Never You

by K.L. Bryce

Tabitha Bell. The girl next door. My little sister’s best friend. Since the age of nine, she has been my light, my sun.
The only girl I’ve ever let into my dark world.
But she was too young and off limits the day she offered her precious heart to me.

I would do anything to protect her…even if that meant keeping her away from me.

Now Tabitha is all grown up, and I'm the last person she wants back into her life, but I’ll be damned before I let her marry a man she doesn’t love.

Reed Walker. My gorgeous, former mean crush. My first love. My first heartbreak.
The only option I had was to move on from the man I once believed was the one.

After years of constant rejection from men and always being the "dumpee", I finally find a good, stable guy willing to get down on bended knee. I should not be thinking about Reed freaking Walker in this moment, but there he is, clawing his way back into my mind, my heart.

I don’t care if he gives me those intense midnight blue stares that still melt me in places he doesn’t belong.

Reed will not ruin my plans to win back the only man who never broke my heart.

A love story spanning fifteen years, NEVER YOU is an emotional roller coaster romance with laugh out loud moments, passion and angst, and all the feels. Can be read as a standalone.

*Formerly titled Always You.*

★★★★★ "This is one of the best books I’ve read in a while." - Amazon Review

★★★★★ " If you are looking for an emotional, angsty read, this is it!" - Amazon Review

★★★★★ "This book will have you laughing and in TEARS ... grab the Kleenex you won’t be able to put this down." - Amazon Review

★★★★★" Couldn’t put it down!!! I’ve read 50 books so far this year and this one is definitely a favorite! " - Amazon Review

★★★★★ " I loved this book so much ...I got completely sucked in the journey of Tabatha and Reed." - Goodreads Review

★★★★★ " The sexual tension in this story was off the charts , and the story just held a deep romanticism to it that reminds you of the timeless love of old classics like Wuthering Heights." - Amazon Review

★★★★★ “Omg this a so beautiful and heartbreaking and hands down one of the best books I have ever read! Reed is everything in a book boyfriend and you don't want to miss.”- Amazon Review

★★★★★ " You gotta love the ultra protective alpha nature of Reed ." - Goodreads Review

★★★★★ "Awesome debut. K.L. Bryce is a new to me author and this won’t be the last book I read.” - Amazon Review

Grab your copy of NEVER YOU now and get ready to laugh, cry, and fall totally in love!

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Young Adult, Friends To Lovers, Second Chance, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

288 pages, Paperback

Published February 27, 2022

About the author

K. L. Bryce is the author of contemporary romances with humor, angst, passion, and all the feels.

When Kayley isn't busy melting and mending the hearts of bad boys, she's most likely immersed in a playlist, devouring a book, dancing and singing in the living room to her adopted American Cocker, Sydney, or laughing lots with friends and family.

Reviews

[Penny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I didn't like this book. The first part was just a bunch of scenes about the MCs' past but the story didn't really flow. It made me confused and I wasn't sure what's going on most of the time.

The second part was definitely better but still, it couldn't hold my interest. I just didn't get why they (especially the H) couldn't admit their feelings for each other. They were the only ones that didn't get that they were in love with each other.

Even though I kinda liked Paige, I'm not going to read her story since I couldn't enjoy this book. 2 ⭐

[Vera Hollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book and Kayley’s writing. The chemistry between Tabitha and Reed was off the charts, and the constant push and pull kept me turning the pages. I was so happy when they finally together. I highly recommend this story!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

OMG where do I begin with this amazing and wonderfully written story. The emotions just jumped off the page for me. I felt everything both Tabatha and Reed felt. I was actually rooting for these two to get together the entire time.

These two have known each other since she was 7 and he was 9. His little sister is her best friend. This is their love story though 15 plus years where I laughed, cried and spared with hope. The chemistry between these two jumped out of the pages and the emotions were like I was reading it with 3D glasses.

This author won me over and over with every chapter. I would continue to read her books.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Em. Gee. I loved this book so so much. Broody travel writer who loves to read who falls for his little sister’s best friend, but life keeps them apart.

I mean, I really just don’t have enough good things to say about this book. The characters were relatable and broody and there was so much feeling written in to this story that I felt like I was right there with the characters. The chemistry was off the chain. For sure, this book does not disappoint.

P.S. Reed Walker is my new book boyfriend

~Lauren💜

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/14/2020)! 🎁

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by K.L. Bryce but it won't be the last. This love story begins when Reed and Tabitha are children. Their love is innocent and sweet and undeclared, but real nonetheless. The years pass, love grows deep and true but the time is never right, so Reed lets chance after chance go by until he gets a wake up call and then has to wonder if he left things too late.

Reed (I love him but I want to smack him sometimes) caused me so much frustration with his reluctance to declare himself. I loved Tabitha, who has had her poor heart crushed too many times. This beautiful, sometimes painful romance is chock full of emotion and cast such a spell over me that I stayed up all night reading because I couldn't put it down. Mean Crush is the unforgettable story of a love that was always meant to be.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new author to me and a fabulous read. This story is about Tabitha and Reed. They grew up together and their families are also best friends. Both Tabitha and Reed both shared of a love for books although Tabitha was too young for Reed so he pushed his feelings a side and hid them by being mean to her even though he cared deeply for her. Tabitha also loved him secretly and tried to forget him using boyfriends that never were right for her. This was a fantastic,read with an incredibly romantic ending! I look forward to see more from this author! I voluntarily received an ARC copy of this book from HiddenGems

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

One full of feels! A new author for me and I'm loving this one! This will give you all the feels and deep one at that

Tabitha has always had a crush on her best friend's brother. She wrote everything about Reed on her diary and when Reed found out that it was him she was talking about, he kind of closed off on her. But that didn't stop Tabitha from loving him, from just a crush to love. The age gap is also a problem for Reed to actually consider being with Tabitha.

There's always something in the way of them getting together. Years of stuffing their feelings in their hearts, this part really give me all the feels. When he was about to tell her his feelings, well you guessed it, it didn't happened. My heart was wrenching for them to just get over with it and be together already. I was so suffocated for them. For 15 years they harbor their feelings, and I waited till the moment they finally get together because I was rooting for them to be together.

[Trescina Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!

I loved this couple. Reed put his feelings on hold watching Tabithia grow up. He didn’t want to get in her way of experiencing life. This was a fun and touching read. I’m looking forward to Paiges story.

[Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was hopeful for this one, but it unfortunately felt a bit underdeveloped

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd chance romances are not my favorite trope, but I absolutely LOVED this book.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. I love that you get the backstory before the main story instead of vague flashbacks:)

[ShelvedWithShell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this one in a day! What a great read! Reed & Tabitha are two of a kind and stubborn as all get out. I love a good romance and this one didn’t disappoint!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[BOSTON Mommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming

This was a really solid read. All the emotions were there- I laughed out loud, cried my eyes out and fell in love with the characters- can’t ask for more.

[Katie Mosher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

This was a fun read! I loved the story. I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series!

[Alyson Nerren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed!!!

Reed and Tabitha were so good together...when it finally happened!!! I loved getting to read about the both of them and how they felt about each other! Reed was KILLING me!!!! I really felt sorry for the both of them tho...This is my first by this author and it was very good!!! Can't wait to read more about Paige...finally

[Meryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good.

All those years of unrequited love for poor Tabitha! Reed might have understood that they were both too young, but his rejection was harsh. I was hoping he would have to grovel a bit more.

[Crystal Denny · Rating 5 out of 5]

K.L. Bryce is a new to me author and this won’t be the last book I read. I love this story of Tabitha and Reed. I find it so relatable in many ways. I’m sure a lot of people have had similar feelings of wanting someone you don’t think you can have and hating yourself for wanting them knowing you shouldn’t. Watching this pair grow up and come into their feelings was great. The story was so well written and the characters well developed and the feelings of both sides were carefully thought out so you could fee alone with them.

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book, not only for the story, which was interesting, but for the writing style, which touched me, which convinced me and made me root for the characters and, occasionally, made me want to throttle them.

I will definitely want to read more from this author!

[Yvette89 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Good story- a little long with tug of war between the two main characters.
Reed and Tabitha grew up together. He was her best friend’s older brother. Their parents were best friends. They fell in love when they were too you g to understand. She wanted him to be her first. He felt she was too young and wanted her to experience life. When she started experiencing life, he was angry and a little mean. When she was ready he wasn’t. When he was ready she had a boyfriend. The back and forth / hit and cold- go on for most of the book. The romantic gesture at the end was worth the wait.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after Cruel Intent, but it didn’t matter. I love Tabitha and Reed. Just wanted to shake them both silly though!!! You know it’s a great story when you want to get personally involved with the characters! 😉

[Tracie Redmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author for me

Wow! I absolutely loved this story and am waiting impatiently for book two.

[Natasha Gould-Wingate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I couldn’t put it down. Rarely has a book captivated me like this. I love a good love story and this delivered.

[M H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Emotional

Bryce did a beautiful job of utilizing the written word to allow the readers to truly capture the heart wrenching and deep raw feelings of two beautiful loving souls.
"People who read Romance aren't trying to find out if they have a happy ending but how they do it...No mater how much the characters deny it, the reader knows they are perfect for each other. The ending is about how those two people finally see that, too." Truer words could Bryce not have written to describe this addicting emotional story. Please note, it is not a feel good story, it's a book with all the angst and feels but you'll love it.
I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it.

[Melanie Corum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t Put It Down!!!

I’ve read 50 books so far this year and this one is definitely a favorite! The writing was excellent, the characters and story were relatable, and the ending was perfect! Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end, if not always in the way we expect" (Harry Porter - The Order of the Phoenix"

There are many such quotes in this beautifully written second chance romance. And I choice that particularly one as it felt to me what this book was about.

Th first half of the story focuses on Tabitha and Reed as they are growing up. Tabitha is best friends with Reeds sister Paige (so looking for ward to her story which is coming next!). When your young a 2 year age difference can seem more like 20 and for Reed he is firmly keeping Tabitha in the sisters best friend role. Their parents are best friends and live just a few doors away Reed can't take a chance that if it all goes wrong who awkward everything would be. Reed's path is taking him in a completely different direction than Tabitha - Reed has always wanted to be a travel writer going all over the world and writing about places that people don't even release are out there - his course is set!

Tabitha has loved Reed forever - even crushing his reading liar so they can read together. As the years move on Reed isn't going to change his mind about Tabitha even though before his eyes she has grown into a beautiful young woman.

Now five years on a Tabitha's boyfriend has just proposed in front of a whole audience at a baseball game - what will she do but this is what she wants right - so why is an image of Reed appearing in her thoughts while her boyfriend is down on one knee!

Join Reed and Tabitha on second chances and discoveries - you won't be disappointed!

'So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing." T.S. Eliot

I received this book as an ARC for an honest review

[Up All Night With Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
Review by Elizabeth
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night with Books Blog

This is the first time I have had the pleasure of reading a book by K.L. Bryce and I was not disappointed. K.L. has a brilliant way of keeping you on the edge of your seat with her mixture of emotions that run through her wordy creation.

In Mean Crush, we meet Reed and Tabatha who could not be more perfect for each other. However, just like any story with those types of characters, there are always obstacles and reasons as to why they cannot be together. But does that mean they should not be together?

Reed has known Tabatha for years and has always thought of her as his little sister’s friend and a thorn in his side. When he started noticing Tabatha he fought it and continued to fight it for years. Why? Simple, their families are extremely close and there was an age difference.

I loved that Tabatha was not afraid to go after what she wanted even if it caused her heartbreak. I laughed so much at her banter with Reed because she lived to torment him. I think secretly he loved it but always had to give her a hard time. Now Reed did get on my nerves a bit with his overthinking and dick of an attitude. I loved watching/reading them grow into their own person and figuring out what exactly they wanted.

Mean Crush is just what I look for when reading a book and I literally devoured this book in a few hours. I cannot wait to read the next book, Paige’s, just to get glimpses of Reed and Tabatha.

***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Mean Crush, the first book I’ve read by K.L Bryce.

I found the book to be well written, characters to be well developed, and the story to move at just the right pace. I basically read the story within 24 hours ... and when I woke in the middle of the night I found myself reaching for my eReader because I wanted to hear more of the story!

Mean Crush is about just that ... an intense crush that both Reed and Tabitha have for each other since middle school / high school. Reed is well aware that the age difference between them when he’s in high school is something he can’t act on ... but it doesn’t stop him from being available when Tabiltha needs him ... then and through out college and beyond.

The book pulled me in from the start and then immediately went back to middle school to build the story. Typically I don’t have the patience for that, but Ms. Bryce kept me engaged ... I really liked the witty banter in person and via text between them as the story progressed. This book has family, friends, a slow burn, scenes that sizzle, dialogue and witty banter that will make you smile, and an ending that will have you cheering for Reed and Tabitha

The end of the story, when each one must confront their own fears and decide if a chance at life long happiness is worth an immediate risk, kept me reading well into the day. This book is a standalone, but book #1 of a series that I know I’ll be following.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tabatha & Reed have known each other since she was 7 & he was 9, as he's her bestie's hot older brother, but she really can't stand him in other senses. They end up secluded at a cabin together, and the sparks are flying. This story takes place over 15 years, which takes me through 15 different emotions as I devoured it. I'm telling you guys, I NEVER saw this story coming, and I'm in awe of this author. Besides all the crazy emotions, the push & pull had me ready to throw my kindle at the wall since I was screaming at them to shape up. Tabatha had a knack for picking the wrong guys, all the while harboring all her secret feelings for Reed. They have serious chemistry, and you would think that it wouldn't be denied for long, but said chemistry was playing the long game. And that's enough from me, just hit those one click buttons to see how it all plays out! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

KL Bryce's Mean Crush, the first book in the Unbroken: Mending the Hearts of Alpha Bad Boys series, is a good best friend's brother romance.

This book follows Tabitha and Reed through the years, from when she was a young girl who declared her desire for him to be her first, to the long awaited happy ending after.

This is my favorite trope, and the characters here are captivating. Their journey is full of longing and love, as well as lies and pain. Their emotions are front and center, easily felt by the reader.

The middle years are jumped over, but it works, and we don't miss anything. As this story is all about Tabitha and Reed, they are all we really need.

Mean Crush is an enjoyable best friend's brother romance. With all the feels, this KL Bryce book will leave you satisfied.