The Hero in Her Story

by Kelsey Kingsley

Tarryn King has been a thorn in Connor Jacobs' side. Ever since the moment his disabled little sister became best friends with the snooty brat, Connor was left with no other purpose than to be the grumpy big brother, wishing for their falling out.

And he learned to live with that—until the day he gave her the shirt off his back ... and discovered it’s possible to be jealous of an inanimate object.

For two decades, that embedded thorn has been the object of his desires. But that's a secret he'll never tell. She'll always see him as her BFF’s mean older brother.

Besides, she isn't just his sister's best friend anymore. She's THE Tarryn King. And what could a famous actress who has everything see in him? A single dad who collects garbage for a living.

But when her very attractive—and very available—costar enters the picture, Connor knows he has to make his move … or live with regret forever.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Friends To Lovers, Family, Second Chance, Slow Burn, Contemporary Romance

500 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2023

About the author

When I was a wee lassie, I was told by my preschool teachers that I was a natural at storytelling. When I was just a little older than that, an old friend's mother said to me, "Kelsey, one day your books are going to be on the shelves at the library."

Well, Diane, I don't know if my books are ever going to be on the shelves of libraries, but I'm sure as hell going to try.

When I'm not writing stories destined to be bestsellers, I enjoy devouring TV shows, listening to every type of music there is and going to concerts, reading pretty much anything (with a soft spot for romance and certain books located in 18th century Scotland), obsessing over makeup, and pretending to workout.

I also have a fondness for cats, my family, tattoos, and a really good French fry.

Reviews

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarryn + Connor

They've known each other for almost 30 years. Tarryn is his little sister's best friend. And Connor and Tarryn never got along. At all. But what both of them don't know? They've also kinda been in love with the other for decades.
And now Tarryn is a Hollywood superstar and Connor is a grumpy 35 year old single dad garbage truck driver in Connecticut.
How could something happen between them?
Possibly because his sister is getting married and Tarryn is coming to all the events?
Maybe Connor should use this last chance at a happily ever after with his dream girl - instead of starting another fight again the second he sets eyes on her at the airport. Plus why is her hottie co-star suddenly sniffing around Tarryn?
Last chance Connor....

Let the fun times begin ...

══════════════════




A Long Island-New York-Connecticut-Hollywood-Scotland-Garbage-Truck-Driver-Single-Dad-Little-Sisters-Best-Friend-Childhood-and-Life-Enemies-to-Lovers Romance?
Yup - count me in. LOL!
If you've read The Girl in the Front Row , you were already waiting for Tarryn and Connor's story. And it was so cute.
They've hated each other for decades but they also love each other. Which they never told anyone. And now is finally their time. And it was adorable and funny and a bit heartbreaking and hopeless. But they'll fight for that happy end.
I liked reading this. It was a tiny bit too uneventful for my tastes. No idea what I mean by that. But I wanted a bit more. It felt like they went from hating each other for decades to suddenly texting each other and bam they're together. I didn't feel that getting together moment. Even though it was decades in the making. Hm. No idea. I was expecting a bit more. The only 'drama' we have is the co-star and Tarryn's fear of not being loved and left by everybody ...
I kinda wanted to throw the kindle against the wall at the way Tarryn acted towards the end. But you always get those silly and stupid misunderstandings or fights or whatever at that point in a romance. So I kept on reading and it was so very adorable at the end.

I still loved reading the book.

THE HERO IN HER STORY was a very sweet and long overdue love story.
A Long-Island-New-York-Connecticut-Hollywood-Scotland-Garbage-Truck-Driver-Single-Dad-Little-Sisters-Best-Friend-Childhood-And-Life-Enemies-To-Lovers Romance!
Run to your nearest book dealer for your own Connor - this one is MINE!


💜 💜

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Loved!💞

The possibiltiy of a brand new book by Kelsey Kingsley makes my heart sing with joy every single time one comes my way. If you've already read The Girl in the Front Row, then you've met the main characters in The Hero in Her Story, with many wonderful secondary ones to come as well. I thought I knew Lennon Jacobs' best friend, Tarryn King, successful world reknown actress- beautiful, generous and independent, but in reality, she wasn't who I thought at all- she was so much more.

Despite her fame and fortune, her life wasn't always easy or emotionally comfortable. She became a pro at keeping up appearances, playing her roles, on screen and off. Troubles in life seemed to roll off her back, but inside, she felt everything. Her secret, forever crush was still a secret, but after all, the man of her dreams is her best friend's hot, annoying older brother. The one who's only shown her the worst version of himself since the day she met him.

Connor Jacobs- grumpy, but sexy single dad, was trying to raise his teen daughter the best way he knew how. He was resigned to his life as it was, as it had always been- stuck in an endless cycle of working hard to make ends meet, but just barely getting by. In the rare moments when he let his guard down, he melted my heart completely, because underneath that sarcastic, rough exterior, he was a good man with a bad attitude, but such a caring dad to his sweet, sassy daughter. Meanwhile, he's suffered in silence, keeping his forbidden attraction to his sister's best friend buried deep for as long as he can remember.

Connor and Tarryn had more in common than they could have known- lonely in a crowd, but never letting anyone get too close. They were oil and water, unrequited, but I kept hoping they would figure themselves out and somehow see the light. Their love story was complicated and emotionally charged, but if anyone deserved that happy ending we all hope for, it was Tarryn and Connor. After everything that came before- the tears, the laughter and all their ups and downs along the way, I came to realize, this book had been perfect named, because Connor Jacobs really did become The Hero in Her Story.

I loved the stories within the story and all the surprising moments- there were many, and I was intrigued by each one of them. Spending time in Scotland was a fun bonus and getting lost in Tarryn's life on set, as seen through her own eyes, pulled me in so easily. I became wrapped up in the special bond she had with her fellow actor and major hottie co-star, although I wanted to hunt him down personally more than once in this book and ask him what was he was thinking. Kelsey Kingsley- you know we're going to need a new story, one with a big juicy HEA for that guy. I will admit- I can't stop thinking about him. Please don't leave me hanging!

This was another in a long line of poignant and unforgettable books by the fabulous Kelsey Kingsley. I am always awed with the variety and depth of her work, loving the way she weaves her magical word spells until I am locked inside the story with characters I'm reluctant to let go of. Of course, I'm sad this book has ended, but thrilled with what I read and excited beyond measure to see what she conjures up next.

I was given an advanced copy to read and review. My thoughts and opinions were honestly and freely given.

[Shabby -BookBistroBlog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensitive story with powerful emotions at the helm, every person who loves /has loved must read this story. Angst at its prose best.
A prodigal Daughter returns home to find love in teh most unexpected place. A teenager Tarryn King left home clutching memories & Saint Savage tee to her chest. In teh subsequent years she gains fame and fortune but the emptiness inside her echoes in her ears, to return home to her borrowed family. To her lost love

"Knowing neither of us was proud of the things we'd done while also acknowledging we'd known no other way to be who we were and to get to where we wanted to go."

Kelsey is a master at creating heart pulling stories with subtle motions splattered within the pages. Readers are always ensured of everlasting impact.her stories are not something you'll ever get over.
The perfectly imperfect matching of Tarryn and Connor Jacobs, who's brother of Lennon who we met in another astounding book The Girl in the Front Row.

"Millions.
Millions of people knew my face.
Millions of people knew now that I looked at her like I'd give her the world if I could afford it.
Millions of people had seen the way I touched her, kissed her, held her.
Millions. "

These two have had unfinished relation, unsaid words, unexpressed sentiments that span Liek a chasm between them.
Connor has been stuck in Long Island in an ennui prone job and a mouthy teen daughter.
It's a sparks flying, chemistry sizzling on back burner, tugging at hearts, kinda story that will guarantee a rosy hangover after you've long finished.
4.5 stars for Social Media Faults
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[Sarah (lou_reads_romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s wonderful how this amazing author can write an ordinary guy, with a normal job and real-life worries and make him so desirable that everyone is swooning over him.
That’s what we get with Connor, he’s handsome and hardworking, not afraid to defend what he loves, a brilliant single dad who has a really rugged sex appeal…so much so that I couldn’t get enough of his gruffness!

Tarryn is a total sweetheart. I must admit I didn’t wholly agree with a lot of her decisions and how she handled them but my heart ached for her in so many ways. Her relationship with Connor was such a joy to read with their banter and obvious attraction.

Ms Kelsey once again brings us real characters with such heart. She is such a brilliant contemporary romance author bringing wonderful visuals to her writing and immersing you right in the middle of her worlds….worlds that I always love to disappear into!

[Christina Rybka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the dynamic between Tarryn and Connor

Tarryn has one consistent and that’s her best friend Lennon and her family even though she and Connor, Lenin’s brother, fight all the time. The tension between them is intense, but they secretly are attracted to each other. Tarryn is a big star and she is in Scotland missing Lennon. When she goes home for the engagement party her and Connor get into it and he makes her cry. He feels bad and messages her and that starts them talking and becoming more. Can Connor get the confidence to go after her or is she out of his league as a garbage man and single father ? Can Tarryn stop Running? Great characters and storyline Highly recommended Amazing Book. Love Tarryn and Connor. Kelsey done it again this book has all the feels.

[Kaley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at ab0ut 50%. I thought I could get through this one, but the characters just weren't likeable. It felt very middle-schoolish, but the characters were in their 30s. Also, the male lead had very few attractive qualities besides being a dad. Zero drive. Also, they act like they're family and have seen each other throughout the years, but why do the act like all this attraction is suddenly happening and they need to do something about it right now? Like what about the last 20 years? I just didn't believe the connection between any of the characters, even the female lead and her best friend.

[Anne OK · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this one -- it sounded like it would be fun-to-read. But almost from the very beginning I just couldn't settle in and connect. I wasn't especially drawn to any of the characters and without that draw -- well, the book is a bust. I struggled through to the finish and I guess you could say it ended on a much happier note than it started on, but it still did nothing to satisfy my craving for a strong and solid storyline.

[Wencke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful lovestory!
Single Dad, blue collar meets celebrity, but enemies to lovers and friend‘s older brother…this book has it all!
I loved how authentic the figures are and the nod to her other books!
Two very long nights and I just couldn’t put it down!!
5 Stars (because that’s the limit here…)!!

ARC provided by the author

[Jenny Lovez Bookz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this, it was really good! Connor & Tarryn were so cute together, which was ironic considering their personalities and background. Connor was this grumpy asshole who showed no emotions and Tarryn this hot actress who's supposed to be all confident but it was so cute to see how they were with each other once they were honest about their feelings. It was like reading about young, innocent love except they were in their 30s. I loved them together, they brought out each other's emotional sweet side. The epilogue was kinda sad tho, should've left it out

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor and Tarryn nearly missed out on what they could have in life, simply due to pride and miscommunication and fears of not being enough for each other. And that would be a crying shame. Luckily, their slow burn and trading of barbs prepares them for the attraction they have to eventually admit they each have. But it seems like something is determined to stand in the way of happiness for them both. Can they really have anything together, much less everything?

The best part of this story is undoubtedly the utter realism that it portrays. The fears and unresolved issues, the misery and angst, the fun and humor of families. All of it. Connor and Tarryn may need to figure out how to communicate better, and they luckily DO, and they definitely need to learn that pride can hinder when others are willing and able to help, if only they’re allowed to, but their story is glorious because it doesn’t give us sunshine all the time. It’s a little gritty and a lot raw at points. It’s life making room for more people and love and relationships. It’s finding out that you’re not alone at all, even if it feels that way. And it’s learning just how proud those who you feel you’ve let down truly are of you in life.

Tarryn and Connor will require some tissues at least once or twice, but the tears are worth it. Their road to finding how to make it all work is one of the best to travel, and I’m so glad I got more time with Dylan and Lennon and everyone who helps these two see that they’re more than just their occupations and self-punishing expectations. They’re human. And they need love just like anyone else does.

But can we have a second for Monica? I adored her. She’s the best friend and co-parent Connor could hope for. She truly cares and isn’t looking to twist any knives. She just wants the guy she knows and loves in a purely “you’re a good dad” way to find his own joy. And I’m so glad she’s part of this story also because she’s refreshing and supportive and everything that Connor needs when he’s uncertain and worried himself. So you’ll love her for all of that, too. I promise.

[Tammy - · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't care what anyone says about the romance genre. I'm a proud reader of romance, and books like this one are the reason why.

You could say that this is an enemies to lovers story, but that's not totally accurate. Tarryn may have always been the thorn in Connor's side, but at some point, she also became the object of his desires. Connor may have always been Tarryn's best friend's annoying brother, but she's secretly crushed on him for most of her life. A world separates these two - literally. Tarryn is a famous actress living and working in Scotland while Connor is a working class single father struggling to make ends meet, but when another guy enters the picture, Connor knows that he has to make his move. It may be now or never.

This is a beautifully written love story. Although it's a romance that has been decades in the making, we only see a glimpse into Tarryn's and Connor's past. Instead, we get to jump into the present and join them for the ups and downs that is their ride. This isn't an overly angsty read, but it is an emotional one. I didn't necessarily cry, but I did tear up more times than I could count. I also smiled until my cheeks hurt and laughed out loud a time or two. This author writes some of the most clever banter and wittiest lines. You don't want to miss a single word written.

Although Tarryn is a superstar (and most of us can't relate to that), this is still such a true-to-life story in so many other aspects. I love that our hero is a working class guy that is struggling and admittedly makes mistakes, because it just makes him so much more real. And Tarryn? I loved her spunk but I adored her for her vulnerabilities even more. And of course, if you've read any of this author's other books, you'll get little mentions of other characters that will leave your heart fluttering.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: In my opinion, Kelsey Kingsley is one of the best romance authors out there today. She just keeps getting better and she's done it again with The Hero in Her Story.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible- What a Hero.

Tarryn and Connors story has been anxiously awaited especially after ‘The Girl in the Front Row’ was such a resounding success.

The dynamic this couple have and their history interweave beautifully and I was completely swept up in all the emotions Kelsey Kingsley depicted in her writing.
We see and hear in the media all the time about Hollywood couples, paparazzi and the like, but this isn’t the case for the majority of actors out there who do lead separate lives to the roles they play, meet and marry every day people who are just right for them - it’s a reality that Kelsey has tried to create in this story and has done a great job showing how difficult it is to have both and in the end succeed.
I laughed, smiled huge, felt incredibly sad and wanted to cry all the while acknowledging this couple had been each other’s missing piece since they were kids!
As normal no spoilers from me but what I can say is Kelsey is a fantastic author and her works just keep getting better and better and she’s one of the best writers currently in circulation and if an Oscar was available I’d award her one for this and The Girl in the Front Row!

[Laura ( Latteandbookz ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connor is a single hardworking dad who is struggling to make ends meet and will defend who he loves. Tarryn is living in Scotland as a famous actress. These two have been in one another's lives for decades so their relationship had all that time to grow since they have known one another since they were tikes leading them to have a beautiful slow-burn romance and a second chance at love from meeting again at their friend's wedding and the feelings they had since they were kids started to come back. This was beautifully heartbreaking that had me cheering for these guys from the start so when I silently cheered knowing they got their perfect end.

Blog

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

He gave her the shirt off his back, and the rest is history… Or the start of a very long love story!
I have been a huge fan of this author, and have read every book that she has written, I love her style of writing it is organic, she lets the characters come to her and evolve naturally and you get that when you read, they are well developed, human flaws, and all.

I read this book cover to cover in one sitting, because I could not put it down, I love the story, the characters and being a Long Island girl, the Long Island references !

[Bookish.Midnight. and. black · Rating 1 out of 5]

No connection between the MC, exaggerated drama

[Cici · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I love love love Kelsey Kingsleys books but the characters were sorta unlikeable in this one

[Dimitra Katsigiannis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrity romance, best friends brother, single dad 🤍

Those are not my favorite tropes, but I've never read a bad book from Kingsley!!



10/100

[BookReader53 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just really wish the whole Monica storyline with the daughter was not part of this story. I really dislike that trope. I wanted to like this book, and I did like aspects of it, but I also hated how he didn’t discipline his daughter for posting that video. She needed to take responsibility for that mistake, and even though I hate that he was a dad to a kid that was not Tarryn’s, he should have not let her get away with that. Also, yes, I get a kid is a priority, but they shouldn’t always come first. That’s a huge misconception in today’s world. It’s ok to put your relationship first once in a while, in fact, it’s healthy to do so. My parents have been married for 36 years and that was always their advice, and because of that, I have a good example of what I want in a marriage.

Also, what is with the huge influx of single dad romances? Maybe I am in the minority here, but I don’t find a man procreating with another woman who isn’t the heroine romantic (nor do I find it romantic in real life either). It’s way more romantic when he saves his firsts for the one he truly loves.

[Kelsey]

AVAILABLE NOW!!!
GRAB IT HERE (free with KU): http://mybook.to/theheroinherstory

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

i didn’t want the book to end😭

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gifted scribe doesn’t simply put words on a page. She creates characters who are complicated and conflicted with layer upon layer who are so human, authentic and vulnerable we can’t help but empathize with them. She then weaves a complex story full of emotion and uncertainty with just the right amount of heartache. She creates a world that feels familiar, effortlessly drawing the reader in.

Okay, yes, I love this one, so freaking much! But I think the think I love best about it is how Kingsley takes the script for both romantic leads and flips it on its head. From all outward appearances, Tarryn King looks like someone who has everything. She’s a famous screen star living in Scotland with a hunky co-star who's her BFF. Yet something is missing, and going home for the wedding of Lennon, her best friend from childhood, stirs up wishes and dreams far too long ignored. It may feel a bit like “poor little rich girl," but there are hidden layers that help everything make so much sense as they're revealed.

Then there's Connor Jacobs – single dad, sanitation worker, and Lennon's older brother. Which means Tarryn has been a pain in his neck for as long as he can remember. He may not have two nickels to rub together, but Kingsley transforms him into a hero who burrows into our souls and owns our hearts without changing a single external characteristic.

This is the magic of this talented storyteller. She gives us ordinary people with challenges and problems who we easily relate to and feel like we’ve known all our lives, then makes us fall totally, completely, irrevocably in love with them. And I loved Tarryn and Connor in equal measure. Evocative and bewitching, with depths yet to be explored, this unforgettable read is easily one of my top five this year. Get this one right away and fall in love with Connor and Tarryn. Your romantic heart will thank you.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hero in Her Story is the riveting best friend’s brother romance I’ve hoped for ever since I read The Girl in the Front Row!! Some might say Tarryn and Connor’s story is enemies to lovers, but it really isn’t, because they both harbored feelings for years. With their different economic statuses, it seems like it might be opposites attract, when they also are more alike than any two characters on a deeper level. They both feel forgotten and unseen by the people who are supposed to love them the most. That’s the beauty of a Kelsey Kingsley book— the characters are the heart of the book, and they are fully developed, authentic, and evoke all the feels. I couldn’t put the book down. I laughed, teared up, yelled at them to get it together, and fanned my iPad when it got too hot😂. There was just enough angst to keep things interesting, so much amazing banter, the fun slow burn building to the blazing passion, and some plot twists that I didn’t see coming! And that epilogue!! I’m a sucker for a great epilogue, and this one was one of my favorites! I cannot wait for the bonus epilogue to be released! This was a must-read! Now I want to go back and reread Lennon and Dylan’s story, then read this one again right after.😂

I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Luv 2 Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow!

This enemies to lovers, best friend's brother, single dad with a teenage daughter, and a heroine whose been in love with him for close to thirty years, and so has he. They just didn't know it.

Conner Jacob's is just your regular single dad who lives in a small apartment in Connecticut.
He works as a garbage man.
He is barely making ends meet and basically lives paycheck to paycheck.

Tarryn King has more money than she knows what to do with.
She is the star of a series that has taken off and that everyone loves.
Her best friend Lennon Jacob's is getting married to, her rock star boyfriend, Dylan.
They've been friends since they were four years old.
Lennon's brother Conner is two years older and their relationship has always been like that of siblings fighting all the time.

Because of the wedding, Conner and Tarryn, have had to spend more time together.
Things start to get heated when they both discover that they each have feelings for each other.

I love how this story just works.
It has all the feels, a super slow burn, with a happy ever after ending.
It's a stand-alone but, It follows the story, The Girl In The Front Row, which gives a lot of context to this story.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor and Tarryn have known each other since they were young - Tarryn is best friend’s with his younger sister Lennon. While they bicker with each other all the time, it hides the secret crush they have both have for each other. But life has taken them in different directions. Tarryn is a famous actress, starring in a period show that films in Scotland. Connor is living in Connecticut, driving a garbage truck and being a good dad to his daughter Sammy, the product of a one-night stand when he was 18. When a series of events around Lennon’s wedding places them in each other’s orbit, they act on the attraction but keep it a secret, largely to protect them from media scrutiny. With so many obstacles in their way, can they build a real relationship they can share with the world?

I really liked this book. I loved the characters and how they interacted with each other, especially Connor’s relationship with his daughter Sammy. It is a well written book. I did not read the first book in this series - the one about Lennon - but I really want to.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of the book.

[Danielle Lashmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

I’ve been anxiously awaiting this story ever since I was introduced to the characters last year while reading The Girl in the Front Row.

Connor Jacobs is the grumpy, rugged, hot single dad. Tarrryn is a popular celebrity actress working and living overseas in Scotland.

These two can barely stand each other, or so they thought.. After nearly 30 years of knowing one another, buried feelings rise to the surface.

It was sweet, angsty, a little steamy, and a little heartbreaking. The dual POV helped grab a hold of me as a reader in a way that was necessary with the slow burn of the story.

This author’s writing is so down to earth and relatable. It’s one of my favorite things about her books. I effortlessly fell in love with this single dad sanitation worker and felt his ongoing struggles with life in ways most of us can relate to.

For lovers of the best friend’s brother or sister’s best friend tropes, this one is a must-read!

Thank you to the author and Wordsmith Publicity for providing me with this ebook in exhange for my honest review.

[Payton Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll forever wonder why and how each book by Kelsey Kingsley is dramatically better than the last. If I ever had to rank these books, it’d be nearly impossible and so I’m thankful everyday that I can make them all equally amazing in my mind.

Connor and Tarryn are absolutely spectacular. I loved the best friends brother trope in this book and to see Lennon and Dylan again was so much fun! I love all of their text messages and the time they spent together alone. The angst in this book was so good and also made me want to strangle Tarryn in a loving manner but she needed to get her head right some times lol but it made me love her more.

The celebrity story line was so good as well, I loved the Scotland descriptions, the show that I’d love to see, and the drama that came from Jackson. It made the story fun to read and was a great balance to the angst and romance.

Just a soft reminder: the idea that we need to earn food or work it off, even unhealthy food really needs to go away, even for celebrities.

[Hopelessly Addicted To Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the slow burn to end all slow burns and a love story years in the making. If you read The Girl In The Front Row you'll know that Tarryn is Lennon's best friend, well now we get the story of Tarryn and Connor Lennon's brother.

Tarryn is a famous actor but lately she has been questioning if the fame she has now is really worth it. Time is moving fast and with Lennon's upcoming wedding she realises all she is missing out on. Connor is an ordinary guy who just happens to be an amazing father, he is so used to feeling useless that he has just settled for the life he is living. I loved all their interactions, from the snarky antagonism, the tentative friendship to the sizzling hot chemistry everything about them was poetry. Some of the decisions Tarryn made left me exasperated even though I kind of understood. I enjoyed the pacing of the storyline and the way other characters impacted their love story. The one thing I was waiting on was for someone to speak up for Connor when his family treated him like a failure, Lennon in particular annoyed me with her attitude at times.

[Vera Blaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! I didn't expect this book to be as emotional as it was. Tarryn and Connor had a lot of vulnerabilities that prevented them from realizing they were meant for each other. Tarryn has issues of abandonment and feeling like she has never measured up. Connor was in survival mode raising his daughter. They've liked each other for a long time but their relationships with Lennon have prevented them from acting on it. But pivotal moments allowed them to finally realize the support and love they could offer each other. They were better and stronger together than they were apart. No one else's opinion mattered except for theirs. My feelings are still all over the place with this story that it's a little difficult to put into words how I felt. The characters are relatable and likable, their struggles realistic, and their HEA attainable. Kelsey Kingsley pours her heart and soul into every book she writes and leaves a little more of herself in every person who reads her work.

I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.

[Bonnie Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, where do I start, so much GOODNESS in this read, you have our hero, Connor, who just isn’t your average hero in a romance novel, he’s just your everyday American hard working man, y’all, and I’m so in love with his character! He’s sweet and sexy, protective and witty, a great dad, but secretly has had a crush on his sisters annoying and infuriating best friend since they were teens, and my very favorite part of this story, she has his shirt, which you will have to read to find out how and why, lol. Tarryn is a well-renowned actress and although seems pretty confident in herself is very vulnerable and relatable in so many ways, and when these two finally get together, the whirlwind begins, and in true Kelsey Kingsley style, she gives you a beautiful and exciting tale that will keep you engaged till the very end! I adored this book, well done, Kelsey, your fans and anyone who loves a good read are sure to enjoy!

[Amy Malek Concepcion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelsey Kingsley is now a go to author for me. She continues to write books I enjoy and I will now read everything she puts out.
This was a great “best friend’s older bother that you’ve crushed on since forever” story. Tarryn and Conner had that “I’m going to tease you so you don’t figure out I like you” type of relationship when they were 6/8 years old and the teasing never went away so it’s a bit enemies to lovers too. Tarryn is a well known actress living in Scotland and has never had a serious relationship. Conner has been focusing on co-parenting his daughter. But with her best friend’s wedding looming they coming back into each other lives. And the feelings both of them had buried since their teen years flare up. They finally give in but nothing is ever easy when you live in such different worlds.

I love that Conner knew the real Tarryn and they gave their relationship a chance even knowing it would be difficult.
Wonderful story- definitely recommended.