Give You Hell

by Dillon Bancroft

I didn't intend to sleep with my best friend's brother at her engagement party.

But I got caught up in the romance and twinkly lights. And the tequila. And Christopher McKenzie’s stupid, charming smile.

My teenage fantasies came true and the unrequited love was finally returned. Of course, it didn't take long for the cowboy Casanova to reveal his true colors, leaving me mortified and heartbroken.

After a two-year silence, Chris bulldozes his way back into my life, heroically saving me from a perilous situation. I would be grateful, but now he’s on a crusade to make things right between us and fix his past mistakes.

Too bad for him, I’m moving to Denver for a fresh start. But when I gain the attention of someone dangerous, Chris becomes my shadow and I learn far more than I ever imagined about him. Another McKenzie with another secret.

He offers me his protection, he grovels for forgiveness, and as much as I want to deny it, he makes it impossible to ignore my heart that still beats for him.

Do I live the life I've always dreamed, far away, or will I be stupid enough to fall for him again?

Genres: Second Chance

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2023

Reviews

[jenniferlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 because WOW!!!
Ok let me be honest…I was confused a little but it was my own fault…I missed where this was book 4 in the series….I’m definitely going back & reading the first 3 because I am fully invested
The story of Chris & Jackie starts 2 years earlier at Aria’s (Chris’ baby sister) engagement party….they’ve known each other since they were young children & from what I can tell have always had a little crush on each other….Weeeellllll now they are grown & do what grown folks do…but Jackie wakes up the next morning alone & eventually finds Chris doing what men do when they get scared & run from there feelings….yes you guessed it he was caught kissing on some other woman….words are exchanged & promises to never speak again are made

Now we jump 2 years in the future….while they haven’t spoken neither has really moved on….& Chris has finally realized he was an idiot (uh duh) but is it to late??? Can he get Jackie to lower the 100 foot steel walls she’s put up??? Will he tell her what made him panic??? Will he tell her he’s not a school teacher but an undercover FBI agent??? Will he tell her he’s trying to help uncover police corruption in their small gossipy town??? & that somehow his father is involved in some secrets so huge he has to have his buddies check out….& let’s not forget about Jackie’s stalker….psst can we all say psycho because yeah
I mean I could answer all of these questions for you but then you would miss out on a really fun family & all of their antics
Can’t wait to read the first 3 books so I can fill in some places I was unsure about….& I’m ready for book 5….

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackie and Chris! These two are probably my favorite couple so far. I love a strong female lead and all of these ladies have been tough so I knew Jackie was gonna be the same way. I was disappointed in Chris for awhile there but he got his act together and it made him perfect for Jackie. The ending was exactly what I needed for them. I can't wait for Nate and Eves book and hopefully, a good ending for the MaKenzies if that book is the end.

[RaeAnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So.. I binged the first 3 Sage Creek books to be ready for this one and it was so so worth it. Sorta. Cause I’m all sorts of impatient and have to wait for more. I’m dying to get more of the story. The ups and downs were in tense but incredibly well written. The spice is off the charts but it still balanced well enough so it didn’t feel like too much. While the characters do essentially see a happy ending for themselves, it isn’t your typical HEA. Chris and Jackie are no exception to that rule. I loved watching Jackie’s growth throughout the story and Chris’s persistence.

[Moni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read & I wouldn't mind reading more from her. This is book 4 of the The Sage Creek Series books & I would encourage you to have read the other books before reading this one. If you don't, then you will be able to follow the story but feel like there's something you're missing. The book's blurb gives you an idea of what to expect, though I did think it was going to be different from what it was. It's a good second chance dual pov romance.

Although Jackie has loved Christopher since she was young, once she realizes that their night together was a mistake, she is determined to put distance between them. During the two years they didn't speak, she never got over him but she tried to adjust to a life without him. Her planned move to Denver is a way for her to start anew but, when a situation happens, Christopher comes to her rescue & does not want to leave her side. What I liked about Jackie was how she didn't make things easy for Christopher & was never scared about letting him know how his actions affected her.

For Christopher, Jackie has always been a constant in his life so, when he messes up & she demands spaces, he believes it's only a matter of time until he's back in her life. When two years pass & he learns that she's moving to Denver, he's shocked. While he doesn't think it's a good idea for her to leave the comfort of the people who love her, he does think she should explore her options. However, he doesn't plan to give up on her. He's finally ready to accept the feelings that he had for her those two years ago but was scared to accept then. While I wasn't a fan of Christopher being a playboy & wished he would've listened to Jackie's requests more, I did like how he didn't give up on her & knew that he had to work hard to earn his way back into her life.

I liked the pacing of their relationship. They had a history & feelings between them but things didn't progress too quickly between them. They each had time to think about what they wanted. It was a spicy romance but not enough to overwhelm the plot going on. I do believe that readers who have read the previous 3 books will enjoy the book more than me & other who have only read this book but I think the conflict is interesting & will keep readers wondering what secrets are waiting to be exposed & what will happen next.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give You Hell is Book 4 in the Sage Creek Series by Dillon Bancroft, featuring an entertaining reverse grumpy/sunshine second chance romantic suspense story. Jackie was the cliché. You know the one—the girl who’s been in love with her best friend’s brother forever, but he’s the guy who nails every woman in their small town. After her BFF’s wedding, they had one great night, then he broke her heart. After two years of avoiding him, she decides it’s time to truly move on and away from Sage Creek. This prompts Chris to work overtime to try to assert himself back into her life to try to fix what he broke. In the midst of packing, Jackie attracts the attention of a stalker, which adds another layer of suspense to this town of mysteries. Will Jackie stay or go? Can she and Chris really make it work? Or, is the danger swirling around them going to interrupt their plans?

This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and while I really enjoyed it, I do recommend reading the other books in the series first. There’s an obvious effort to provide backstory, but there’s a clear overarching suspense plot going on that connects the events in all the books, so there were times that I wished I was familiar with all the details. However, the world building of the series is obviously great. The characters in this books are engaging, with tons of witty banter, great family bonds, authentic emotions, and the chemistry between Chris and Jackie is super-hot!!🔥🔥🔥🔥 I love that Jackie is so strong-willed, and willing to fight when danger pops up. I didn’t like Chris at first, because of what he did to Jackie and how he continued to behave for a while after that.🙄 Once he finally decided to grow up and go after her for real, he grew on me.😂 The suspense aspect of this book was really complex and well done. There was plenty of action scenes with questions left for the next book. I can’t wait for Nate and Eve’s story!

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

#romancemewithbooks #rmwbooks #readingissexy #readmoreromance #romancebookstagram #romancenovel #romancereadersofinstagram #romanticsuspense #spicyromance #ARCreview #bookreview

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[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher and Jackie have some communication issues throughout the book. Christopher doesn’t want to explain himself and Jackie has had enough. After a night together Christopher makes a major mistake and breaks Jackies trust. Two years later when he is about to loose her for good he finally decides to show her what she means to him. Will she change her mind?

Christopher was a little hard to love this book. I liked him in most of the others. He was always the guy who looked out for his family and was a bit silly and crazy. In this one his secrets are revealed and he must address is playboy ways. He also has to prove to Jackie that he is sincere in how he feels and not playing another game. He mostly redeems himself, he’s still a goofball.

Jackie has been forced to be independent all her life. She has had only herself to survive for the most part. She also has had the stigma of being the daughter of a teen mom in a small town. She has made her self a wonderful life. When she decides she wants to try life outside the small town it naturally causes a stir. Her relationship with Christopher also causes a stir but for a completely different reason.

These two were fire once they gave into each other and worked for it. Even when tragedy strikes their family they find a way to support each other. They are so magnetic.

The underlying mystery through the series heats up in a big way in this book. More secrets are revealed and more lives are put in danger with them.

[Holly Rife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give You Hell the story of Jackie and Chris. Jackie has had a crush on her best friend's brother (Chris) for so long. One thing leads to another and they end up together one night after an engagement party. The next day, everything goes awry and Chris breaks her trust. 2 years later, when she's about to leave town, Chris realizes what he's about to lose. Can he show her how much he cares before it's too late?

Sage Creek may seem picturesque, but looks can be deceiving. Everyone has their secrets and some are far more deep than others. I love the layering this author has created throughout this book (and this series). There are so many moving parts, but it's not too confusing. There are multiple love stories unfolding as well as tantalizing suspense and it is mind boggling!!! I love it!!

Jackie and Chris have so much chemistry and it's beautiful. I love Jackie and how she's so much stronger than when we first meet her in the beginning of the book. ♥️♥️♥️ They are smoking hot 🔥, but there's also so much vulnerability and that's endearing.

'Give You Hell' is Book 4 of the 'Sage Creek Series'. It can be read as a standalone, but I suggest you read the books in order. I wish I had. I am going back and reading them. The author does a masterful job of explaining everything, but I wish I had more backstory. Also, I can't wait for the next book!!!! I want more!! 😁😁😁

If you like good, suspenseful, romance, I highly recommend this book. ♥️

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give You Hell is the fourth book in the Sage Creek Series. This story follows Chris and Jackie. I’ve been excited to dive deeper with Chris and Jackie since the first book in the series.

They’ve known each other since they were kids and Jackie has always liked her best friend’s brother. So much so that they share one steamy night together and she is left heartbroken after she finds Chris kissing another woman. Jackie is set to leave Sage Creek and Chris desperately wants her stay. When Jackie finds herself in danger Chris is there to keep her safe.

I really enjoy the family aspect Dillon writes. The McKenzie family is full of secrets but there is no denying the fact that they will run to protect those they love. I recommend reading the first three books in the series before diving into Give You Hell. The first three books will give you a great background on all the Mckenzie siblings and the danger they all face.

Dillon’s writing is fluid, engaging and the characters she writes are relatable. This story had the perfect amount of spice and held my attention from the first page to the very last. The books are fast reads and each ones leaves you wanting more.

There are several trigger warnings that I recommend you checking out before diving into the Sage Creek Series. Dillon hits some heavy topics but all are written with care. I am excited to read the fifth and final book to see how the story ends!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Romance Me with Books for the eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Not gonna lie, I was blown away by this book. I went into it thinking it was a small town romance with a little mystery on the side. And while that is true, it is so much more than that.

First of all, the romance is incredibly well written. The two main characters have been friends for forever; their families are very close. It all changes when they have a one night stand and he breaks her heart the next day. Years later and she’s trying to move away, but he isn’t ready to say goodbye.

I loved Christopher groveling. He did such a great job and it was clear to see his feelings for Jackie throughout.

Jackie is such a strong character and I mean that in both the “she can handle herself” way and the “she’s well written” way. She didn’t immediately forgive Chris and made him work for her forgiveness.

The mystery aspect was very fun to read. I won’t say much about it to avoid spoilers.

The only issue I had was with my understanding of the plot. This book is a part of a series of interconnected standalones. While you can read it on its own - like I did - I would not personally recommend it as there were some moments I felt left out of.

I will be checking out the previous books in the series and looking out for the next ones.

[Erika wickwire · Rating 4 out of 5]

*This is book 4 in a series and I would recommend reading the first 3 in the series so you know the cast of characters and their own storylines. This book could be read as a standalone but for me I was a little confused and felt like I was behind the whole time 😅 *

First of all, how in the world is everyone in this town an undercover agent of some sort 😄 no, that’s not a spoiler either. Everyone and probably their mom too is either FBI or CIA and everyone has secrets that have come out over the course of the series (I assume)

So Jackie has been in love with Chris for some time, (best friend’s brother trope ✔️) and they finally hook up at the sister’s engagement party. But Chris is a f*ck boy and does what these boys do and gets caught kissing some other girl the very next day, breaking Jackie’s heart. Jump to 2 years later and now Chris wants another chance (2nd chance romance trope ✔️) but Jackie is on her way out of town and done with Chris. Now all of a sudden, people are out to hurt Jackie and Chris gets to be the knight in shining armor while trying to perform his own investigations, both work and personal. Will Jackie let Chris swoop and save her, keeping her from moving, or is she done with the secrecy and pain that comes with loving Chris?

[SusieQ_Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Dillon Bancroft’s latest release in her Sage Creek series, “Give You Hell” follows the story of Chris and Jackie. This childhood friends to lovers’ romance takes place in a small town where everyone seems to have a secret or something to hide. These two both have knee jerk reactions in response to their feelings, that result in wasted time and uncomfortable situations. The story follows the timeline of the previous books from the viewpoint of the H/h. While it can be read as a stand-alone, the reader will have a better understanding of what is happening with this cast of characters and the intertwining storylines having read the previous books.

I received an E-ARC from the author via Romance Me with Books, and this is my honest review.

[Laura Mowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give You Hell is the reverse grumpy/sunshine romance of my dreams. I wasn’t sure how much I’d like Chris when we met him in previous books, but holy moly did the mysterious man deliver in the feels department and in the bedroom…hellooooo Mr. Dominant. Jackie is the strong heroine who doesn't take crap, yet struggles to deny Chris' magnetic pull. Can we blame her? I think not.

The dynamics between Chris and his even more mysterious dad, and Jackie and her relationship with her teen mom, brought a fresh authenticity to the characters. The overarching series plot continues to intrigue as bits and pieces are revealed. Mrs. Bancroft has set us up for one wallop of a series finale and I CAN’T WAIT for Nate’s story next!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author and overall I enjoyed the book. The writing style was good and the story and mystery was engaging.

I will say that you should definitely read the first books in the series first though, because while this 'could' be a standalone, I didn't read the previous books and found myself a bit lost with the backstories and characters sometimes. Like I was missing information that I should have know and likely would have if I had read the others first.

My only personal con with the book would be that I am not a fan of the playboy, especially what he does to her after their first time together, and continues to do throughout. However, I did like that his actions weren't just brushed under the rug or easily forgiven. There was a lot of groveling and the strong FMC definitely made him work for it.

Overall the book was well written, steamy, kept me guessing, held my attention and had a HEA, so in my personal rating scale this was a solid 3.5 Stars for me.

*I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.*

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 4. I did NOT read the others before hand. The main story of Chris and Jackie was easily understandable. However, there’s a lot of other characters and side stories. I would absolutely recommend reading the series from book 1. This book connects with the others and will probably continue on. It is slightly open ended because of this. There is sex in the prologue however I don’t feel like it ruins it. Thereafter it is pushed further into the book.

Received ARC for review

Come read with me.

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[Jacki Tananis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chris & Jackie

This book runs alongside the same timeline as Jay & Annie’s story, so there isn’t much more information on the over arching storyline.
The relationship progression between Chris and Jackie was fun to read, but holy cow was this book choppy and scattered. Half the time I felt like I was lost. There are so many unanswered questions.

[Sara Donahue · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. It was good, the first one is still my favorite. This one focused on Chris and Jackie’s relationship. She’s been obsessed with him since he they were kids, but he’s a man whore. She gets him to settle down for her, the end. But, it’s still super cute.

[Devons book corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book four in the Sage Creek series, Give You Hell is the story of Jackie and Chris. Jackie has had a crush on her best friends brother forever. After an engagement party one night, Chris and Jackie end up together. They share a fun night together, but the next day it goes south when Chris loses Jackie's trust. A few years pass and Jackie is set to leave town. Chris sees what he's about to lose, but is it too late to change Jackie's mind? I really liked this book, and all the other books in the series.

[ASHLEY TOTH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left me wanting more! Can't wait until the next book is published! I need to know about Nate and Eve!

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I regret grabbing this one before reading the first three in the Sage Creek series.
100% recommend starting from the beginning as there are so many characters that you can get a bit lost.
Overall, a great book with a LOT going on. Strong FMC, second chances, found family, with a pinch of spice. Loved it.

[Cristina Lollabrigida]

3.5⭐️
Small town
Second chance
Reverse grump/sunshine

Okay, I understand hooking up with someone that you've secretly had a crush on for years. But when you fail to define your feelings and find the other person already on to the next, what do you think will happen? Someone ends up heartbroken.
Two years later this "couple" haven't gotten over each other.
Jackie takes an opportunity to move for work and Chris finall decides to step up to the plate, hoping he's not too late.
If you've read any other books in this series, you know there's more beneath the surface. If you haven't read it, you should start.

It’s a solid series, this couple just didn’t grip me like the others.