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Better Than Your Ex #1

Better Than Your Ex: Young and Stony

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Donovan Barron aka Young is Southside to the heart, and nothing can change that, not even an NBA career. Refusing to conform has led to Young being dubbed as "Atlanta's Bad boy." Living lowkey and making money are his only priorities until he is forced to switch it up.

Stony Dorrian refuses to let anyone tell her how to live her life any longer! For too long, she has allowed her parents to control everything in her life, including her relationship with her boyfriend, Dallas. Officially fed up, a chance meeting allows Stony to live a carefree for once and it just might change her life forever.

A few chance meetings between Stony and Young turn their worlds upside down and force the two strangers to become closer than they ever imagined. The odds are definitely against these two as they navigate through life together.

Drama plagues the new couple and just might be enough to end their relationship before it even starts. When secrets are exposed Stony and Young may find that it's just too much and not worth it. Will these two survive everything that life throws at them, or will the drama succeed in breaking up the newfound couple?

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2018

993 people are currently reading
192 people want to read

About the author

K.C. Mills

204 books1,562 followers
KC Mills is an international bestselling author, speaker, and CEO. Ranked along with well respected authors, Mills has over 100 books which have hit number 1 bestsellers. She has proven herself as a leader in her industry with over 120 successful books written and published within a five year timeframe. She is committed to bringing exceptional literary works that offer a romantic twist, as well as subtlety veering away from the norm. She still however leaves you captivated by her stories, characters and always wanting more. Mills’ current focus is her cross over to the script writing arena where she will begin writing for some of Atlanta’s top production companies and the nation’s most notable television networks.

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5 stars
893 (72%)
4 stars
233 (19%)
3 stars
78 (6%)
2 stars
17 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
Profile Image for NeiNey.ThaReadinDoula.
248 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2025
Book 13 of Shelf September

This book? Pure chaos. I laughed, I cussed, I almost threw my Kindle- 10/10 entertainment.

First of all, Dallas was a BIT... crybaby. 👀 Running to everybody and they mama like “Stony won’t talk to meeee.” Sir, grow TF up. You are not the one. Pack it up. Especially when...never mind- moving along.

Ash had me screaming “Yesss sis!” when she checked him, but then she turned around playing matchmaker between Stony and Young? Girl, no. That’s not bestie behavior. And don’t get me started on her slapping Ronnie… wrong target, ma’am.

Young? Chileeee. Talking about he don’t wanna wife her, but then mad another man breathing near her. Sir, you want dibs but no commitment? Hood logic strikes again. NBA checks with middle-school energy. Somebody get him a journal and some therapy sessions.

And Stony...my good sis, you already done with Dallas. Stop tiptoeing. If you want the new man, go, but don’t fake-house with the old one. Your parents? Still trash. That redemption arc? Nope. Too much was done in my opinions. Sometimes you gotta create boundaries and love from a distance.

The drama dragged sometimes, but it had me hooked. Preston or Papa (according to him) was my fave, even while doing the most.

Overall: characters a hot mess, story wild as hell, me? Entertained. Four stars ‘cause it gave me a ride and some gossip to sip tea over. Would I trust these people in real life? HELL no. Am I now diving into K.C. Mills world? Absolutely.
Profile Image for Robin Johnson.
78 reviews
July 22, 2018
DAMN !!!!!!

I knew that this was gonna be a good read because of the author but I was really impressed I can't wait for the finale I wanna know what choice young made and if Mani is really pregnant I'm sure not by young but who and that damn pr knows she screwed up great job k.c.
Profile Image for Kay Shanee.
Author 60 books478 followers
July 20, 2018
Damn it

Now I have to wait! Ugh! I can’t wait to see how this is gonna turn out. I want to fight Harper, Malinda and Mani!
Profile Image for Shakeria Sharie.
669 reviews31 followers
July 24, 2018
I should have just waited for part 2 before I read this. Ugh it was so good.
Profile Image for Diameyy Catalina.
179 reviews
September 18, 2018
Shady

I knew Melinda was shady from the start! Stony should have said something. Harper wants to be him so bad it's ridiculous
Profile Image for Keeping.Volumes.Harris.
222 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this story! A lot of it felt familiar, but that didn’t take away from the overall experience. The banter between the characters was absolutely hilarious at times! Honestly, there were moments when I found myself more intrigued by the co-stars than the main characters. It turned out to be such a cute love story, and I’d love to hear more about Ash and Preston—they really stole the show for me! Overall, I had a fantastic time with this!
1,174 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2024
This cry baby ass boy telling her whole family and friends that Stony won’t talk to him and apparently this isn’t new behavior. Stony need to get rid of him. Dallas is not a keeper!!

I was team Ash when she put Dallas in his place when he complained about Stony being mad at him, but So far I don’t like that she’s encouraging Stony to basically be a cheater by reaching out to Young. She needs to dead her situation with Dallas first or she’ll be just like what she’s accusing him of. And the she slaps Ronnie because she’s mad Ronnie told her Chase recently smashed and lied. Girl you should be going for him. In fact, smack yourself. You knew he was lying but still opened your legs.

Ashlynn’s thought process continues to amaze me. A man is not due sex bc he spends money on flights and nice hotels.

Stony obviously wasn’t feeling Dallas anymore and suspected him of cheating so she needed to end that because what was even the point if she’s gonna run and be with the next man. This makes no sense.

Harper does not deserve the way Mani treats him. I didn’t even feel bad for her anymore.

“It wasn’t like I was trying to wife her or even be in a monogamous relationship but..” Young cannot be serious. He thinks she shouldn’t be with her current man because he was messing around yet he, himself is not sure if he wants a monogamous relationship with Stony.

Honestly Young shouldn’t care that Tower is with Mani because according to him, she was never his girl. These dudes want any and every girl and then act like they mark them. Yeah it’s gross to me to go behind a friend but is it really worth a fall out if it’s someone you didn’t claim

“I can’t tolerate that type of disrespect” You punched him the face in a room full of people, no less. Why can’t that be enough unless he brings some bs to you. Why does sex with a woman have to mean death?

Men like him are so ridiculous. “I’m from the hood and I’m not letting that go.” Dumb af. You’re in the NBA, let that hood mentality go.

How can Young say with confidence that someone isn’t pregnant by him? Probably some lame shit like “ I step up every time.” Like some goofy ass that don’t realize contraceptives aren’t 100%. Only abstinence is.

This book is all over the place.

“I wasn’t hiding anything from you, and I know that’s what you think. I just didn’t think it mattered.” This is a lie bc early she was worried he’d find out who her dad was and that it could change things. Why not just own her fuck up

Stone’s dad cutting her off was foul, but at the same time she’s a grown ass woman still living off daddy. Especially after getting own education she was slow poking on finding her own way. To go from that to another man funding your lifestyle is not a good look. Id be leery. Her father and mother for that matter ain’t shit.

This book was dragging. I think a lot of the things covered was unnecessary. I did not fall in love with the characters separately or together. My favorite was Preston (Papa is a lame nickname for a grown ass man) but even he was over the top at times. I did not like the attempt at redemption of Stony’s parents they are still both terrible. Young did not mature with age. Ash got better but still wasn’t like yes, that’s my girl. I’m not clamoring for more from these characters but I’d definitely read another book by this author.
729 reviews16 followers
August 16, 2019
WOW, WOW, double WOW....this is sick!!!

So this story right is just, hum...heart pounding, mind boggling, blood pressure going up and just WOW.... Melinda, Melinda, and Mani, you girls are just bad to the bone aren't you...
So Donovan "young" man, what a bae. A beautiful, handsome, alpha, thug, boss man, gangster, bae and I want one for sure.
Preston "papa" yep I want either you or Young... Man, I need to make a pit stop or complete stop in ATL, for sure.
Now Stony, why, why didn't you say something before? Man I just hope you will come out of this unscathed or worst alone, because you should have been completely open, man... The is was a little bit foul of you.
Ashlyn, you are just too cute, too perfect and I think it's you who people need to be worried about getting hurt of. But I like you...
So this is truly a work of heart and let me go see how in part 2 this unfolds... Great beginning!!!
Profile Image for Gina Martin.
761 reviews11 followers
February 3, 2022
Great Read

I enjoy this book. It was great. The only thing that I didn’t really care for were the short sex scenes. In her previous books,those scenes were a little longer and more intimate. Nevertheless, I like the book. It held my attention the entire time. I know this story is about Young and Stony, but I love both couples. I especially love Papa. I think both couples have good chemistry. I really appreciate that KC Mills doesn’t do the typical urban fiction stories, but changes things up to make it more interesting. I am always excited when comes out with a new series. She is definitely one of my favorite urban fiction authors. Anyway, I can’t wait to read part 2. Great job, KC Mills!
Profile Image for Cassandra Reed.
34 reviews
July 21, 2018
Better then your ex: young and Stony

I haven’t read a book buy you in a minute but baby I am glad they I read this first I would say that I love how Stony and Ashlyn relationship is they ride for each other but I love how they BOTH was with men that was cheaters and no good men then they BOTH wind up finding these real men ones that won’t lie to you and show you how it really is I just wish that Stony would’ve listened to her best friend and told him about her dad owning half of the Hawks I hope he can forgive her seeing that he is the reason behind a little of the drama I love this book shit I love all of your books I can’t wait for part 2
40 reviews
July 29, 2018
Hot

I fell in love with the characters. Let's take a step back, I met Young and Floyd in Faded. I am happy with the spunoff. When I met Young in Faded,I sensed th
What he was picky and would not seek a meaningful relationship. With just anybody. He was missed with Khamani then. .I am hopeful that he and Srony survive the bull. Please let You g fire Melinda's was in part 2. It is obvious with part one that she does not have Young'sbest interest at heart even though she is banking big dougg. .I can't wait for part 2. The suspense is killing me. I will definitely recommend this book.. KC Mills is that one.
Profile Image for Linda Vasquez.
197 reviews9 followers
July 25, 2018
Dope book. Ash is a funny chick and I loved the relationship her and Stony had. Young was SS through and through and he didn’t care who like and who didn’t care who had a problem with it.
Stony so worried about her image she don’t If being with Young is worth it but it maybe to late cause she has falling for him. It may be not up to her now hay her father maybe the downfall for his career and she could have stops him from looking crazy at the hands of hiss enemy and jealous wanna be girl.
#2014
Profile Image for Vernell Renee Howard Griffin.
1,047 reviews1 follower
February 23, 2019
What Mayhem!

Why Stony? Wwwwhhhhhyyyyy! I really can't get mad at Stony, because she is still an innocent young woman who has to know what she wants, what to experience and know-how to get it. In order to know what she's fighting for I think the separation that may happen, because of the ultimatum will help her figure out if she truly want to be with Young or not. Joni Mitchell sang the song, "You Don't Know What You've Got Until It's Gone" and that's what I think she needs to experience. On to the next installment. Good Read! ReneeG 👍
Profile Image for tanessia ford.
3,904 reviews
July 16, 2018
Young

This book here was sensational! It pulls you end from the very 1st page. Young that man there will make you leave the one your with. He does not play around! Stony done messed up now and she better find a way to fix it.Imma need for Mani & Melinda to catch these hands with there bitter behinds. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of City & Tower! I’m so here for every juicy tantalizing pice of this series.
Profile Image for Shamear Owens.
365 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2018
Bomb.com!

Loved loved loved it!!!!!!! Oh man that ending! Why didnt stony just tell young the truth because now things are just a mess. Melinda claim she go so hard for him and the money but she aint tell the truth either. Now young really gone feel like he aint got nobody. Im still rooting for stony and young though. I think they can make it past this. I cant wait to read part 2!
Profile Image for Shannon Jones.
583 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2018
K.C. Does It Again

Young is book bae10x over. Oh my gosh. I love him and Stony together and hopefully they get it right in book 2. Papa is just that papa. His whole demeanor was everything. I love him for Ash. Melinda needs to go and she can take Khamani with her. I strongly dislike Stony's parents and don't care to hear from them anymore. Anyway all of that to say K.C. has put out another blazer!!!!!!
Profile Image for Lawrynn Brooks.
206 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2018
Yesssss

This book was just what I need! I have been struggling for weeks trying to find a good read and stumbled across this one and I LOVED IT!!! I kinda wish the author would e researched a few thing pertaining to basketball (like you don’t foul out at 5 fouls in the NBA or that you don’t decide who your team is as a rookie when you’re drafted) but those little things don’t take away from the fact the it was a really good book. Looking forward to part 2
937 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2018
Great read

I can't wait to see how this plays out. I never understand how women can sell their souls for money ,it never ends well! I hope Stony can get Young to forgive her for keeping this secret. They love each other and they are strong together even though he had a tight to be upset! I love that Papa is trying to let his guard down with Ash because they make a great fit. I can't wait til the next book drops q
18 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2018
Okay

I liked this story it was pretty different than what the author usually does. Let me just say Stormy was fucking annoying. She literally complained the WHOLE book. Then the ending , all the complaining she did about the relationship with her parents she never thought to tell him that her father owns the team he plays for and his veingupset about the scandal could affect him too. I'm sorry I don't like Stony at all, she comes off spoiled and selfish honestly
Profile Image for Brittany Lowe.
30 reviews
August 22, 2018
Bomb 🔥

I love Papa & Young’s tough demeanor. But one thing they don’t play about is they Women! I’m so glad Stony found Young, even though she gave him a hard time in the beginning they love story turned into something beautiful. Papa & Ashley was kind of unexpected but they made it work . She was able to calm him down! Can’t wait to see what happens to Stony & her ppl. Hope they can mend things and let her be her own person!
7 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2018
I love the way these characters develop

**Amazon don't delete this***

The way Sonny and Young and interacted was so cute to me. His personality did a complete 180 when it came to protecting her and I loved it. I love Papa and his mysterious ways, his ability to take charge with just a look was intriguing. Once again K.C. wrote a phenomenal book and I can't wait for part two.
Profile Image for Porsha Thomas.
91 reviews
July 15, 2018
Young & Stony

Drama drama drama Stony was in so much drama after only knowing Young for a day but I like how they loved each other Young put everyone in they place about her he need to here her out about why she didn’t tell who her dad was then he need to fired his manager & get rid of that crazy a** girl Mani
Profile Image for Shay Williams .
370 reviews
July 15, 2018
DB22

I loved everything about this book. Ashlyn is that crazy wild friend who gives the best advice and Stony is the level headed friend who is afraid to take risk. I love Papa and his calmness he is just the man to tame Ash. Young really loves Stony but she should have told him what he was up against leaving that hotel room. What will Young’s decision be in book 2?
Profile Image for Nadia Adams.
895 reviews10 followers
July 15, 2018
All those damn snakes!!!!!!!!

I just hope that young makes the right decision, but from his reaction I’m not too sure...That Melinda ass is a snake, but I can’t wait for them to get exactly what they deserve. Stony should of told him though, that way he wouldn’t of been blindsided....
Profile Image for Siobhan Graham.
783 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2018
Siobhan

Wow what an ending i did not see that coming, so Stony dad is part owner of the team that’s just crazy i feel bad for Young he think Stony doesn’t care but she does and why didn’t Melinda tell him who her father was they were all wrong for that i can’t wait until part 2. Great book
436 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2018
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

This ending!!!! I knew her parents were going to be trouble from the beginning😡😡😡. Preston aka Papa is my Booski 😍😍😍 I love He and Ashlyn ❤️❤️❤️. What happened to Dallas I gotta feeling he’s going to act up in part 2 but it’s too late she’s in love with Donovan and I think she’s pregnant 🤰🏼 we shall see😂😂😂.
238 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2018
Can't wait

Love♥️ the love Young has for Stony. But is it now going to be enough. Will he think she knew all the while.🤔 will he make a rushed decision without speaking to her first? Will he go for what they want or say forget it all? #teamYoung&Stony. That Ash is a fool. Love their relationship. 8/10 is to far away
Profile Image for J..
Author 16 books103 followers
August 11, 2018
Ready for Book 2

K.C. Mills DELIVERS yet again, but honestly I expected nothing less. Young doesn't play about his Stony. Stony holds back too much . I love Papa with his smooth self! Ash is in good hands with Papa I just want her to realize that. Mani, Harper and Tower and Melinda are trash
Profile Image for Book junkie&#x1f48b;.
531 reviews17 followers
August 18, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Man oh man! This was 🔥 I’m glad that Stony got rid of Dallas, he wasn’t 💩 I don’t to much like her parents 🤣 I love Ashlyn and Stony friendship, they don’t play about each other. Well of course Young is bae but I’m also like Papa, he the truth. Malinda was annoying and Mani needed to have several seats. Can’t wait to see how this ends.
Profile Image for Jann.
726 reviews8 followers
April 7, 2024
5 Stars!

K.c Mills does it again! Of all her books, this may just be my favourite.

Stony and Young were flaming from the onset . There was angst and sexual tension which drove the plot forward. Characters were well developed and as bad-ass as Young was, he was not emotionally stunted...which I appreciated.

5 stars because it checked all my boxes.
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