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British Bad Boys #3
Not So Happily Ever After
Two years ago, I accidentally, yeah maybe on purpose, crossed that line with my best friend and it ruined everything. I haven't seen him much since.
But now he’s standing at my door.
Same lumberjack build. Same dark hair that begs my fingers to run through it. And then he gives me that half smile, and I know I’m about to agree to do something I’m going to regret.
I’ve got to spend two months with him now… and that’s not the worst part.
Each book in the British Bad Boys series is
* Cinderella and the Geek
* Once Upon A Player
* Not So Happily Ever After
- GenresRomance
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2018
16 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Christina Phillips
73 books458 followersChristina grew up in England and spent her childhood visiting ruined castles and Roman remains and daydreaming about Medieval princesses and gallant knights. When she wasn’t lost in the past, she was searching for magical worlds in the backs of wardrobes and watching old Hammer Horrors from the safety of behind the sofa. She now lives in sunny Western Australia with her high school sweetheart and their two cats who are convinced the universe revolves around their needs. They are not wrong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
November 19, 2018
Actual Rating: 1.5 stars
Could have been worse but less than okay :(
I love the friends to lovers trope and this blurb sounded like it would be right up my alley. Throw in the fact that CP wrote some of my favorite (safe) MC books and I was ready to fall in love with this book. Unfortunately it didn't quiet work out that way.
The story is about two friends who give in to their mutual attraction but the fall out when regret, panic and fear set in, splinters their close friendship. Mac and Will were best friends until they crossed the line into "more than friends" territory and the awkwardness left behind tore them apart.
Overall I liked Mac and Will, they weren't bad people, they didn't act OTT or crazy towards each other. Basically just avoided each other at all costs but both felt the void of their frienship. Deciding it's time to move on, they call a truce and give their friendship another shot.
What kept throwing me for a loop was the reason behind their disassociation. It was weak and Will didn'tgrovel apologize enough in the end. Then there was the constant, repetetive inner dialogue of both MCs. It got old fast how many times both Mac and Will had to tell us they were hot for each other but nothing could ever happen. It made them both sound immature rather than angsty. Especially since they obviously cared about each other and there was nothing really keeping them apart other than Will's past. And call me crazy but a whirlwind 6 month relationship back in college soured him to ALL relationships? Even knowing that what he felt for Mac was 100% different/special?
Bottom line I couldn't warm up to either character. Bummer since I really like this author.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
Could have been worse but less than okay :(
I love the friends to lovers trope and this blurb sounded like it would be right up my alley. Throw in the fact that CP wrote some of my favorite (safe) MC books and I was ready to fall in love with this book. Unfortunately it didn't quiet work out that way.
The story is about two friends who give in to their mutual attraction but the fall out when regret, panic and fear set in, splinters their close friendship. Mac and Will were best friends until they crossed the line into "more than friends" territory and the awkwardness left behind tore them apart.
Overall I liked Mac and Will, they weren't bad people, they didn't act OTT or crazy towards each other. Basically just avoided each other at all costs but both felt the void of their frienship. Deciding it's time to move on, they call a truce and give their friendship another shot.
What kept throwing me for a loop was the reason behind their disassociation. It was weak and Will didn't
Bottom line I couldn't warm up to either character. Bummer since I really like this author.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
November 8, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) So Wil is Mac's brothers best friend and two years ago they had a one night stand, and Wil was supposed to meet Mac the next day but he never showed up, breaking Mac's heart when they finally saw each other they both said some harsh words and for two years avoided each other and their relationship was never the same. Now Lucas asks Wil for a favor putting him and Mac together and they both realized how much they missed each other's friendship and more even though they are both lying to themselves claiming that they wont go there again, but that doesn't even last a week. As they agree on a friends with benefits situation until Mac goes back to Uni their feelings get deeper and deeper and then they have another blow out all due to misconceptions and their own feelings into the mix. Buuut they do get an HEA, I enjoyed book but there back in forth in there inner thoughts drove me a little crazy.
November 22, 2018
I didn't had any difficulties reading this book, I even couldn't put down. It is first book for me by this author and even it is third book in this series it can be read as a standalone. The story about Will and Mackenzie made me laugh when I was reading their banters but there is something deeper...All in all it is a lovely reading material and this is not my last one by Christina Phillips
December 1, 2018
The book had too many soap opera-ish situations for me to like it as much as I could and wanted to. I understood Will's reasons for not showing up the day after they slept together two years ago and I forgave him as a reader. Mac took her time doing that. I wouldn't understand how these two were working things out between them and overall I don't have the most positive feelings for this book. I didn't hate it, but I wasn't a fan of the main characters and their drama. This is the first time I am reading something written by this author and I am willing to give her a second chance, even if I wasn't one of the book's biggest fans. Some of the situations were a little predictable, but in a sense, they worked out. I have mixed feelings for the book and I think that 3-stars is a fair rating.
November 5, 2018
Not So Happily Ever After by Christina Phillips a five-star read that will give you a happy ever after. This was a super sweet story at times, but there is also a real plot and drama to the story, Will and Mac will make your heart break, but they may also be able to put it back together again.
November 10, 2018
My second book in this series and it's just as if I never left London with this group of characters. Our gang has a shift in it's focus but they're all there. Good times!!
ARC from Netgalley
ARC from Netgalley
November 28, 2018
From the moment I started reading this book, I loved Will and Mackenzie. The story is told from their alternating points of view. After Christmas night a couple of years ago, their friendship deteriorated. When they see each other again, everything they felt and more comes rushing back. They can't stay away from each other during her university break. I liked getting to know their feelings during their parts of the book. Both of them have characteristics and reasoning that the other is unaware of, despite their being best friends in the past. Although it's part of the British Bad Boys books, I didn't think Will was especially bad. I'll be going back to read the first two books.
November 19, 2018
Enjoyable return to London and this fun cast of character with this being Will and Mackenzie's story. While this is the third book in the British Bad Boys series it is easily read as a standalone. Will and Mackenzie are great characters and I chuckled throughout the book at their sexy banter. Will and Mac have some history to get past but once they do their relationship really begins to change. Will this just be a friends with benefits fling or will it turn into a whole lot more? You'll want to grab a copy of this one and find out. I definitely recommend it.
November 9, 2018
This is a love story about Will and Mac. She lost her virginity to him and she thought that was it, but he's back in her life and isn't going away. First she thinks it's a fling and then she'll go back to university but it's so much more.
Phillips writes characters you fall in love with. This is a lovely read from beginning to end.
Phillips writes characters you fall in love with. This is a lovely read from beginning to end.
November 29, 2018
This short Novella was not as good as its book description. You never really see the friendship build with Will and Mac. They go from denying their sexual connection straight to being friends with benefits. I didn't really feel the chemistry between them. The romance seemed rather flat and uninspiring.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2021
This was a mixture of friends to lovers and enemies to lovers when I one night stand turns friends into lovers into enemies. Pause and check in three years later and Mac & Will both finally decide to put the past behind them to pursue friendship only.
Of course the memories of their steaming chemistry and smoldering desire puts a wrench in those plans.
The ending felt a bit more HFN than HEA to me, but was wholly satisfying and made for quite an enjoyable read.
Of course the memories of their steaming chemistry and smoldering desire puts a wrench in those plans.
The ending felt a bit more HFN than HEA to me, but was wholly satisfying and made for quite an enjoyable read.
Read
March 15, 2021I read to 53%. This is the 3rd book I've tried of Ms. Phillips. I do not think she is an author that is for me. I was not connected to Will or Mac. Didn't really get the whole denial phase over something so trivial. Didn't get the sneaking around. The story just seemed buried underneath all that.
March 17, 2020
Not for me. Couldnt get into the story. It had way to much filler and not enough story. Hopefully the next story by this author will be a better fit.
Read
March 17, 2023Not my cup of tea…at all.
August 28, 2023
Friends to lovers romance. Characters seems a little dense and would certainly benefit from better communication. Not as good as the book before in the series.
November 24, 2018
3.75 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2018
Two years ago, I accidentally, yeah maybe on purpose, crossed that line with my best friend and it ruined everything. I haven't seen him much since.
But now he’s standing at my door.
Same lumberjack build. Same dark hair that begs my fingers to run through it. And then he gives me that half smile, and I know I’m about to agree to do something I’m going to regret.
I’ve got to spend two months with him now… and that’s not the worst part.
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER is the third instalment in Christina Phillips’ contemporary, adult BRITISH BAD BOYS romance series. This is investment banker Will Hamilton, and med student/artist Mackenzie Carter’s story line. NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Mackenzie and Will) NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER follows the friends to lovers, best friend’s little sister / friends with benefits relationship between investment banker Will Hamilton, and med student/artist Mackenzie Carter. Two years earlier Mackenzie Carter crossed the line with her brother’s best friend Will Hamilton, and in the resulting aftermath Mackenzie lost her best friend and the man that she loved when Will didn’t show up for her gallery showing. Fast forward two years wherein Mackenzie, now about to enter her third year at med school, struggles with her future direction including her ongoing attraction to the man that broke her heart. Enter Will Hamilton, Lucas Carter’s best friend, and the man with whom Mackenzie had fallen in love. What ensues is the friends to lovers, best friend’s little sister / friends with benefits relationship between Lucas and Mackenzie, and the potential fall-out as our couple keep secret their forbidden affair, as Mackenzie prepares to return to university, leaving a heart broken Will behind.
A promise to her dying mother meant Mackenzie Carter’s career had all but been procured by a university scholarship, but our heroine’s heart was destined for something else . Two years without her best friend, and the love of her life, pulled Mackenzie away from her art, and head long into her studies, studies she had no desire to continue or proceed. Will Hamilton has no idea why Mackenzie Carter pushed him away two years earlier but family obligations prevented Will from looking too closely, obligations that tied our hero to a job he no longer enjoyed.
The relationship between Will and Mackenzie is one of second chances, of a sorts, between former best friends who spent one glorious night together but the aftermath destroyed any hopes for a future. Mackenzie has never stopped loving the man who broke her heart but miscommunication, secrets, and family commitment meant Will and Mackenzie went their separate ways. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Lucas and Violet (Once Upon a Player #2), Lucas’s friends Caleb, Harry and Alice (Cinderella and the Geek #1), Atomic Fire, boy band member Jake Myers, and their manager Jax; Lucas and Mackenzie’s father and his girlfriend Margo, and their friend Duke; as well as Will’s mother Cynthia, and her boyfriend Jeremy.
The world building follows several paths –from boy band melt-downs, to the lack of communication between parent and child, and the misunderstanding between former best friends. The multi-troped relationship between Will and Mackenzie has out couple treading a fine-line between secrets and lies, secrets they fear will break their family’s hearts.
NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER is a story of family and friendships; secrets and lies; second chances, and startling revelations. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is emotional and encouraging; the characters are sexy and spirited. NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER has a little bit of everything including romance and love; heart break and grief; humor and fun. I did have a small issue with the numerous thoughts and ‘asides’-we spend an inordinate amount of time inside the characters’ heads.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 19, 2018
Two years ago, I accidentally, yeah maybe on purpose, crossed that line with my best friend and it ruined everything. I haven't seen him much since.
But now he’s standing at my door.
Same lumberjack build. Same dark hair that begs my fingers to run through it. And then he gives me that half smile, and I know I’m about to agree to do something I’m going to regret.
I’ve got to spend two months with him now… and that’s not the worst part.
••••••••
REVIEW: 3.75 stars--NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER is the third instalment in Christina Phillips’ contemporary, adult BRITISH BAD BOYS romance series. This is investment banker Will Hamilton, and med student/artist Mackenzie Carter’s story line. NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Mackenzie and Will) NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER follows the friends to lovers, best friend’s little sister / friends with benefits relationship between investment banker Will Hamilton, and med student/artist Mackenzie Carter. Two years earlier Mackenzie Carter crossed the line with her brother’s best friend Will Hamilton, and in the resulting aftermath Mackenzie lost her best friend and the man that she loved when Will didn’t show up for her gallery showing. Fast forward two years wherein Mackenzie, now about to enter her third year at med school, struggles with her future direction including her ongoing attraction to the man that broke her heart. Enter Will Hamilton, Lucas Carter’s best friend, and the man with whom Mackenzie had fallen in love. What ensues is the friends to lovers, best friend’s little sister / friends with benefits relationship between Lucas and Mackenzie, and the potential fall-out as our couple keep secret their forbidden affair, as Mackenzie prepares to return to university, leaving a heart broken Will behind.
A promise to her dying mother meant Mackenzie Carter’s career had all but been procured by a university scholarship, but our heroine’s heart was destined for something else . Two years without her best friend, and the love of her life, pulled Mackenzie away from her art, and head long into her studies, studies she had no desire to continue or proceed. Will Hamilton has no idea why Mackenzie Carter pushed him away two years earlier but family obligations prevented Will from looking too closely, obligations that tied our hero to a job he no longer enjoyed.
The relationship between Will and Mackenzie is one of second chances, of a sorts, between former best friends who spent one glorious night together but the aftermath destroyed any hopes for a future. Mackenzie has never stopped loving the man who broke her heart but miscommunication, secrets, and family commitment meant Will and Mackenzie went their separate ways. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Lucas and Violet (Once Upon a Player #2), Lucas’s friends Caleb, Harry and Alice (Cinderella and the Geek #1), Atomic Fire, boy band member Jake Myers, and their manager Jax; Lucas and Mackenzie’s father and his girlfriend Margo, and their friend Duke; as well as Will’s mother Cynthia, and her boyfriend Jeremy.
The world building follows several paths –from boy band melt-downs, to the lack of communication between parent and child, and the misunderstanding between former best friends. The multi-troped relationship between Will and Mackenzie has out couple treading a fine-line between secrets and lies, secrets they fear will break their family’s hearts.
NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER is a story of family and friendships; secrets and lies; second chances, and startling revelations. The premise is engaging and energetic; the romance is emotional and encouraging; the characters are sexy and spirited. NOT SO HAPPILY EVER AFTER has a little bit of everything including romance and love; heart break and grief; humor and fun. I did have a small issue with the numerous thoughts and ‘asides’-we spend an inordinate amount of time inside the characters’ heads.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
www.thereadingcafe.com
November 19, 2018
Mackenzie/Mac opens her door expecting her best friend Brooklyn/Brook but instead Will Hamilton is there who is her brothers Lucas’s best friend. Will with his bone-melting knee-knocking smile. Mac has know Will most of her life. Lucas was in Madrid right now so Mac couldn’t figure out why Will was at her door. Then Will asked if Lucas had called her and added he had asked Will to pick her up and then added Atomic Fire had been in a bus crash and they needed to go to the hospital. Atomic Fire is the hottest new boy band and Lucas and their manager Baz are good friends. The band was to be the headline act for the charity ball Mac had been planning for half a year. Four years ago Lucas and his teammate Jax set up the Rainbow Star Foundation to help grant wishes of sick kids and raise money for children’s charities and every year Mac organized the Christmas fundraiser. Then Will told he Jake- the lead singer- is convinced his career is over and is pulling out of the fundraiser. He won’t talk to anyone but Mac about it. Mac can hardly remember the last time her and Will had a normal conversation the way they used to before that night. Mac and Will slept together and he took her virginity he was suppose to go to her art exhibit and never showed and broke her heart as her parents felt her art was just a useless hobby. But Lucas didn’t want mac to go see Jake alone as he felt Jake had a crush on her so Will was like her bodyguard. Will let her know it wasn’t his idea. Mac wishes they were friends again but since she couldn’t turn back time that wasn’t going to happen. She has to get over Will. Will thought how Mac’s eyes always did stupid things to him. Growing up Will had spent half his time at Lucas’s house and Lucas was more the brother he didn’t have then a best friend. Mac is starting her third year at Oxford and not doing very good but her heart wasn’t in it everyone expected her to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a Dr of research. Will had thought before mac did the Oxford route she would have done something with her art but she hadn’t. Will said he missed them hanging out together. Mac hated the way everything fell apart between them after that night. She shouldn’t have let one mistake ruin their friendship. Then Will asked if they could be friends again and Mac said she’d like that even though her desire for Will was so consuming. Mac had lost her mom six years ago Will’s dad had died three years ago so they both knew how it felt to lose a parent. Will took over the private investment bank his parents had owned. Mac found she sucked at Uni and her heart wasn’t in becoming a doctor. Yet she couldn’t tell Will that.Mac remembers when she and Will took advantage of a sprig of mistletoe . Two years ago Mac had fell for Mac and never really got over it. Mac had thought they had a special connection and gave her virginity to Will then he was suppose to go to a exhibit showing her art and he never showed up and broke her heart. They had some words when they did see each other again and then avoided each other after that. Mac ends up going to wales with Will for the weekend. Mac and Will decide to become friends with benefits as they both want each other so much and it was so hard to keep their hands off each other. Then mac has to go back to Uni but more and more their feelings are getting involved. Until the fight…
I enjoyed this book. I liked the plot and the pace a lot. But I thought there was just a little too much drama. I loved Will and Mac together and how they interacted. I felt there was also too much where Mac and Will went into their thoughts , it got a little annoying. I advise you to read this series in order for a smoother read. I did think this was predictable to a degree but it didn’t take away form the book. I loved the the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the plot and the pace a lot. But I thought there was just a little too much drama. I loved Will and Mac together and how they interacted. I felt there was also too much where Mac and Will went into their thoughts , it got a little annoying. I advise you to read this series in order for a smoother read. I did think this was predictable to a degree but it didn’t take away form the book. I loved the the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend it.
November 23, 2018
I received a free, advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review. It is a delightful story about a second chance with a friend to lover. And despite the title, they do get their HEA.
I have not read the previous books in the series, so read this as a stand alone. Mackenzie has two older twin brothers, Harry, a geek and Lucas, a professional athlete. Her mother was a reward winning physician, who expected Mac to follow in her footsteps, since she was the only one of the children who showed any interests in science. However, her real love is her art, which delegated to a hobby, after she made a death bed promise to her mother. Will Hamilton is Lucas's best friend. Growing up, Mac also was very close friends with Will. Will, also had a similar experience, in that after his father died, he promised to help his mother with the family business, a bank, while he is really interested in building an outdoor adventure business with his friends. Meanwhile, Lucas and a team mate set up the Rainbow Star Foundation, similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both Mac and Will are helping with major fundraiser. All of this is background from the other books, that I was able to glean from the narrative the author provided.
Right after Will's father died, his girl friend broke up with him because she didn't do family, after which he decided the single life was for him. But two years ago, at the Christmas Gala, Mac and Will kissed under the mistletoe, and they didn't stop with a kiss. But a misunderstanding the next day, left them both hurt and no longer in the friend zone. This year, Lucas needs both of their help handling the immature lead singer of the band they have booked. They are both eager to get back their friend, but can them keep things in the friend zone, when their hearts yearn for something more?
I enjoyed reading this book, as I love second chances. While I was first confused by all the characters, the author, skillfully woven into the narrative, the characters, their nature and relationships. I would go back and read the previous books, after enjoying this one.
I have not read the previous books in the series, so read this as a stand alone. Mackenzie has two older twin brothers, Harry, a geek and Lucas, a professional athlete. Her mother was a reward winning physician, who expected Mac to follow in her footsteps, since she was the only one of the children who showed any interests in science. However, her real love is her art, which delegated to a hobby, after she made a death bed promise to her mother. Will Hamilton is Lucas's best friend. Growing up, Mac also was very close friends with Will. Will, also had a similar experience, in that after his father died, he promised to help his mother with the family business, a bank, while he is really interested in building an outdoor adventure business with his friends. Meanwhile, Lucas and a team mate set up the Rainbow Star Foundation, similar to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Both Mac and Will are helping with major fundraiser. All of this is background from the other books, that I was able to glean from the narrative the author provided.
Right after Will's father died, his girl friend broke up with him because she didn't do family, after which he decided the single life was for him. But two years ago, at the Christmas Gala, Mac and Will kissed under the mistletoe, and they didn't stop with a kiss. But a misunderstanding the next day, left them both hurt and no longer in the friend zone. This year, Lucas needs both of their help handling the immature lead singer of the band they have booked. They are both eager to get back their friend, but can them keep things in the friend zone, when their hearts yearn for something more?
I enjoyed reading this book, as I love second chances. While I was first confused by all the characters, the author, skillfully woven into the narrative, the characters, their nature and relationships. I would go back and read the previous books, after enjoying this one.
November 16, 2018
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
DNF @ 17%
Okay, let me start by saying that the synopsis sounds super interesting. I was really to love this book. The author's name sounded familiar to me, but I assumed I was just thinking about Christina Lauren. Unfortunately, I then saw the part on the cover that says this is a series, so I checked, realized it is #2 in series that I have started... Unfortunate because I completely read the first book and ended up giving it one star.
So, my thoughts before starting this were negatively impacted. Bummer.
I still tried reading it, hoping that things would be different, because you really never know!
17% in though I could see that this couple would probably end up having sex and in some kind of relationship, while not talking about their problems. There will be miscommunication and they'll feel bad for not have just talked before and trusted one another. --I'm assuming here.
Still, I couldn't get it in me to care for this couple. We know next to nothing about them except how good looking they are nor do we even know why they like each other, even back in the day.
It just doesn't have the depth I was looking for.
I'm going to give this book 2 stars instead of 1 (like I did the first), because maybe I would have given this book more of a chance had I not seen what happened to the prior couple.
I've learned that this is not the author for me, but people looking for light romances might like this one. I'm just a reader who prefers more to my characters.
DNF @ 17%
Okay, let me start by saying that the synopsis sounds super interesting. I was really to love this book. The author's name sounded familiar to me, but I assumed I was just thinking about Christina Lauren. Unfortunately, I then saw the part on the cover that says this is a series, so I checked, realized it is #2 in series that I have started... Unfortunate because I completely read the first book and ended up giving it one star.
So, my thoughts before starting this were negatively impacted. Bummer.
I still tried reading it, hoping that things would be different, because you really never know!
17% in though I could see that this couple would probably end up having sex and in some kind of relationship, while not talking about their problems. There will be miscommunication and they'll feel bad for not have just talked before and trusted one another. --I'm assuming here.
Still, I couldn't get it in me to care for this couple. We know next to nothing about them except how good looking they are nor do we even know why they like each other, even back in the day.
It just doesn't have the depth I was looking for.
I'm going to give this book 2 stars instead of 1 (like I did the first), because maybe I would have given this book more of a chance had I not seen what happened to the prior couple.
I've learned that this is not the author for me, but people looking for light romances might like this one. I'm just a reader who prefers more to my characters.
October 29, 2018
This is the story of Mac snd Will. Will is her brother's best friend and two years ago they had a fling. That one night stand left Mac hurt and distance grew between them when Mac started avoiding him.
But things will change when Lucas will ask Will to escort Mac and be her bodyguard while taking care the exaggerations of a young man who is part of the music group that Mac is expecting in her fundraise event.
Will will be surprised by her friendliness and easy going manner and both will be reminded of the way things were between them. They will start spending time together enjoying one another but soon they will find irresistible thrir attraction and they end up having amazing sex.
While enjoying their bodies they will come close and they will confine in each other revealing hidden desires and dreams;their personal promises to their loved ones who had lost and which are holding them back and unhappy.
Will they acknowledge and embrace their love? Will they follow they dreams or continue on their path of unhappiness?
A fast pace romance with emotional depth which I really enjoyed. I loved the main characters as I found them so fresh and pleasant and their love so rejuvenating. A book I would definitely recommend reading on a Sunday afternoon, on the beach and in general if you want a pleasant get away in the throes of a modern romance.
But things will change when Lucas will ask Will to escort Mac and be her bodyguard while taking care the exaggerations of a young man who is part of the music group that Mac is expecting in her fundraise event.
Will will be surprised by her friendliness and easy going manner and both will be reminded of the way things were between them. They will start spending time together enjoying one another but soon they will find irresistible thrir attraction and they end up having amazing sex.
While enjoying their bodies they will come close and they will confine in each other revealing hidden desires and dreams;their personal promises to their loved ones who had lost and which are holding them back and unhappy.
Will they acknowledge and embrace their love? Will they follow they dreams or continue on their path of unhappiness?
A fast pace romance with emotional depth which I really enjoyed. I loved the main characters as I found them so fresh and pleasant and their love so rejuvenating. A book I would definitely recommend reading on a Sunday afternoon, on the beach and in general if you want a pleasant get away in the throes of a modern romance.
November 19, 2018
This is the 3rd book in the British Bad Boys series but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone. This one is about Will and Mackenzie. These 2 grew up together and were always friends until one night changed everything. But when they spend time together again, they both find that they still miss each other's friendship among other things. But can they move beyond misunderstandings and be more than friends? Or will this end everything once and for all.
I truly liked this book. It's lighthearted and an easy read. I just had a little bit of trouble connecting with the characters themselves. They seemed a little too angsty to me. Mac and Will both have parent issues but neither feel they can stand up for themselves and do what needs to be done to be happy. Even though both of their families seem like people who would want them to be happy more than wanting them to do what they expect. There are definitely some hot parts to it! The book itself is good, the writing is great, for me it was just the characters I had an issue with. That being said, it still managed to make me like it and I went back to get the books about her brother's because they also sound good and the writing (and the story itself) made it worth it to me.
I truly liked this book. It's lighthearted and an easy read. I just had a little bit of trouble connecting with the characters themselves. They seemed a little too angsty to me. Mac and Will both have parent issues but neither feel they can stand up for themselves and do what needs to be done to be happy. Even though both of their families seem like people who would want them to be happy more than wanting them to do what they expect. There are definitely some hot parts to it! The book itself is good, the writing is great, for me it was just the characters I had an issue with. That being said, it still managed to make me like it and I went back to get the books about her brother's because they also sound good and the writing (and the story itself) made it worth it to me.
November 28, 2018
the latest novel from christina phillips, not so happily ever after, focuses on mackenzie carter, sister of lucas and harry from the previous two british bad boys books. she's unhappily enrolled in medical school, and feeling somewhat aimless about what she wants to do. her true passion is her art, but she can't imagine being able to have a successful, professional career as an artist.
this dream was already inadvertently destroyed by will hamilton. her brother, lucas's best friend and her crush. he has his reasons for standing her up two years ago. but the misunderstandings and hurt feelings that come from this moment both make sense and are incredibly frustrating.
it's a well-known fact that i hate it when characters don't talk to each other about their feelings. and will and mac have a lot of misunderstanding problems. like when they finally do get on the same page and talk, it's all so easily resolved. but then i suppose we'd have no book if there was all resolved with an easy conversation.
but in spite of it all, mac and will are characters you root for and really, really like. so enjoy it.
**not so happily ever after will publish on november 8, 2018, i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing in exchange for my honest review.
this dream was already inadvertently destroyed by will hamilton. her brother, lucas's best friend and her crush. he has his reasons for standing her up two years ago. but the misunderstandings and hurt feelings that come from this moment both make sense and are incredibly frustrating.
it's a well-known fact that i hate it when characters don't talk to each other about their feelings. and will and mac have a lot of misunderstanding problems. like when they finally do get on the same page and talk, it's all so easily resolved. but then i suppose we'd have no book if there was all resolved with an easy conversation.
but in spite of it all, mac and will are characters you root for and really, really like. so enjoy it.
**not so happily ever after will publish on november 8, 2018, i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/entangled publishing in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2018
The title of Not So Happily Ever After got me curious, so I requested the arc on Netgalley. I hadn't read the first two parts of the British Bad Boys series, but you can read it easily as a stand alone. The story is about Mac (Mackenzie) and Will. Will is Mac's older brother's best friend and they have know each other for years. They have become good friends, right until they crossed the line and had a one night stand. Mac fell hard for Will, but the next day he stood her up. Heartbroken, Mac leaves town study Medicines, as a promise to her departed mother. Two years later, their paths cross again.
Both are hurt and struggling with their futures. Mac, because she really doesn't want to become a physician like her mother. Her promise to her mother is keeping her from following her dream to become an artist. And Will is equally bound to the family business by his mother. When Mac and Will are forced to spend some time together, they soon realize the attraction is still there. But how can the face the future? A wonderful story about second chances, difficult decisions and family ties. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Both are hurt and struggling with their futures. Mac, because she really doesn't want to become a physician like her mother. Her promise to her mother is keeping her from following her dream to become an artist. And Will is equally bound to the family business by his mother. When Mac and Will are forced to spend some time together, they soon realize the attraction is still there. But how can the face the future? A wonderful story about second chances, difficult decisions and family ties. Four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
November 5, 2018
What a treat the read this one! I absolutely loved Will and Mac. Will was a rare treat in the story realm of book boyfriends. Great read that flows from start to finish. Mac's home from Uni on vacation and isn't doing well in school. She's not into it. When her brothers best friend Will comes to the door with an order from her brother to take her to see someone who brother doesn't trust, Mac's a little overwhelmed. She and Will were really close when something happened between them after the one time they slept together a couple years ago. Since then things haven't been the same. Mac's hurt and she and Will just tolerate each other, thankfully since she away she doesn't see much of him. Her brother is in Spain. Her other brother is around, he's the quiet one. The plot line is great and the backstory slides nicely along with both characters having to make some important life choices. Vague right? Good! You have to read it to find out. You'll love Mac and Will.
A must read.
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review
A must read.
arc from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review
November 19, 2018
Will and Mackenzie were very close friends until they crossed that line two years ago. In addition to being great friends, Will is also Mac’s brother’s best friend.
So this story has that second chance aspect that I enjoy so much.
BUT, here’s the thing. I’m super picky when it comes to second chance. I need some kind of feel for these characters pasts TOGETHER.
I think some flashback scenes or a strong memory to tie up those connections would have made this story richer.
There were some qualities to this book that I found enjoyable. There was a good sense of humor to these characters that had me smiling. And I appreciated the very real aspect of living your life a certain way to please others. Mackenzie’s struggles I found to be quite relatable to me personally.
Overall it was an okay read and I liked it, I just thought it was missing something to make me love it.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher - through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
So this story has that second chance aspect that I enjoy so much.
BUT, here’s the thing. I’m super picky when it comes to second chance. I need some kind of feel for these characters pasts TOGETHER.
I think some flashback scenes or a strong memory to tie up those connections would have made this story richer.
There were some qualities to this book that I found enjoyable. There was a good sense of humor to these characters that had me smiling. And I appreciated the very real aspect of living your life a certain way to please others. Mackenzie’s struggles I found to be quite relatable to me personally.
Overall it was an okay read and I liked it, I just thought it was missing something to make me love it.
** I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher - through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
December 12, 2018
She’s loved him for a long time, but that one time (when they gave in and he became her first lover) changed their relationship forever. It wasn’t the sex actually, that was amazing, it was the next day when he was a no-show for art exhibition. They haven’t really spoken for two years and now they can’t not talk to one another. She has a college career to seriously evaluate, a benefit to plan, a celebrity to coddle and a seriously hot, incredibly nice man to resist. On his side, he has a family company that’s draining him, a mom recovering from a stroke in secret (who also happens to have a lover 20 yrs her junior), a dream job waiting, and the woman who has always owned his heart and their rekindled friendship within touching distance. Something has to give, right?
What follows is an engaging story about frighting for the things you want, giving into the things you crave and living a life that finally feels like happily ever after. I liked it a lot.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
What follows is an engaging story about frighting for the things you want, giving into the things you crave and living a life that finally feels like happily ever after. I liked it a lot.
I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 26, 2018
This book is #3 in the British Bad Boys series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. It is not necessary to read these in order, but it is enjoyable.
Mackenzie AKA "Mack" is still reeling for her feelings for her brother's best friend - when he appears at her door. They are to help a mutual friend, and not ruin the careful truce that has been declared. Can that actually work?
Will is not sure what to do or say. He really wants a future with the girl that is just out of his reach. He also wants a future where he gets to choose. Maybe the strength will come by standing by the side of the woman who can make it all happen.
This was a great story. I loved the banter with these two. I really love this trope and hope to see more. The book has all sorts of heat and sparks between this couple. The pace moves along well. I enjoy this series and hope to see more.
***This early copy was given by Netgalley and its publisher, in exchange for an honest review only.
Mackenzie AKA "Mack" is still reeling for her feelings for her brother's best friend - when he appears at her door. They are to help a mutual friend, and not ruin the careful truce that has been declared. Can that actually work?
Will is not sure what to do or say. He really wants a future with the girl that is just out of his reach. He also wants a future where he gets to choose. Maybe the strength will come by standing by the side of the woman who can make it all happen.
This was a great story. I loved the banter with these two. I really love this trope and hope to see more. The book has all sorts of heat and sparks between this couple. The pace moves along well. I enjoy this series and hope to see more.
***This early copy was given by Netgalley and its publisher, in exchange for an honest review only.
February 16, 2019
This book moved at a snail's pace. We spend so much time in the main characters's heads, where they repeat how much they want the other person, but that it can never happen I got bored to tears! If you spend 39% of the book insisting that you can't be together, you've totally convinced me. At that point, I don't want you two together.
Another problem I had was with the whole Best Friend's Sister Off-Limits trope. Women aren't chattel to be controlled by their brothers. This is the 21st century; we need to do better.
And so much of the drama could have been avoided with a simple conversation. If Mackenzie was his best friend, Will should have given her more than a "something's come up" text. My best friend CALLED me when her mother died, and she lives in a different country!
Can Phillips write? Yes. Did I miss out by not having read the first two books in this series? Not at all. That's a skill that some authors lack. Overall, though, it wasn't enough to save this story for me.
*I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Another problem I had was with the whole Best Friend's Sister Off-Limits trope. Women aren't chattel to be controlled by their brothers. This is the 21st century; we need to do better.
And so much of the drama could have been avoided with a simple conversation. If Mackenzie was his best friend, Will should have given her more than a "something's come up" text. My best friend CALLED me when her mother died, and she lives in a different country!
Can Phillips write? Yes. Did I miss out by not having read the first two books in this series? Not at all. That's a skill that some authors lack. Overall, though, it wasn't enough to save this story for me.
*I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2019
The reason for 3 stars... a beautiful British setting and a happily ever after. That’s about all that I truly liked in this book. Mac and Will were just so-so. Didn’t love ‘em, Didn’t hate ‘em. Honestly didn’t really care why/what happened to them.
*I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
*I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
October 27, 2018
Loved this book! It drew me right in from the very first page. Mac is the girl whose brother is Will's best friend. Mac and Will have always been good friends, until they had a one night stand that ruined everything and they've avoided each other ever since. When circumstances throw them back together, they realize how much they've missed their friendship. However, it's hard to just be friends when the attraction is still there....
The characters were engaging and flawed enough to feel real. While their tale is predictable, the way it was told was entertaining kept me hooked until this last page.
If you enjoy a friends to lovers romance, you will love this book. Additionally, I loved that the characters from the prior books in the series made an appearance. However, while this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. Put this one at the top of your TBR list.
The characters were engaging and flawed enough to feel real. While their tale is predictable, the way it was told was entertaining kept me hooked until this last page.
If you enjoy a friends to lovers romance, you will love this book. Additionally, I loved that the characters from the prior books in the series made an appearance. However, while this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel. Put this one at the top of your TBR list.
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