Ruffles & Beaus by Carina Adams

Sep 02, 2018 Juli Hall rated it really liked it

I really enjoyed this book. Loved Cady, she's tough, snarky and loves hard, both her guys and friends. I don't usually like love triangles but this was done perfectly. Cady loves both Roman and Reid and Reid loves both Roman and Cady. Roman loves Reid more like a brother. Loved how it all worked out in the end.

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Sep 04, 2018 Three Chicks rated it it was amazing

5 stars
Review by Jen Skewes

OMG, this book was everything. I love anything that Carina Adams writes, but this may be my new favorite. This is a love triangle, which may not be my favorite to read but this is Carina, so whatever she writes, I read. This book is so different from what she normally writes. It is so much more than a love triangle. It’s a story about friendships, love, lies, deceit and so much more. I loved every minute of it. From the moment I started I was sucked right in. The prolo 5 stars
Review by Jen Skewes

OMG, this book was everything. I love anything that Carina Adams writes, but this may be my new favorite. This is a love triangle, which may not be my favorite to read but this is Carina, so whatever she writes, I read. This book is so different from what she normally writes. It is so much more than a love triangle. It’s a story about friendships, love, lies, deceit and so much more. I loved every minute of it. From the moment I started I was sucked right in. The prologue alone captured me. I finished this book two days ago, and yet it as all I can think about. I want to go back and read it again, this time reading slower and savoring every moment.

Cady is in her last year of college and just lost her job. Her best friend’s girlfriend has this brilliant idea to get her a job as a Burlesque dancer at private parties. This job is something that seems to be so far out of Cady’s league, but she desperately needs the money so she has no choice but to agree. This is where it all starts. Her boss Roman is an arrogant, miserable man who she cannot stand to be around. His best friend and business Partner Reid seems to be the complete opposite. Roman can’t stand her, Reid wants her and Cady is confused as ever. She is falling for two men, one that will never want her in the same way and the other is one that she needs. But it is so much more complicated than that. How you ask? Well you will have to read this one to find out. There is so much to this story and I do not want to give anything away. Go in blind, but make sure you have time because once you start you will not want to put it down.

I completely adored Cady. She is someone who I can relate to on so many levels. She is not the type of person who you would pick out of a crowd to be a Burlesque dancer. And while she may know that she also knows how to own it. She has sass and charm and knows how to stick up for herself. She does not hold back and I just loved her. She wasn’t perfect. She has flaws just like the rest of us, and she knew it but never seemed to let that hold her back. She was the perfect heroine and I loved watching her come into her own as the story progressed.

Reid was someone that I really loved. He is a really good guy with a huge heart. He is Rome’s best friend and would do anything for him. He protects the ones he loves and is a sweet guy. He wanted Cady and had no problems letting her know, but maybe for me he was a little too much when it came to his feelings for her. And not in a bad way, but honestly it all makes sense as you read on and find out more of his past. He really is a great guy who I adored.

Rome on the other hand is a brooding, angry, miserable alpha who I LOVED!!! I didn’t care if he acted like a complete ass at times, I loved him from the moment I met him.. I love how he wanted to hate Cady but really didn’t. I loved the banter back and forth. But most of all I loved how he became someone that not everyone else saw when he was with her. He was himself and opened up to her in a way that he never expected. It took a lot to admit his feelings, denying them over and over, and trying so hard to maintain that she was nothing but a pain in the ass. I loved every part of him.

Ruffles and Beaus is a story of love and friendship, loyalty and trust, lies and deceit and it was freaking fantastic. Cady finds herself in love with two men, who are best friends. But her relationship with the both of them is very complicated. There was drama and angst and moments where my heart was in my throat. There are two particular scenes where I had a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes and my heart just broke. They also happen to be my favorite scenes.

Ms. Adams writing is flawless. She knows how to make you feel it all with these characters. It is a beautiful story that will pull at your heartstrings. It is a slow burn, but the build up and the way it all ends was worth it. If you read one book b Carina Adams, make it this one. Every emotion, every twist, every time your heart either melted, swooned or broke, it was worth it all. Completely blown away.
...more

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Aug 27, 2018 Diary Of Book Fiend rated it it was amazing

So I have been behind on my ARCS lately because I come home from work exhausted and just crash. But I knew I needed to get back on it, so at 11:00 last night, I tapped on my ARC of Ruffles & Beaus...

Let me say this first, I signed up for this ARC without reading the blurb because it's Carina Adams and I flipping love her writing. I didn't read the blurb and I drooled over the cover...

So one day, I actually read the blurb and I get totally bent out of shape because I realized I had signed up So I have been behind on my ARCS lately because I come home from work exhausted and just crash. But I knew I needed to get back on it, so at 11:00 last night, I tapped on my ARC of Ruffles & Beaus...

Let me say this first, I signed up for this ARC without reading the blurb because it's Carina Adams and I flipping love her writing. I didn't read the blurb and I drooled over the cover...

So one day, I actually read the blurb and I get totally bent out of shape because I realized I had signed up for a Love Triangle...so I thought. I was so mad at myself for getting myself into this situation because I try and stay away from ARCS with things I don't normally like to read.... so I said ALLLL of that..to say I began reading this at 11:00 last night, and I did not move until 4:30 a.m. this morning when I read the very last page. It pulled me in with the prologue and I was entranced until the very end. And I was so happy that I signed up for this, without reading the blurb, because it was everything!

The writing was beautiful. The relationships with every single character was beautifully weaved together and it was just one of the best books I have read in 2018.

I loved Cady, I loved her mouth and how she gave as good as she got and she never backed down, not one single time and she was not perfect. She was not a supermodel without flaws, she was one of the most real characters I have read in a long time.

I loved Roman from the very start because I love Alpha Assholes. Cady and Roman's banter was hilarious and it was just an amazing relationship to read, and feel it grow, it was like I was seeing it with my own eyes instead of just reading it.

Reid was great. He knew what he wanted and he went for it. At first he got on my nerves because he was a little over the top, MY FISH. lol. But he grew on me.

This is not your typical love triangle where you root for one to win over the other, because honestly the whole time, I was like, it's fine Cady, you can have them both, I'm down with that! It wasn't overly drawn out of who will she pick or which one had more flaws than the other, it was just so beautifully done, I am running out of describing words!

The women in this book. Zero bitchy, catty, I am better than you. Just solid friendships of picking one another up and supporting one another and cheering for one another and I was over here mentally high fiving each and every one of these characters, doing my very best impression of Roman and Cady.

Well done Carina Adams, I will always sign up for your books without reading the blurbs, because you are amazing at what you do!

5 Stars.
...more

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Aug 25, 2018 Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog rated it it was amazing

This book had me completely hooked from beginning to end. I don't think I even blinked while reading it, that's how good it was.

Give me a book that has entanglements, lies, deceit and mistrust involved and girl I will devour that baby in a heartbeat.

Cady is a girl who has had no luck when it comes to having a job. She keeps getting fired because she just doesn't have it in her to be a waitress. So her roommate's girlfriend has a plan and has cashed in a favor from Roman, the owner of a club she This book had me completely hooked from beginning to end. I don't think I even blinked while reading it, that's how good it was.

Give me a book that has entanglements, lies, deceit and mistrust involved and girl I will devour that baby in a heartbeat.

Cady is a girl who has had no luck when it comes to having a job. She keeps getting fired because she just doesn't have it in her to be a waitress. So her roommate's girlfriend has a plan and has cashed in a favor from Roman, the owner of a club she used to work at.

When Roman meets Cady for the first time, he is like "no way in hell" he doesn't think Cady has it to be a burlesque show girl and never mind not having what it takes, but she doesn't look like the type who is confident and can handle that type of job. Who's going to show her the routines in such a short period of time??? But Roman hires her any ways. When Reid takes a look at their new girl, he knows the moment he sees her that he wants her and doesn't hesitate to stake his claim. Roman on the other hand, doesn't care because he has zero interest in this girl. He's still hung up on his ex who left him on their wedding day.

Roman is charming, handsome, rich and the man can dance -- talk about sexxxxy!

Reid is Roman's business partner and he's known him all his life. They do things together, even have gone as far as sharing the same girl before. But that didn't end well so they decided not to do that again. He is also a kick ass dancer.

Cady may not be confident in herself, she feels like she shouldn't be in this type of industry because she obviously doesn't have the same body type as the rest of the girls in the show, but all the girls were very receptive to her and welcoming, so that really gave her a boost. She developed strong feelings for both Roman and Reid, even though she felt like she wasn't good enough for either one of them. If she only knew that she was the reason these two changed so much. She brought out the best in them. If it weren't for her, I don't know where Roman would have ended up at.

I'm telling you guys, this book was to die for. When I first read the synopsis and saw those teasers, I knew I had to read it. I was itching to read it and now that I'm done, I want to cry because I want more. Even though it was pretty lengthy, it didn't feel like it because there was not one part boring in this book. From the moment I started I just couldn't sway myself from putting it down at all.

Cady, Roman and Reid were one combination you don't want to miss out on reading about.

Now I need more from a certain character in this book, he also needs his happily ever after!!

5 STARS!!

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review** ...more

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Sep 01, 2018 Nancy Reads rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Ruffles & Beaus is a triangle love affair. The story is told by three points of view: Cady, Roman and Reid. Love doesn't fit into a neat little box. It doesn't have rules that we all have to follow. It doesn't make sense. It isn't perfect. And it hurts like heck! But darn it, it is worth it all in the end Love is all that matters. So, love freely, love openly, love often. Because love is all there is.

The same person, Ruffles McGee might not change a thing that had happened as she loved her l ...more

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Sep 04, 2018 Maura rated it it was amazing

I read this book a few days ago and it has stuck with me. There is just something about this book that made me a little sad, a lot happy, a little of everything actually.

This is a story told in three points of view. There is a bit of mystery, a bit of misdirection and a whole lot of a great story. There are a lot of characters in this book and several have different names; Cady/Ruffles - Liv/Glitters - Roman/Jupiter, and Reid (lol). Each is well developed and well represented. I have different ...more

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Sep 04, 2018 Linda 🖤 LB Book Blog rated it it was amazing

Wow!! Ruffles and Beaus isn’t anything like I’ve read before! I went in completely blind and so glad that I did!!

Carina Adams has a way of writing books that always keep me guessing. I never know who they will turn out. It’s not predictable and always a page turner.

Now, after reading the synopsis, I would automatically think it’s a love triangle. In love with two guys? Well, it is but it isn’t. It’s a story about Love. Of loving yourself, loving your friends and those around you. Cady has a real ...more

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Aug 23, 2018 Clare Harrison rated it it was amazing

Another day another doller or so Cady thought, but life has a way of throwing curveballs. This is how she ends up unemployed and wondering how to pay her share of the bills.

Enter her flatmate Frankie and her gorgeous girlfriend Olivia.

You can do anything you put your mind to right?

Cadys life does a complete one eighty and she finds herself almost adopted by Olivia on her way to stage and makeup.

life is bleak, life is hard, women are complicated and alcohol is heavenly these are thoughts of the ...more

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Sep 08, 2018 Margaret rated it it was amazing

This without a lie is my book of the year.

What is love? Is it only an emotion that can be felt between a man and a woman? Is it wrong that when this is not the case and a man falls in love with his best friend?

Carina made me think about what love is and if there is a right or wrong love between people.

There is a scene in this book where Roman says that the two of you being happy means more to me that anything else. This touched me so much much that a Roman loved them so much he was willing to st ...more

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Sep 08, 2018 Grey rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-stars

I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Unfortunately, it seems to be a case of me, not it... I just wasn't feeling this one as much as I have Ms. Adams's previous works, as you can see, most people are thoroughly enjoying this one! I think I'm broken... maybe I shouldn't have been trying to read when I was at such a high-stress period of back to school/work mode???

I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Ms. Adams though, she's a go-to for me.

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Sep 05, 2018 Sharon Foster rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Wow

Im horrible at reviews but this book was awesome. I felt like I was immersed in this world from the get go. I didn't really know where the book was going to lead and it kept me on my toes. I couldn't put it down to participate in adulting until it was finished. I am looking forward to seeing more from Carina and so happy my friend dragged me to a book signing in Worcester years ago. We didn't even tall about her work when we met just our addiction to books and I haven't looked back. Her stori ...more

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Aug 27, 2018 Colleen Moyer rated it it was amazing

DON"T start this book unless you have time to read it. It was driving me crazy how real life kept getting the my way!!! It is a great story and all the characters just grab you. There are the ones you love and some that are super twisted!!! The main characters grab you and just watching Cady grow and develop as Ruffles - makes my heart full. Love getting cameos of Lucky!!! So many things in this book make my heart full and hopefully we will see some of these amazing characters in future books - ...more

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Aug 25, 2018 Lauren rated it it was amazing

Love!!!

One of my top reads for 2018. Cady just keeps getting thrown curveballs and she cant keep up. She ends up doing a 180 and getting a great job but can she overcome her issues and trust she can do it? Roman throws her for a complete loop and she's not sure what to think. There banter back and forth is hilarious, her chemistry with Reid is off the charts. I really wasn't sure how this was gonna end but gotta say I really enjoyed it.

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Aug 30, 2018 Carri Frechette rated it it was amazing

Let me start by saying that I love me a good love triangle, and boy did Carina deliver with this one! The chemistry that Cady has with both Reid and Roman is off the charts. The slow burn of the story was like a perfectly executed roller coaster ride with just the right amount of angst, twists, turns, and steamy times to keep me enthralled from beginning to end. Ruffles & Beaus is definitely a can’t miss read. Go grab it today!

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Sep 08, 2018 Andrine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Just wow

The best summer read . I just couldn’t put this book down I loved he world this author created and definitely a new and fresh prospect . I enjoyed cady and Roman passage to love it should that life message and nothing every fits neatly in a box

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Aug 27, 2018 Carina Adams rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

It's live! I can't wait for you all to meet Ruffles and her beaus!

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Aug 26, 2018 JoAnna G rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

*~5 Suck You in Stars~*

I can honestly say this book kept me enthralled and into it from the first word I read. The author did an amazing job at getting across what she was trying to do. The writing and the backdrop were great. I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I was hoping and hoping for one thing and then it would happen and then I was like, wait I want more. The pace and writing were spot on and I can say that it gave me insight into that world. When I saw the title I did not put two and tw *~5 Suck You in Stars~*

I can honestly say this book kept me enthralled and into it from the first word I read. The author did an amazing job at getting across what she was trying to do. The writing and the backdrop were great. I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I was hoping and hoping for one thing and then it would happen and then I was like, wait I want more. The pace and writing were spot on and I can say that it gave me insight into that world. When I saw the title I did not put two and two together. That was my fault. I was expecting one thing and got another. It was better. I loved this book. I mean I have so much love that it is a top five for me. Sometimes I think I may be too critical but this one took my breath away. I walked away with a beautiful love story. It was a combination of friendship and love. Not necessarily in that order. It’s a love triangle but on a different level. That you will have to read to find out. Just when you think you have it figured out the game changes, again. This book was emotional and funny all put into a package for the reader. I couldn’t decide how I wanted it to end. Then I had an epiphany and I wanted it a certain way. I can’t say if I got what I wanted. It doesn’t matter because what we got was a great beginning middle and end.

Cady is a great girl that can't hold a job to save her life. She is terrible at all of it. She just continues to fumble through it until her friend and roommate shed light on another option. She needs the money so she can help her Gran and go to school. Livie has a great job so she says and the money comes rolling in.

Roman her boss is a bit of a jerk. He is rude, and can be mean doesn't like her or does he and he is in denial. As a favor to Olivia his good friend and former employee, he gives it to her. He takes a chance. He sees something though and he is intrigued by her. She is different from what he usually has in the girls at the club.

Reid, oh my gosh. He was such a sweetheart and I absolutely loved him. Such a great guy. When he comes in he stakes his claim and it is done. This is where the triangle comes in. Again, it’s also not what you think.

The people, they were awesome. I loved all the girls. They have this bond among them. Olivia, Frankie, and Cady are all friends already. Roman was still struggling from the break up with Brooke so he was mean at times. Cady made him smile when he wasn’t being a mean boss. The Reid knew from the second he looked at her that he wanted her. Which I must say Cady wasn’t what he usually liked. I loved how Cady came into herself but at the same time needed both of these men in her life to make her see what she was and needed.

Again I loved this book and I hope I can read more. Carina Adams did a great job. Yes, I had to say this again. ...more

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Sep 01, 2018 Shannon rated it really liked it

This is a tough review for me to write. Let me start by saying I have enjoyed all the Carina Adam's books I have read.

This book intrigued me from the start because I couldn't quite figure out what was going to happen, and admittedly I went in blind like I do most books; it's way more fun that way 😊.

Having said that, I felt like there were way too many secondary characters that had stories going on that detracted from Roman, Cady and Reid as the main characters. It seemed like there were random ...more

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Aug 31, 2018 A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog rated it it was amazing

Ruffles and Beaus by Carina Adams is a book that revolves itself around a love triangle of sorts in the world of private party burlesque dancing. This book follows Cady, an awkward college student hard up for cash who is introduced to Roman, a former male burlesque dancer who now owns a private party troupe with his best friend, Reid. As the story develops, you learn that Roman and Reid have a complicated history which you learn more about as the story twists and turns. I think what your expecti ...more

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Aug 27, 2018 Bubbles The Book Pimp rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary-romance, arcs, 2018, bubbles-book-pimp-blog-tours

After being fired from yet another job, Cady finds herself with no options, she is struggling to pay for college, struggling to stay on top of classes and struggling to support her Nan and younger brother financially ... until her best friend Frankie and Frankie’s girlfriend Liv introduce her to Roman.

Roman, who is nurturing a wounded heart, following the break up of his relationship, after being left at the alter... the last thing he wants and needs is to train a new girl... but he owes His be ...more

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Aug 30, 2018 Lauren rated it it was amazing

Ruffles and Beaus by Carina Adams is a book that revolves itself around a love triangle of sorts in the world of private party burlesque dancing. This book follows Cady, an awkward college student hard up for cash who is introduced to Roman, a former male burlesque dancer who now owns a private party troupe with his best friend, Reid. As the story develops, you learn that Roman and Reid have a complicated history which you learn more about as the story twists and turns. I think what your expecti ...more

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Sep 01, 2018 Crystal Smith rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs

Oh. My. God.
Y’all I have not read anything like this before. Yes it’s a love triangle but not in its usual sense. And I do not read love triangles, multiple partners, nothing like that. I just hate the drama that usually is a result of that mess. Ruffles and Beaus is so different from that usual stereotype. I’m just blown away. Seriously, the emotions I went through....happy, sad, confused, swoony...just ahhhhh! I don’t have the words.

Roman....oh He’s such a tough cookie to crack. I loved him, ...more

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Aug 26, 2018 A.Pretty rated it it was amazing

Book of the year!!!!! Seriously Carina Adams has out done herself on this one. This book pulls you into a world you believe you belong in and are living with each turn of the page.

With each POV you fall more in lust with each character and you have no idea where the turns are going to take you but the joy of the ride is addicting and you can’t not flip the page.

“Love doesn't fit into a neat little box. It doesn't have rules that we all have to follow. It doesn't make sense. It isn't perfect. A ...more

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Aug 30, 2018 Gin rated it it was amazing

Great writing, a thrilling emotional storyline, a fierce heroine, not one but two sexy hunks, and a love triangle like no other. What more do you need for a terrific romance? Cady is a wonderfully written character flaws and all. Stepping out of her comfort zone to improve her life leads to a new scary job, new friends and a couple of hot men that are so different from each other, but both are compelling. Roman is a surly, sexy man with a capital M. Does he love her or hate? Oh, the push pull in ...more

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Sep 05, 2018 Books Books & More Books rated it really liked it

Shelves: love-triangle

This isn't your typical love triangle. Maybe a love...square...might I say?

Cady, Roman and Reid were all likable characters. I knew who I wanted her to end up with. However, I could've done without Brooke. I think Roman was too heart sick over her throughout the entire book and their time back together for several months didn't work for me. It took away from his supposed love of Cady in my opinion. I didn't feel like he ever just chose Cady solely because his heart told him to and he couldn't l ...more

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Oct 17, 2018 Katlin Musial rated it liked it

Really good book. I loved all the characters. I wasn't sure where this book was going and liked the whole idea of it.

Cady, our main girl, is funny, sassy and stands up for herself. The men, Reid and Roman, were both great and had their own or should I see intertwined issues. I honestly couldn't distinguish which one I liked better and wanted her to end up with more.

Even with the Epilogue, I am not satisfied enough. I could definitely read more of Cady (Ruffles), Roman and Reid (the Beaus).

The ...more

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Sep 12, 2018 alessandra rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Knocked it out of the park....or as we say in Boston...paaahhk!

I'm a huge fan of Carina Adams, and have checked for a new book from her every time I needed a new fix (often..very!), I've read all of her others and loved.them!!! I have to say Ruffles and Beaus did not disappoint!!!

If you love a strong, real chick heroines, not some fabricated Barbie version, that can hold her own from not one but two sexy as sin alpha men, then you're in luck!

As with all her books, Carina Adams will give you eno ...more

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Aug 29, 2018 Linda Lee rated it it was amazing

I really enjoyed this book! It wasn’t what I was expecting, though I’m not sure what that was. Cady is studying accounting at UCM, she’s going to be the first female in her family to earn a degree. She is very close to her Nanna and younger brother Hunter and wants to make them proud. Cady is clumsy and awkward, she’s been fired from seven jobs and lives with her best friend Frankie who she has known most of her life. Frankie’s partner gets her a job as a dancer for Soirée. She has two bosses on ...more

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Aug 30, 2018 Terra Drynan-Werder rated it it was amazing

I'm not even sure where to start with this review. I LOVED this book so much for many reasons but the biggest being this quote from the book "Love doesn't fit into a neat little box" I so believe this to be true about lovers and friends alike. The characters in this book were so wonderful that I want to be friends with all of them. Things didn't end up at all like I thought they would and there was surprise after surprise which I always love in a book. I am hoping maybe just maybe we will get mo ...more

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Aug 29, 2018 Cassie Ashford rated it really liked it

This was an interesting read and definitely didn't lead where I expected. Cady, Reid and Roman have a very complicated relationship. Roman is the real reason for that. There are very interesting secondary characters that really help bring this story line to life. I did get a little caught up in the flow of the book and had to re-read some parts a few times to really feel and understand what was going on. I was surprised by the ending and I'm really hoping we get more of this trio in the future. ...more

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