictive and immediately sucks you in. She also has a knack of keeping you emotionally invested in the story while you impatiently wait for the conflict to be revealed because you’re wondering what is preventing her angsty protagonists from being together. Furthermore, she writes angst with such finesse. The banter between her MC’s seems so natural and effortless. No wonder I devoured this book in merely 8 hours in two sittings - could’ve been one sitting had sleep 😴 not been a necessity.
I loved how both Kylie and Devlin, each of them fighting their own demons caused by their troubled past relationships, found comfort in each other, thus helping each other heal. I also appreciated the depiction of how tough it can be to take the first step towards therapy because being vulnerable is hard and suffering in silence sometimes seems like the easier option.
I highly recommend this one if you like books with:
🌼 Friends with benefits to lovers
🌼 Small town romances
🌼 Angst and steam 💥💥💥
🌼 Dual POV
🌼 Dual timelines
TTWY is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to the author for a complimentary eARC in exchange for an honest review. I ordered a physical copy even before I finished the book and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that there will be a third book set in Fair Oak with Kylie’s brother, Brady as the MC!
December 21, 2022
Did I devour this book in one sitting? Yes, yes I did!!! I’ve been waiting for their story…. And it did not disappoint. Obsessed! Bravo Jen!!!!
“And what are you learning about me right now?”
“That you’re even sexier when you step out of your comfort zone and defy the rules. How does it feel?”
“Like playing with fire.” Her lips twitched.
“So you’re saying I’m fire?”
“No, Ky. You’re a fucking inferno.”
These two were the perfect balance for each other. This book had me in a chokehold! Loved it!!! Cannot wait to see who’s next! Grant 👀
Let me leave you with this quote ..
“Are you built to quit?” I rasp the question I’ve asked her many times over the years.
She shakes her head no.
“And am I built to fail?”
She shakes her head again, her movements more urgent as she slides up and down my length.
“Do you know what that means, darling?” I kiss her lips lightly.
She nods repeatedly, tension gripping her flushed face. “It means…together…we’re built to last.”
“And what are you learning about me right now?”
“That you’re even sexier when you step out of your comfort zone and defy the rules. How does it feel?”
“Like playing with fire.” Her lips twitched.
“So you’re saying I’m fire?”
“No, Ky. You’re a fucking inferno.”
These two were the perfect balance for each other. This book had me in a chokehold! Loved it!!! Cannot wait to see who’s next! Grant 👀
Let me leave you with this quote ..
“Are you built to quit?” I rasp the question I’ve asked her many times over the years.
She shakes her head no.
“And am I built to fail?”
She shakes her head again, her movements more urgent as she slides up and down my length.
“Do you know what that means, darling?” I kiss her lips lightly.
She nods repeatedly, tension gripping her flushed face. “It means…together…we’re built to last.”
December 18, 2022
:: ARC REVIEW:: 🌼
This book is book number 2 in the series and just like the first I ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED it.
Read it in one day. I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
🌼 Grumpy Sunshine
🌼 Friends to Lovers
🌼 The Banter 🤌🏼🤌🏼
🌼 Friends with Benefits pact
🌼 Who hurt you (light)
Kylie is a spitfire of a FMC. She’s flirty, sarcastic and all around amazing. Devlin King is a grumpy MMC who is bitter after his divorce. They both make a FWB pact with three simple rules.
But rules my friends were made to be broken.
10/10 read this now!
This book is book number 2 in the series and just like the first I ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED it.
Read it in one day. I couldn’t and didn’t want to put it down.
🌼 Grumpy Sunshine
🌼 Friends to Lovers
🌼 The Banter 🤌🏼🤌🏼
🌼 Friends with Benefits pact
🌼 Who hurt you (light)
Kylie is a spitfire of a FMC. She’s flirty, sarcastic and all around amazing. Devlin King is a grumpy MMC who is bitter after his divorce. They both make a FWB pact with three simple rules.
But rules my friends were made to be broken.
10/10 read this now!
December 14, 2022
“There are a million reasons we shouldn’t be together, and all I can think about is the one reason we should.”
Book 2. I was in the middle of my dreaded reading slump when Jennifer alerted me that the ARC was on my kindle. I had this immense pressure (that I put on myself) to read this book in its entirety. To feel what the characters were feeling. Everything. With that, I say goodbye to my reading slump!
“…There’s freedom in starting over. When things get messy, own the fu*king messiness. It’ll help you discover who you are now, in the aftermath of whatever the fu*k happened in the past.”
If you’re going through a hard time like both Devlin and Kylie, this book can be healing. But like therapy it has, sometimes the reverse effect, to making things worse first. Devlin is angry that his marriage ended the way it did. The way that someone who was supposed to love you through everything only used you for what your name could get you. And Kylie. Phew! She has scars that run deeper than any of her family or friends know. To find out the truth as a reader, I shed a couple of tears.
“Devlin was starch-white and the winter moon. I was bloodred wine and a burning flame. Together, we were a messy misfortune, fated for a tragic conclusion before we even began.”
What can I say more about Kylie and Devlin without spoiling the whole book? They were friends first. And when it felt like no one could possibly understand the depths of their personal grief, they sought refuge in one another. Jennifer does an amazing job with writing an angsty story. But she also has the normal ability to weave in some humor so that the whole reading experience isn’t a complete gray cloud.
“I spent years with the worst kind of person, and then you came along, and it’s like all the broken pieces are falling back into place.”
Jennifer, I cannot thank you enough for an ARC. Guys! Book 2 was unbelievably real and I cannot recommend it enough.
Book 2. I was in the middle of my dreaded reading slump when Jennifer alerted me that the ARC was on my kindle. I had this immense pressure (that I put on myself) to read this book in its entirety. To feel what the characters were feeling. Everything. With that, I say goodbye to my reading slump!
“…There’s freedom in starting over. When things get messy, own the fu*king messiness. It’ll help you discover who you are now, in the aftermath of whatever the fu*k happened in the past.”
If you’re going through a hard time like both Devlin and Kylie, this book can be healing. But like therapy it has, sometimes the reverse effect, to making things worse first. Devlin is angry that his marriage ended the way it did. The way that someone who was supposed to love you through everything only used you for what your name could get you. And Kylie. Phew! She has scars that run deeper than any of her family or friends know. To find out the truth as a reader, I shed a couple of tears.
“Devlin was starch-white and the winter moon. I was bloodred wine and a burning flame. Together, we were a messy misfortune, fated for a tragic conclusion before we even began.”
What can I say more about Kylie and Devlin without spoiling the whole book? They were friends first. And when it felt like no one could possibly understand the depths of their personal grief, they sought refuge in one another. Jennifer does an amazing job with writing an angsty story. But she also has the normal ability to weave in some humor so that the whole reading experience isn’t a complete gray cloud.
“I spent years with the worst kind of person, and then you came along, and it’s like all the broken pieces are falling back into place.”
Jennifer, I cannot thank you enough for an ARC. Guys! Book 2 was unbelievably real and I cannot recommend it enough.
December 14, 2022
You guys!!! Then There Was You is out now on kindle! Paperbacks to come. I loved the first book and when I knew we were going to be heading back to Fair Oaks for Kylie’s story, I couldn’t wait. Thank you so much Jenn for providing me with an arc.
Kylie’s story is hard and I haven’t gone through what she had to but Jenn knows how to pull you in and connect with her characters as if you were right there with them.
I loved Kylie and Devlin so much. Their journey together wasn’t picture perfect and that’s what makes it so easy to connect with them. It’s realistic for people to have their ups and downs.
Can we also talk about how amazing Brady is? Everyone needs a Brady whether you have a Brady or are a Brady yourself.
Kylie’s story is hard and I haven’t gone through what she had to but Jenn knows how to pull you in and connect with her characters as if you were right there with them.
I loved Kylie and Devlin so much. Their journey together wasn’t picture perfect and that’s what makes it so easy to connect with them. It’s realistic for people to have their ups and downs.
Can we also talk about how amazing Brady is? Everyone needs a Brady whether you have a Brady or are a Brady yourself.
December 14, 2022
I didn't think it was possible to love Devlin and Kylie more than Harper and Jordan, but here I am, a sobbing mess after that epilogue 🫠😭
Kylie and Devlin balanced each other out perfectly. And their opposites attract banter 🤌🏻
Jennifer Lee, you're officially a one-click author for me.
Also... whose book are we getting next? I have some thoughts 💬
Kylie and Devlin balanced each other out perfectly. And their opposites attract banter 🤌🏻
Jennifer Lee, you're officially a one-click author for me.
Also... whose book are we getting next? I have some thoughts 💬
December 13, 2022
just very perfect people
June 17, 2025
I wish my re-read held the same love spark as the first time that I read Then There Was You but unfortunately the pacing of the story and some character traits held me back from fully enjoying it the second time around ☹️
What you can expect from Then There Was You, is a friends with benefits situation between two people who have their own personal grief to work through, but in this case, they both naturally come to rely on each other.
They start off as mere acquaintances, but slowly, a friendship unfolds, and it evidently leads them into moments of scorching chemistry.
"𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩-𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦, 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘯."
I'd say the biggest fail was the pacing because these characters are messy and they needed the proper portrayal of time for them to work through it but because of the rush it made some characters a bit irritating. And I'm mainly referring to Kylie. She's been deeply affected by a trauma, so she has this push and pull thing going on with Devlin that just wasn't executed well...
A loveable trait from their friendship is how they both knew what each other needed - they knew exactly which buttons to push and didn't hold back.
I still adored them as a couple, and I am truly happy for their HEA because just like Jordan and Harper, they are most deserving of it.
What you can expect from Then There Was You, is a friends with benefits situation between two people who have their own personal grief to work through, but in this case, they both naturally come to rely on each other.
They start off as mere acquaintances, but slowly, a friendship unfolds, and it evidently leads them into moments of scorching chemistry.
"𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘭𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩-𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘦, 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘯."
I'd say the biggest fail was the pacing because these characters are messy and they needed the proper portrayal of time for them to work through it but because of the rush it made some characters a bit irritating. And I'm mainly referring to Kylie. She's been deeply affected by a trauma, so she has this push and pull thing going on with Devlin that just wasn't executed well...
A loveable trait from their friendship is how they both knew what each other needed - they knew exactly which buttons to push and didn't hold back.
I still adored them as a couple, and I am truly happy for their HEA because just like Jordan and Harper, they are most deserving of it.
January 1, 2023
I absolutely loved Now This is Us, so I had high expectations for Jennifer’s sophomore novel, and I’m so happy to say it doesn’t disappoint.
I am always so impressed by the way she crafts characters, they feel like people I could know. They are so real and well rounded, I loved both Kylie and Devlin’s character arcs - the progression of their relationship and how they are both able to overcome their individual pasts and fears.
The dialogue and romance are so well written, and any sensitive topics are handled with thoughtfulness and care.
Jennifer is an auto-read author for me, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
(I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.)
I am always so impressed by the way she crafts characters, they feel like people I could know. They are so real and well rounded, I loved both Kylie and Devlin’s character arcs - the progression of their relationship and how they are both able to overcome their individual pasts and fears.
The dialogue and romance are so well written, and any sensitive topics are handled with thoughtfulness and care.
Jennifer is an auto-read author for me, and I cannot wait to see what she writes next!
(I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.)
February 22, 2023
"I've always been too much. Too fierce. Too loyal. Too passionate. Too crazy. I know some days I active the world is ending, and other days I firmly believe life can't get any better. I fully acknowledge my imperfections, but I will never apologize for being a woman who feels things too deeply because it's led me here to him."
*Sigh* *Swoon* I loved this book so much. I had a chance to read some early pages of Then There Was You, but I've been holding off on reading it in its entirety because I knew I was going to enjoy it. Jenn takes us back to Fair Oaks, and not only do we get to see what Jordan and Harper are up to, but Kylie and Devlin get their own story. Devlin is my favorite type of lead male character: he's broody, he's rich, and he hates just about everyone, but he has a soft spot for Kylie Jo Sullivan. Kylie is strong and independent, and she doesn't take crap from anyone, not even the notorious Devlin King. They challenge each other and piss each other off, but that's part of what makes them so great. Devlin is a bit of a bitter divorcee and Kylie is also recovering from a rather traumatic break up, and they agree to a friends-with-benefits situation. They only have three rules: keep it safe, keep it quiet, and keep their emotions in check. But we all know how friends-with-benfits goes in a romance- eventually, someone is bound to catch some real feelings. The angst, the steam, the vulnerability! I love their supporting cast- from Kylie's family to their friends Grant and Rachel and Conrad and Serena King, everyone feels so real, like you could go to Fair Oaks and run into any one of them. We meet Kylie and Devlin in Now This Is Us as secondary characters, and I've always thought it takes a talented author to be able to craft them in a way that makes them worthy of their own story as main characters, and Jenn has accomplished just that. I was just as invested in Devlin and Kylie's story as I was in Jordan and Harper's. You can read them as standalones, but as amazing as the books are, you'll want to read them both!
*Sigh* *Swoon* I loved this book so much. I had a chance to read some early pages of Then There Was You, but I've been holding off on reading it in its entirety because I knew I was going to enjoy it. Jenn takes us back to Fair Oaks, and not only do we get to see what Jordan and Harper are up to, but Kylie and Devlin get their own story. Devlin is my favorite type of lead male character: he's broody, he's rich, and he hates just about everyone, but he has a soft spot for Kylie Jo Sullivan. Kylie is strong and independent, and she doesn't take crap from anyone, not even the notorious Devlin King. They challenge each other and piss each other off, but that's part of what makes them so great. Devlin is a bit of a bitter divorcee and Kylie is also recovering from a rather traumatic break up, and they agree to a friends-with-benefits situation. They only have three rules: keep it safe, keep it quiet, and keep their emotions in check. But we all know how friends-with-benfits goes in a romance- eventually, someone is bound to catch some real feelings. The angst, the steam, the vulnerability! I love their supporting cast- from Kylie's family to their friends Grant and Rachel and Conrad and Serena King, everyone feels so real, like you could go to Fair Oaks and run into any one of them. We meet Kylie and Devlin in Now This Is Us as secondary characters, and I've always thought it takes a talented author to be able to craft them in a way that makes them worthy of their own story as main characters, and Jenn has accomplished just that. I was just as invested in Devlin and Kylie's story as I was in Jordan and Harper's. You can read them as standalones, but as amazing as the books are, you'll want to read them both!
December 20, 2022
I received an ARC for this gem and it did not disappoint. This is Jennifer's second book in the Fair Oak series and it was everything and then some.
Bonded by friendship and then united in their shared pain Devlin and Kylie found something deeper through their friendship. Indeed some happily ever afters are hard earned! A pack for healing from the past hurt was an invitation for love unknown to them both. The outspoken girl hiding her pain and the grumpy on the outside and sunshine at heart guy hopeful about this new season of his life to make the right decisions. When these two collide it's an unexpected duo but so right. From the angst to their banter, the woes from friends to friends with benefits to catching feelings and dealing with their own pain Jennifer takes us on a journey with these two reminding us of two important things: "There's freedom in starting over." And "sometimes all it takes is one person's faith in you to change how you see yourself". (Quotes from the book)
Their chemistry was so real giving us a palpable, memorable love story that made the difficult parts bearable.
Of course if you read book 1 of the series, reading about your favs and seeing their lives a bit more will for sure make it feel like one big reunion but also getting to know and love the characters of Fair Oak a little more.
Happy reading!
Bonded by friendship and then united in their shared pain Devlin and Kylie found something deeper through their friendship. Indeed some happily ever afters are hard earned! A pack for healing from the past hurt was an invitation for love unknown to them both. The outspoken girl hiding her pain and the grumpy on the outside and sunshine at heart guy hopeful about this new season of his life to make the right decisions. When these two collide it's an unexpected duo but so right. From the angst to their banter, the woes from friends to friends with benefits to catching feelings and dealing with their own pain Jennifer takes us on a journey with these two reminding us of two important things: "There's freedom in starting over." And "sometimes all it takes is one person's faith in you to change how you see yourself". (Quotes from the book)
Their chemistry was so real giving us a palpable, memorable love story that made the difficult parts bearable.
Of course if you read book 1 of the series, reading about your favs and seeing their lives a bit more will for sure make it feel like one big reunion but also getting to know and love the characters of Fair Oak a little more.
Happy reading!
December 29, 2022
“Devlin was starch-white shirts and the winter moon. I was blood-red wine and a burning flame. Together, we were a messy misfortune, fated for a tragic conclusion before we even began.”
I loved this story so much. Loved. Kylie and Devlin are both broken and have been through a lot and watching them work through their pain, find comfort in one another, and fall for each other was everything. This story is very real and emotional but also filled with top notch banter, tension, angst, and all the butterflies and swooning.
What starts as friends with benefits develops into a beautiful, emotional connection with explosive chemistry and layers of vulnerability. Kylie + Devlin are opposites but complement one another so perfectly and Jenn has such a beautiful way of showcasing their personalities and connection in her writing. So many amazing scenes that were fun, sweet, intimate, tender, flirty, sexy, emotional. And man can Jenn write sexy, intimate scenes so well. The spice is so hot but beneath it you can sense Kylie + Devlin’s comfort and ease with one another. It’s intense yet tender. The love truly shines through. This book made my heart squeeze with every kind of emotion. The brokenness, the pain, the vulnerability, the desire, the love was so palpable. I just adore this couple. And the Fair Oak world. Absolutely recommend!!
More reasons to read:
👔Devlin King. Gahhhh🥰
☀️Nicknames
🚿shower scene 🥺
❤️🩹Who hurt you?
🏘️Small town vibes
💃🏼Kylie Sullivan
🫡Laugh out loud moments
👫🏻Amazing supporting characters
🏈Football (& Philly sports)
🍊Orange chicken and fried rice
🌼Daisy bouquets
“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞.”
I loved this story so much. Loved. Kylie and Devlin are both broken and have been through a lot and watching them work through their pain, find comfort in one another, and fall for each other was everything. This story is very real and emotional but also filled with top notch banter, tension, angst, and all the butterflies and swooning.
What starts as friends with benefits develops into a beautiful, emotional connection with explosive chemistry and layers of vulnerability. Kylie + Devlin are opposites but complement one another so perfectly and Jenn has such a beautiful way of showcasing their personalities and connection in her writing. So many amazing scenes that were fun, sweet, intimate, tender, flirty, sexy, emotional. And man can Jenn write sexy, intimate scenes so well. The spice is so hot but beneath it you can sense Kylie + Devlin’s comfort and ease with one another. It’s intense yet tender. The love truly shines through. This book made my heart squeeze with every kind of emotion. The brokenness, the pain, the vulnerability, the desire, the love was so palpable. I just adore this couple. And the Fair Oak world. Absolutely recommend!!
More reasons to read:
👔Devlin King. Gahhhh🥰
☀️Nicknames
🚿shower scene 🥺
❤️🩹Who hurt you?
🏘️Small town vibes
💃🏼Kylie Sullivan
🫡Laugh out loud moments
👫🏻Amazing supporting characters
🏈Football (& Philly sports)
🍊Orange chicken and fried rice
🌼Daisy bouquets
“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞.”
January 2, 2023
I am happy to report that I loved this so much more than the first book and I LOVED Now This Is Us. I adored Kylie, she is such a strong fierce girl and I was soooo happy when she took the time to work on herself. I absolutely adored Devlin, the way he loved this girl after what he has been through was so pure, their banter was top notch and ugh I just loved them!
January 2, 2023
enjoyed
This was my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I didn't read book one and was a little confused when certain topics or characters got brought up but I was still able to follow along.
This was my first book by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I didn't read book one and was a little confused when certain topics or characters got brought up but I was still able to follow along.
September 28, 2023
Cute story. I liked that we still got to read about Jordan and Harper and how their story continued. A little cheesy but cute. I feel like it was a little spicier than the first one.
December 27, 2022
No words. Devlin and Kylie’s relationship was downright beautiful. I wasn’t a huge fan of Devlin in the first book but it was nice to see his soft side. Devlin is loyal and loves fiercely and Kylie is his perfect match. I lost it when I read Kylie and Harper were both having babies and I can’t wait to see if we’ll get a 3rd book that lets us take a look into their lives with their families.
Will Rachel and Grant be next to tie the knot??
Will Rachel and Grant be next to tie the knot??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2022
This is book 2 in the Fair Oak series. Wow there was so much angst and I was here for it. Sometimes I'm not a huge fan of the friends with benefits trope, but it totally worked with Devlin and Kylie. I think because they already knew each other and also how they became close friends along the way. There were so many fun and flirty scenes between them but they also connected on an emotional level.
With past and present timelines, I was so invested in finding out what happened to Kylie. Why was she hurting on the inside? She had such a feisty and bold personality. But reading her POV, we got a real look into the struggles she was dealing with. Devlin went through an ugly divorce and was a bit of a broken man. They both had times when they would lean on each other. No matter how much they tried to fight it, they were drawn to one another. I loved how protective Devlin was over Kylie. When he called her darling, ugh I swooned.
4.5 stars
I read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
With past and present timelines, I was so invested in finding out what happened to Kylie. Why was she hurting on the inside? She had such a feisty and bold personality. But reading her POV, we got a real look into the struggles she was dealing with. Devlin went through an ugly divorce and was a bit of a broken man. They both had times when they would lean on each other. No matter how much they tried to fight it, they were drawn to one another. I loved how protective Devlin was over Kylie. When he called her darling, ugh I swooned.
4.5 stars
I read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2022
This is a ride of pure sensations, heartbreaking, captivating, Then There Was You is a sexy and emotional romance that will take your breath away.
I love Devlin and Kylie, the author does a great job narrating their struggles, their pain, their doubts, despite they are polar opposites, they both have a painful past that has left them scars, they are friends but sparks fly every time they're together and little by little their friendship gives way to intense and deep emotions and what begins as a one night stand becomes an intense and deep love, it was so beautiful see the way they support each other, they are two broken souls that help each other to heal, to laugh, to live and to love. And I love the circle of friends.
Definitely a great story that left my heart brimming with happiness, perfect for fans of
Friends to lovers
Emotional
Steamy
Small town
One night stand
Grumpy/ sunshine
Forbidden
I love Devlin and Kylie, the author does a great job narrating their struggles, their pain, their doubts, despite they are polar opposites, they both have a painful past that has left them scars, they are friends but sparks fly every time they're together and little by little their friendship gives way to intense and deep emotions and what begins as a one night stand becomes an intense and deep love, it was so beautiful see the way they support each other, they are two broken souls that help each other to heal, to laugh, to live and to love. And I love the circle of friends.
Definitely a great story that left my heart brimming with happiness, perfect for fans of
Friends to lovers
Emotional
Steamy
Small town
One night stand
Grumpy/ sunshine
Forbidden
December 14, 2022
"This was more than ending a dry spell.
This was hot-blooded hysteria."
Fn loved this couple.
This was hot-blooded hysteria."
Fn loved this couple.
May 11, 2023
5✰ My favorite feeling when reading a book is when I don't even notice I'm reading because I've gotten lost in the pages.
This book swept me up into the love story of Devlin and Kylie. It is a contemporary angsty romance and the second installment in the Fair Oak series (read book 1 first - Now This Is Us)
I couldn't put the book down. Jenn masters the ability of creating a plot that leaves no room to be bored in. I was enthralled the entire time.
Instantly I was rooting for Devlin and Kylie. The witty banter and the angst of watching Kylie try to fight her feelings for him was everything! I loved that the first book crossed over perfectly into this book - with the plots and events connecting. It was well thought out and felt seamless!
I am now petitioning for a third Fair Oak book! 🙏
This book swept me up into the love story of Devlin and Kylie. It is a contemporary angsty romance and the second installment in the Fair Oak series (read book 1 first - Now This Is Us)
I couldn't put the book down. Jenn masters the ability of creating a plot that leaves no room to be bored in. I was enthralled the entire time.
Instantly I was rooting for Devlin and Kylie. The witty banter and the angst of watching Kylie try to fight her feelings for him was everything! I loved that the first book crossed over perfectly into this book - with the plots and events connecting. It was well thought out and felt seamless!
I am now petitioning for a third Fair Oak book! 🙏
February 12, 2023
Then there was you- Jennifer lee
I really Loved this book
I loved the little glimpses of Devlin In the first book, and hated the way his relationship with Camille had progressed over the years. He desperately needed his own redemption.
The book tackled some rough topics, please check the trigger warnings!
But I loved how both characters worked to overcome the trauma of their past to build a better future. Their struggles were well written, and added so much to the book!
The tension between the main characters was electric, and I loved every minute of it. There were moments when I wanted to scream at them, and others where I started to cry.
I’m so excited to see what else Jennifer lee has in store, as her first two books were amazing Hits for me!
5/5 stars.
I really Loved this book
I loved the little glimpses of Devlin In the first book, and hated the way his relationship with Camille had progressed over the years. He desperately needed his own redemption.
The book tackled some rough topics, please check the trigger warnings!
But I loved how both characters worked to overcome the trauma of their past to build a better future. Their struggles were well written, and added so much to the book!
The tension between the main characters was electric, and I loved every minute of it. There were moments when I wanted to scream at them, and others where I started to cry.
I’m so excited to see what else Jennifer lee has in store, as her first two books were amazing Hits for me!
5/5 stars.
September 18, 2023
★★★★ Devlin & Kylie 4eva stars!
In true Amanda fashion I jumped right into this series skipping the first book lol idk why I'm like this. I'm tempted to read Jordan and harpers book but be eh let's see!! Now onto to this read!!
I loved this book but it also annoyed me. Lol it had so many AWWWWWWW moments for me and the hopeless romantic in me? BITCH SHE WAS THRIVING OFF THIS.
I loved it 🥹 Devlin had me in a chokehold. I also loved Kylie tho I wanted to throat punch her at times. But what are ya gonna do! I can't wait to see what's next in this series I might check it out!!
9/10 would recommend for shiz
-bOOkSn0b📚
In true Amanda fashion I jumped right into this series skipping the first book lol idk why I'm like this. I'm tempted to read Jordan and harpers book but be eh let's see!! Now onto to this read!!
I loved this book but it also annoyed me. Lol it had so many AWWWWWWW moments for me and the hopeless romantic in me? BITCH SHE WAS THRIVING OFF THIS.
I loved it 🥹 Devlin had me in a chokehold. I also loved Kylie tho I wanted to throat punch her at times. But what are ya gonna do! I can't wait to see what's next in this series I might check it out!!
9/10 would recommend for shiz
-bOOkSn0b📚
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