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Blue Beech #3
Just Exes
Lauren
Running into an ex you haven’t seen in nearly a decade is never a good time.
Running into your ex while he’s arresting you is humiliating.
The handcuffs close around my fists at the same time he promises to hate me until he takes his last breath.
I can’t blame him. He pleaded for me not to walk away.
He doesn’t know leaving him broke my heart as much as it did his.
It wasn’t for me. Rather, it was for someone else.
Gage
I skipped town after Hurricane Lauren obliterated my heart.
Coming home was a hard choice to make. Arresting her isn’t.
She has no idea of the demons I carry with me now. No idea that I’m a new man.
Two women ruined me.
One I gave my heart to.
The other punished me for it.
Running into an ex you haven’t seen in nearly a decade is never a good time.
Running into your ex while he’s arresting you is humiliating.
The handcuffs close around my fists at the same time he promises to hate me until he takes his last breath.
I can’t blame him. He pleaded for me not to walk away.
He doesn’t know leaving him broke my heart as much as it did his.
It wasn’t for me. Rather, it was for someone else.
Gage
I skipped town after Hurricane Lauren obliterated my heart.
Coming home was a hard choice to make. Arresting her isn’t.
She has no idea of the demons I carry with me now. No idea that I’m a new man.
Two women ruined me.
One I gave my heart to.
The other punished me for it.
270 pages, ebook
First published August 30, 2018
841 people are currently reading
3,912 people want to read
About the author
Charity Ferrell
51 books3,033 followersCharity Ferrell is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, #1 Amazon, and #1 Apple bestselling author.
She resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her dog, on a Starbucks run, shopping online, or spending time with her family.
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She resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. When she’s not writing, she’s hanging out with her dog, on a Starbucks run, shopping online, or spending time with her family.
JOIN MY NL: https://bit.ly/2YHF7im
JOIN MY READER GROUP: https://bit.ly/31ugXIY
WEBSITE: http://charityferrell.com
FOLLOW ME ON:
TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@charityferrell
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/authorcharityferrell
INSTAGRAM: @charityferrell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
April 17, 2019
Hero goes to fuck OW after he reconnects with heroine (whom he claims to still be in love with her). He allows the OW to grind against him and to suck him but he tells heroine that he didn't have sex with her because:
“Because, every time I tried to go through with it, I would stop because I didn’t want to fucking hurt you. I couldn’t think about her lips wrapped around my cock while you sat in this apartment, alone. It would’ve been wrong for me to have her suck my cock when I wished she were you.” Alrighty then....
He had also married another woman after he & heroine broke up the first time.
When heroine finds out he married someone else, this is what she says to him:
“You married another woman!”
“And you left me, giving me the opportunity to marry her. Had we never broken up, you would’ve been the only woman I ever said I do to.”
“It doesn’t matter or change how I feel about it. You’ve been harboring this grudge, this resentment toward me, for breaking your heart, yet you married another woman.” I snort. “Then, you lied straight to my face about never falling in love again.”
“Never loved her. We were friends, and I married her as a favor.”
“Screw you, Gage. If you didn’t love her, why did you feel the need to marry her, like it’s a common courtesy or some shit?” Yeah-ey to heroine! Too bad she took his sorry ass back! Damn it!
As for the heroine, yes, she had other lovers in the 10 years they were apart but she never loved any or ever stopped loving the douchefart. She also did NOT have sex or semi-sex with anyone else since they reconnected. The reason she broke up with him the 1st time is
I don't care if the main characters are not together or in a "committed" relationship! When I read a romance, it is about the two main characters and THEIR story. It stops being a romance when the douchfart fucks (or semi fucks) OW and has children with them while claiming to still love the heroine!!
“Because, every time I tried to go through with it, I would stop because I didn’t want to fucking hurt you. I couldn’t think about her lips wrapped around my cock while you sat in this apartment, alone. It would’ve been wrong for me to have her suck my cock when I wished she were you.” Alrighty then....
He had also married another woman after he & heroine broke up the first time.
When heroine finds out he married someone else, this is what she says to him:
“You married another woman!”
“And you left me, giving me the opportunity to marry her. Had we never broken up, you would’ve been the only woman I ever said I do to.”
“It doesn’t matter or change how I feel about it. You’ve been harboring this grudge, this resentment toward me, for breaking your heart, yet you married another woman.” I snort. “Then, you lied straight to my face about never falling in love again.”
“Never loved her. We were friends, and I married her as a favor.”
“Screw you, Gage. If you didn’t love her, why did you feel the need to marry her, like it’s a common courtesy or some shit?” Yeah-ey to heroine! Too bad she took his sorry ass back! Damn it!
As for the heroine, yes, she had other lovers in the 10 years they were apart but she never loved any or ever stopped loving the douchefart. She also did NOT have sex or semi-sex with anyone else since they reconnected. The reason she broke up with him the 1st time is
I don't care if the main characters are not together or in a "committed" relationship! When I read a romance, it is about the two main characters and THEIR story. It stops being a romance when the douchfart fucks (or semi fucks) OW and has children with them while claiming to still love the heroine!!
August 30, 2018
Emotional second chance romance.
I’m not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but I think this author did a great job of making it enjoyable. There’s more to the story than just a rekindling of an old flame. Each main character has some growth they have to make, and it’s a good read because of that. I will say that the timeline is a bit quick, but it’s fiction, so whatever. This one is a bit heavy at points, but it’s also fun and sexy as well! Great read and I’ll have to check out more from this author.
I’m not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but I think this author did a great job of making it enjoyable. There’s more to the story than just a rekindling of an old flame. Each main character has some growth they have to make, and it’s a good read because of that. I will say that the timeline is a bit quick, but it’s fiction, so whatever. This one is a bit heavy at points, but it’s also fun and sexy as well! Great read and I’ll have to check out more from this author.
Shelved as 'nope'
August 31, 2018Nope - sounds too frustrating!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 9, 2021
3.5 🌟
Loved this cute second chance novel.
Loved this cute second chance novel.
January 4, 2022
2.5 ⭐
I had high hopes for this book but I was really disappointed. It has so many of my pet peeves.
I love a second chance romance but I hate it when the main characters break up just because the parent said so or threatened them. It was a lame excuse.
I love the author's style but sorry this book wasn't for me.
I had high hopes for this book but I was really disappointed. It has so many of my pet peeves.
I love a second chance romance but I hate it when the main characters break up just because the parent said so or threatened them. It was a lame excuse.
I love the author's style but sorry this book wasn't for me.
Shelved as 'no-way-jose'
August 31, 2018Ahh neeemmm.. outro enredo ridículo e super usado. Falta de imaginação. Afff
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 22, 2023
Ho-boy what a mess! *SPOILERS* *TRIGGER WARNING*
Trigger Warning:
Wow this book was a mess. In disbelief that there are so many high reviews?! I gave the 1 star solely for the concept of the story (also I don’t think you can give 0 stars). However, with such a heavy and dark subject matter and adding in the romance aspects, the author did not have the finesse to pull off the story and give it the justice it deserved. Instead it was made into this high school drama with all of these dark layers thrown on top. I had such a problem with this story that I ended up nitpicking the whole thing. I will attempt to condense my thoughts on the book but definitely prepare yourself for a bit of a rant with some spoilers.
1. Immature. As I mentioned above, these characters feel like they are still high school age and not the adults (I would guess that they’re supposed to be around 25-30?) they proclaim themselves to be. This leads to a superficialness in the characters that is definitely not adequate enough to carry a regular romance novel let alone one that includes the heavy themes of this book. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about the heroine literally stomps her foot a couple times in the book when she doesn’t get her way. You know who does something like that? Children throwing a tantrum.
2. Hot to cold. I was getting whiplash from the all over emotions in this book from both the hero and the heroine. The hero goes from bending over backwards to give the heroine what she needs (free housing, fix her car, rides wherever she wants to go, etc) to feelings of hate (yelling at her, making snide comments about how she ruined his life and he hates her, etc). This back and forth doesn’t happen over periods of time, it usually happens in the same scene! Like I said, emotional whiplash for the reader. The hero says he has all this hatred for the heroine and yet after meeting again all these years later, the hate lasts for maybe two pages before he’s acting like a lovesick puppy. This created a lack of tension and build up and therefore made the physical scenes lack chemistry.
The hero and heroine also both switch (in their thoughts as it’s written in dual POV) from admitting they love the other to being in denial several times. Why? I get that you might want to not say that to the person but going from honesty to denial in your head over and over again was tiring and frankly annoying. Again, these changes in behavior or thoughts towards the other person don’t happen later on, they literally happen in the next paragraph. Also, supposedly the hero and heroine have been broken up for years and yet they’re both surprised and outraged that the other has had someone else in their lives in all that time? Really?
3. Needs a better editor. This book didn’t have usual editing problems such as misspelled words or weird formatting. It did however, have phrases or words that didn’t make sense. An example would be “his nails digging into his knuckles”. The knuckles are on the top of the hand so unless he can bend his fingers unnaturally, his fingers would be digging into his palms. There were many other instances of this.
The author also used words inappropriately. To give you an idea of what I mean, the author kept writing characters having “glassy eyes”. To me, this means that they’re either dull and uninterested, drunk, or about to cry. None of these fit the scene.
Lastly, the author kept having the hero describe the heroine's friends as mid-husbands. I finally had to look this up. Apparently, that refers to someone who is a male midwife, which neither of the characters were (one was a doctor and the other was a nurse of geriatrics) so it doesn’t make sense to keep using this inaccurate term.
4. Side characters are only used as plot moving devices. Yes, I realize this is what happens in a book. However, usually the author is able to seamlessly fit in scenes to move the story without making it seem like they’re there solely for that purpose. Outside of these plot moving scenes, the side characters are nonexistent. Not sure if I’m clear on what I’m talking about but you would definitely understand if you read the book.
Things that don’t make sense:
1. Hero says he has a massive fear about having more than 2 drinks. This isn’t explained and he also negates this by then proceeding to down a third drink and order a fourth a couple paragraphs later. So much for his MASSIVE fear.
2. All the gossip hungry people in the town and no one thought to google his story? Really?
3. Have sex @ 50% for the first time since meeting again and decide they’re going to now be together forever. Nothing has changed. Hero still doesn’t know why she left him and she doesn’t know what he’s hiding.
4. Hero is a police officer but let’s her go from a crime scene without even questioning her and later tells his partner something like “oh not to worry I love her she’s innocent”
5.
6. Heroine keeps saying she’ll ruin someone’s life if she says why she left. The revelation why she did leave was disappointing. No one would do that and it wouldn’t ruin anyone’s life if she told or if she had stayed with the hero to begin with.
7. After hero finds out why she left, asks if they can talk about it because he still isn’t sure whether to be angry or not. She says sure and then changes the subject. What? Nothing got resolved or talked about? And by the end of the book nothing is still talked about on this issue.
8.
9. Ronnie storyline unneeded. It adds nothing but more drama to the story when you could have just done a nice wrap up and epilogue to the story. The heroine also decides, after the landlord runs away to avoid being arrested, to charge after him so she can catch him for the police but he gets away. Lol what? What does she think she is going to do?
10. Hero assaults Ronnie the landlord while on duty as an officer. No repercussions are given.
11. Random chapter where hero is back in Chicago with no explanation how he got there, where in the timeline it fits, etc. By the following chapter he magically appears back in Iowa with the heroine.
Whew! Did I rip the book apart? Yes. Do I feel better? Yes. Please please please DO NOT fall for the excess of 4- and 5- star reviews like I did and read this book. You will regret it if you do.
Trigger Warning:
Wow this book was a mess. In disbelief that there are so many high reviews?! I gave the 1 star solely for the concept of the story (also I don’t think you can give 0 stars). However, with such a heavy and dark subject matter and adding in the romance aspects, the author did not have the finesse to pull off the story and give it the justice it deserved. Instead it was made into this high school drama with all of these dark layers thrown on top. I had such a problem with this story that I ended up nitpicking the whole thing. I will attempt to condense my thoughts on the book but definitely prepare yourself for a bit of a rant with some spoilers.
1. Immature. As I mentioned above, these characters feel like they are still high school age and not the adults (I would guess that they’re supposed to be around 25-30?) they proclaim themselves to be. This leads to a superficialness in the characters that is definitely not adequate enough to carry a regular romance novel let alone one that includes the heavy themes of this book. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about the heroine literally stomps her foot a couple times in the book when she doesn’t get her way. You know who does something like that? Children throwing a tantrum.
2. Hot to cold. I was getting whiplash from the all over emotions in this book from both the hero and the heroine. The hero goes from bending over backwards to give the heroine what she needs (free housing, fix her car, rides wherever she wants to go, etc) to feelings of hate (yelling at her, making snide comments about how she ruined his life and he hates her, etc). This back and forth doesn’t happen over periods of time, it usually happens in the same scene! Like I said, emotional whiplash for the reader. The hero says he has all this hatred for the heroine and yet after meeting again all these years later, the hate lasts for maybe two pages before he’s acting like a lovesick puppy. This created a lack of tension and build up and therefore made the physical scenes lack chemistry.
The hero and heroine also both switch (in their thoughts as it’s written in dual POV) from admitting they love the other to being in denial several times. Why? I get that you might want to not say that to the person but going from honesty to denial in your head over and over again was tiring and frankly annoying. Again, these changes in behavior or thoughts towards the other person don’t happen later on, they literally happen in the next paragraph. Also, supposedly the hero and heroine have been broken up for years and yet they’re both surprised and outraged that the other has had someone else in their lives in all that time? Really?
3. Needs a better editor. This book didn’t have usual editing problems such as misspelled words or weird formatting. It did however, have phrases or words that didn’t make sense. An example would be “his nails digging into his knuckles”. The knuckles are on the top of the hand so unless he can bend his fingers unnaturally, his fingers would be digging into his palms. There were many other instances of this.
The author also used words inappropriately. To give you an idea of what I mean, the author kept writing characters having “glassy eyes”. To me, this means that they’re either dull and uninterested, drunk, or about to cry. None of these fit the scene.
Lastly, the author kept having the hero describe the heroine's friends as mid-husbands. I finally had to look this up. Apparently, that refers to someone who is a male midwife, which neither of the characters were (one was a doctor and the other was a nurse of geriatrics) so it doesn’t make sense to keep using this inaccurate term.
4. Side characters are only used as plot moving devices. Yes, I realize this is what happens in a book. However, usually the author is able to seamlessly fit in scenes to move the story without making it seem like they’re there solely for that purpose. Outside of these plot moving scenes, the side characters are nonexistent. Not sure if I’m clear on what I’m talking about but you would definitely understand if you read the book.
Things that don’t make sense:
1. Hero says he has a massive fear about having more than 2 drinks. This isn’t explained and he also negates this by then proceeding to down a third drink and order a fourth a couple paragraphs later. So much for his MASSIVE fear.
2. All the gossip hungry people in the town and no one thought to google his story? Really?
3. Have sex @ 50% for the first time since meeting again and decide they’re going to now be together forever. Nothing has changed. Hero still doesn’t know why she left him and she doesn’t know what he’s hiding.
4. Hero is a police officer but let’s her go from a crime scene without even questioning her and later tells his partner something like “oh not to worry I love her she’s innocent”
5.
6. Heroine keeps saying she’ll ruin someone’s life if she says why she left. The revelation why she did leave was disappointing. No one would do that and it wouldn’t ruin anyone’s life if she told or if she had stayed with the hero to begin with.
7. After hero finds out why she left, asks if they can talk about it because he still isn’t sure whether to be angry or not. She says sure and then changes the subject. What? Nothing got resolved or talked about? And by the end of the book nothing is still talked about on this issue.
8.
9. Ronnie storyline unneeded. It adds nothing but more drama to the story when you could have just done a nice wrap up and epilogue to the story. The heroine also decides, after the landlord runs away to avoid being arrested, to charge after him so she can catch him for the police but he gets away. Lol what? What does she think she is going to do?
10. Hero assaults Ronnie the landlord while on duty as an officer. No repercussions are given.
11. Random chapter where hero is back in Chicago with no explanation how he got there, where in the timeline it fits, etc. By the following chapter he magically appears back in Iowa with the heroine.
Whew! Did I rip the book apart? Yes. Do I feel better? Yes. Please please please DO NOT fall for the excess of 4- and 5- star reviews like I did and read this book. You will regret it if you do.
May 28, 2023
there were words for sure
September 2, 2018
5 Stars
“I want to punch him in the face.
I want to apologize.
I want him to know I regret what I did and that my heart beats only for him.
But it wouldn’t change anything.
No amount of apologizing will reverse the betrayal and pain I caused.”
Just Exes is a fantastic second chance romance by Charity Ferrell. I fell in love with Ms. Ferrell’s writing when I read ‘Just One Night’ (Book #1) and ‘Just Her Body Guard’(Book #2), and have since read many of her other works too- so when I saw this book there was no question, I knew I just had to read it. I am excited to say that it was everything I had hoped for or expected from this talented author- I thought it was going to be impossible for her to get me to love any characters more than I did Stella and Hudson (Just Her Body Guard)… but Lauren and Gage have certainly succeeded. This is now my favourite book of Ms. Ferrell’s, so far.
This is a beautiful and such an emotional story- extremely well written. It had me totally engrossed right from the start. I found it a sexy, slow-burning, funny, emotive and very relatable!
The characters are all so well developed and endearing. I found it easy to connect with them and their story. I was cheering them on from the sidelines the whole way through. They had both been through so much and had carried their pain for so long, my heart ached for them! But boy, these two were entertaining with their arguing, verbal jousting, and one-upmanship- their banter was hilarious at times, which did help to balance the emotional and heartbreaking moments.
The story has a great pace and a smooth flow. It was so easy read, I got through it all in one sitting.
I am very excited to see what comes next!
Thank you, Ms. Ferrell!
“I want to punch him in the face.
I want to apologize.
I want him to know I regret what I did and that my heart beats only for him.
But it wouldn’t change anything.
No amount of apologizing will reverse the betrayal and pain I caused.”
Just Exes is a fantastic second chance romance by Charity Ferrell. I fell in love with Ms. Ferrell’s writing when I read ‘Just One Night’ (Book #1) and ‘Just Her Body Guard’(Book #2), and have since read many of her other works too- so when I saw this book there was no question, I knew I just had to read it. I am excited to say that it was everything I had hoped for or expected from this talented author- I thought it was going to be impossible for her to get me to love any characters more than I did Stella and Hudson (Just Her Body Guard)… but Lauren and Gage have certainly succeeded. This is now my favourite book of Ms. Ferrell’s, so far.
This is a beautiful and such an emotional story- extremely well written. It had me totally engrossed right from the start. I found it a sexy, slow-burning, funny, emotive and very relatable!
The characters are all so well developed and endearing. I found it easy to connect with them and their story. I was cheering them on from the sidelines the whole way through. They had both been through so much and had carried their pain for so long, my heart ached for them! But boy, these two were entertaining with their arguing, verbal jousting, and one-upmanship- their banter was hilarious at times, which did help to balance the emotional and heartbreaking moments.
The story has a great pace and a smooth flow. It was so easy read, I got through it all in one sitting.
I am very excited to see what comes next!
Thank you, Ms. Ferrell!
May 11, 2020
WOW! This was so good! I loved the emotion, the heartache, and the love that these two characters shared. It’s a definite re-read for me.
January 6, 2023
This is my favorite book from the Blue Beech series so far. Lauren and Gage were high school sweethearts but Lauren one day breaks up with Gage without ever telling him why. Gage doesn’t handle the break up well and ends up moving away for a few years. Suddenly he’s back in town and Lauren is forced to face not only him but the feelings she buried away all those years ago.
Lauren is a nurse so she already has extra points in my book 😅 and Gage is a police officer who returns to Iowa to get away from a tragic situation back in Chicago. I liked both the MC’s overall. Gage would go from saying awful things to Lauren to talking about being in love with her literally within the same sentence. The whiplash this caused was exhausting.
The book does deal with some heavy topics such as child abuse and sexual assault so check trigger warnings before reading.
Lauren is a nurse so she already has extra points in my book 😅 and Gage is a police officer who returns to Iowa to get away from a tragic situation back in Chicago. I liked both the MC’s overall. Gage would go from saying awful things to Lauren to talking about being in love with her literally within the same sentence. The whiplash this caused was exhausting.
The book does deal with some heavy topics such as child abuse and sexual assault so check trigger warnings before reading.
Want to read
March 24, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/24/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Running into an ex you haven’t seen in nearly a decade is never a good time.
Running into your ex while he’s arresting you is humiliating.
Lauren
Running into an ex you haven’t seen in nearly a decade is never a good time.
Running into your ex while he’s arresting you is humiliating.
The handcuffs close around my fists at the same time he promises to hate me until he takes his last breath.
I can’t blame him. He pleaded for me not to walk away.
He doesn’t know leaving him broke my heart as much as it did his.
It wasn’t for me. Rather, it was for someone else.
Gage
I skipped town after Hurricane Lauren obliterated my heart.
Coming home was a hard choice to make. Arresting her isn’t.
She has no idea of the demons I carry with me now. No idea that I’m a new man.
Two women ruined me.
One I gave my heart to.
The other punished me for it.
Blurb:
Running into an ex you haven’t seen in nearly a decade is never a good time.
Running into your ex while he’s arresting you is humiliating.
Lauren
Running into an ex you haven’t seen in nearly a decade is never a good time.
Running into your ex while he’s arresting you is humiliating.
The handcuffs close around my fists at the same time he promises to hate me until he takes his last breath.
I can’t blame him. He pleaded for me not to walk away.
He doesn’t know leaving him broke my heart as much as it did his.
It wasn’t for me. Rather, it was for someone else.
Gage
I skipped town after Hurricane Lauren obliterated my heart.
Coming home was a hard choice to make. Arresting her isn’t.
She has no idea of the demons I carry with me now. No idea that I’m a new man.
Two women ruined me.
One I gave my heart to.
The other punished me for it.
December 29, 2024
If I could give this one 6 stars I would; I think it may just be my favourite of the series so far. An enemies to lovers romance, Lauren and Gage’s story is heartbreaking.
Charity Ferrels writing is just so addictive and I can’t get enough of the Barnes siblings and the rest of the characters of Blue Beech.
Charity Ferrels writing is just so addictive and I can’t get enough of the Barnes siblings and the rest of the characters of Blue Beech.
March 4, 2019
This is book three in the Blue Beech series and is Lauren and Gage's story.
Lauren and Gage were high school sweethearts and had planned a future together, but Lauren mysteriously ended up breaking things off and refused to tell Gage why. They both went separate ways. Now ten years later, he is back in Blue Beech, Iowa to help his ailing father, as one of the local cops.
This was so well written. I love second chance love stories. Factor in some suspense and mystery, I'm yours. I loved these characters. Ms. Ferrell does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the story. I seriously did not want to put this book down and by the end I was emotionally spent.
Let's talk about the characters.
Lauren was sweet and a little naive if not loyal. She was the good girl that sacrificed her happiness to only to lessen someone else's burden. I really liked her. Although there were a couple of Gage's actions that I would have liked to see her react a little differently (ie the part he explained about the other women) She was so compassionate and trusting even after being hurt so badly (which she blamed herself for).
Gage was devastated after the breakup, rightfully so, but he tried to move on the best he could. He never got over the love of his life enough to fully move on though which caused a lot of issues that led to the tragedy that led him back home. I loved his character. Did I want to junk punch him on several occasions, yes, yes I did. But he was operating on the knowledge he had, not the full truth of what happened between them.
Overall, I think this series is utterly fantastic and this book was quite possibly my favorite so far.
Hey book whores, if you want to follow me, you can find me here
August 31, 2018
First things first - this cover. I hate this cover. This is NOT an accurate representation of what Gage looks like - there is NO WAY Gage is this skinny. Sorry, terrible cover. I digress.....
What sounded like a fun second chance romance was so much more. This was a really intense, gripping story of healing.
Gage Perry met the love of his life in high school. Lauren Barnes was his entire world, and she broke up with him with no good explanation, breaking his heart and causing him to move thousands of miles from Iowa to Chicago (the author wrote this and I laughed for a good 5 minutes - I live in Chicago and the furthest point in Iowa is hundreds of miles away). Lauren never found love like she had with Gage again.
Fast forward 10 years - Gage moves back home to Iowa from Chicago, as his father is in bad health. He's a police officer, and he's called into a fire believed to be arson - and the suspect - Lauren. He arrests her, while whispering in her ear that he will hate her forever. It's obvious right away that neither of them hate each other - in fact, they are still very much in love with each other.
Gage is an incredibly broken man. His story from Chicago is heartbreaking. Lauren's reason f or leaving Gage was not at all what I was expecting. I was a little shocked by it, in a good way.
Gage's friends were hilarious. They HATED Lauren for hurting Gage and causing him to move away. His friend Kyle, in particular, was great. He called Lauren Satan.
The story moved at a great pace, and to be honest, I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. Despite their pain, it was clear they loved one. I loved how Lauren stepped up for Gage in his time of need.
I can't and won't give too much away, but this book is really good and I would recommend it. It's a little more romantic suspense but full of rich characters you'll be pulling for.
My first book by this author, and it will not be my last.
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What sounded like a fun second chance romance was so much more. This was a really intense, gripping story of healing.
Gage Perry met the love of his life in high school. Lauren Barnes was his entire world, and she broke up with him with no good explanation, breaking his heart and causing him to move thousands of miles from Iowa to Chicago (the author wrote this and I laughed for a good 5 minutes - I live in Chicago and the furthest point in Iowa is hundreds of miles away). Lauren never found love like she had with Gage again.
Fast forward 10 years - Gage moves back home to Iowa from Chicago, as his father is in bad health. He's a police officer, and he's called into a fire believed to be arson - and the suspect - Lauren. He arrests her, while whispering in her ear that he will hate her forever. It's obvious right away that neither of them hate each other - in fact, they are still very much in love with each other.
Gage is an incredibly broken man. His story from Chicago is heartbreaking. Lauren's reason f or leaving Gage was not at all what I was expecting. I was a little shocked by it, in a good way.
Gage's friends were hilarious. They HATED Lauren for hurting Gage and causing him to move away. His friend Kyle, in particular, was great. He called Lauren Satan.
The story moved at a great pace, and to be honest, I couldn't stop thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. Despite their pain, it was clear they loved one. I loved how Lauren stepped up for Gage in his time of need.
I can't and won't give too much away, but this book is really good and I would recommend it. It's a little more romantic suspense but full of rich characters you'll be pulling for.
My first book by this author, and it will not be my last.
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August 28, 2018
I received a copy and voluntarily left a review
With each book of this series, I have grown to love the Barnes family more and more. So I was over the top excited and ready to get back to the Barnes family and get to know the feisty and opinionated little sister Lauren, of Hudson and Dallas, a little bit better. I mean, come on the blurb alone makes you want to crawl inside and find out how these exes end up in a situation where she is being accused of a crime and he is arresting her. Just the description left me with a vision of what else he might be doing with those handcuffs...if you know what I mean. From the moment we meet Lauren and Gage we see the fire, fury, and longing in their glances, words, and actions towards one another.
After getting glimpses of the ever sassy Lauren Barnes in Just Her Bodyguard and Just One Night, I was prepared for all of sarcasm and wit but not her big heart. She blew me away with the sacrifices she has made for someone that she cares for and the huge secret that she has burdened herself with for many years. As her story went on, I felt more and more admiration for this heroine who so often puts others needs before her own. She is a sexy, beautiful, Florence Nightingale that you can't help but fall for.
Gage had my interest piqued with all of his sexiness and commanding presence underneath that detective uniform that was complete with the handcuffs hanging from his sexy hips. What can I say...I am a sucker for handcuffs. But what threw me for an emotional loop was his back story that kept me in suspenseful agony most of the book and left my heart in shambles. If anybody deserves a woman to love him to the fullest and to help dull the pain, it is Gage!
Charity Ferrell gives us by far the sexiest and deepest love story of the Barnes family yet. I highly recommend Just Exes for a romance that more than scratches below the surface of secrets, deception, and a love that deserves a second chance. I have grown to love Charity's writing more and more with each book I have read, I cannot wait to encounter more of her fictional worlds and beautifully flawed characters!
With each book of this series, I have grown to love the Barnes family more and more. So I was over the top excited and ready to get back to the Barnes family and get to know the feisty and opinionated little sister Lauren, of Hudson and Dallas, a little bit better. I mean, come on the blurb alone makes you want to crawl inside and find out how these exes end up in a situation where she is being accused of a crime and he is arresting her. Just the description left me with a vision of what else he might be doing with those handcuffs...if you know what I mean. From the moment we meet Lauren and Gage we see the fire, fury, and longing in their glances, words, and actions towards one another.
After getting glimpses of the ever sassy Lauren Barnes in Just Her Bodyguard and Just One Night, I was prepared for all of sarcasm and wit but not her big heart. She blew me away with the sacrifices she has made for someone that she cares for and the huge secret that she has burdened herself with for many years. As her story went on, I felt more and more admiration for this heroine who so often puts others needs before her own. She is a sexy, beautiful, Florence Nightingale that you can't help but fall for.
Gage had my interest piqued with all of his sexiness and commanding presence underneath that detective uniform that was complete with the handcuffs hanging from his sexy hips. What can I say...I am a sucker for handcuffs. But what threw me for an emotional loop was his back story that kept me in suspenseful agony most of the book and left my heart in shambles. If anybody deserves a woman to love him to the fullest and to help dull the pain, it is Gage!
Charity Ferrell gives us by far the sexiest and deepest love story of the Barnes family yet. I highly recommend Just Exes for a romance that more than scratches below the surface of secrets, deception, and a love that deserves a second chance. I have grown to love Charity's writing more and more with each book I have read, I cannot wait to encounter more of her fictional worlds and beautifully flawed characters!
March 5, 2025
This book has all of my favorite tropes in it and I was really hoping to love it. Gage and Lauren are exes and when he comes back into town they have a meet disaster where he ends up arresting her. Gage has loved Lauren forever and no one compares, and he is ready to get to the bottom of why she broke his heart.
Listen, I wanted to love this book and there were elements that I did really love, but it jumped around so much I had a hard time figuring out what was happening. The end was so incredibly sped up that I had to go back and forth between a few pages like 3-4 times to see if I missed something. I hadn't missed anything, it just jumped around in time that much that I felt like I got whiplash. A lot went on in this story and please check triggers if you start it. I felt bad for Gage and for Lauren, but I wish they were just able to have a conversation.
Listen, I wanted to love this book and there were elements that I did really love, but it jumped around so much I had a hard time figuring out what was happening. The end was so incredibly sped up that I had to go back and forth between a few pages like 3-4 times to see if I missed something. I hadn't missed anything, it just jumped around in time that much that I felt like I got whiplash. A lot went on in this story and please check triggers if you start it. I felt bad for Gage and for Lauren, but I wish they were just able to have a conversation.
May 26, 2024
WOW, so this is my first book by Charity Ferrell, and I stayed up all night to finish it. It opened with a bang and kept going. Lauren and Gage have lots of history, not all of it good. But this is their second chance to get it right.
I love it when a second chance romance is full of twists and scorching heat, the fact that his besties don't like her, but everyone in her family likes him just makes it all the more suspenseful. It took me almost to the end before I figured out what Lauren's secret was and it broke my heart. It just reinforced that she was one of those people that always put others before herself and was so very loyal. Gage needed to see and feel that for himself, for both of them to finally heal.
This was a really well written book, it addressed some really dark issues, death of a child, grief, anger, s3xual ass@ult, so be warned. It was done very well. I have already downloaded the next book. I can't wait to see what happens to Gage's bestie.
I love it when a second chance romance is full of twists and scorching heat, the fact that his besties don't like her, but everyone in her family likes him just makes it all the more suspenseful. It took me almost to the end before I figured out what Lauren's secret was and it broke my heart. It just reinforced that she was one of those people that always put others before herself and was so very loyal. Gage needed to see and feel that for himself, for both of them to finally heal.
This was a really well written book, it addressed some really dark issues, death of a child, grief, anger, s3xual ass@ult, so be warned. It was done very well. I have already downloaded the next book. I can't wait to see what happens to Gage's bestie.
April 6, 2025
I just think this book had heavy topics that were poorly portrayed tbh. The main guy needs therapy and to stop blaming his choices because they broke up when he was 18?? She “ruined” his life. Get over it. Entertaining but in a way like bad reality TV is
Read
September 1, 2018DNF - skimmed to the end. I really dislike when secret keeping is the main thing keeping the lovers apart. I was like... wait, how long will it be before Lauren tells him why she broke up with him? It better be a damn good reason. Spoiler: It was far too late, and it was a pretty dumb reason to give up the person you've loved all your life. Then there was the hero's twist, I kind of guessed it in the prologue. Not all of it, obviously, but enough and it could have been good, but I was still too twisted up in what the heck made the heroine break up with him to begin with!
I've liked this author in the past, and will probably read her again, but this book just didn't work for me. It felt like these two were just all over the place and I got frustrated about 25% in and just started skimming very quickly to get answers.
YMMV, a lot of people really like this one, it just has some book sins that drive me bonkers.
I've liked this author in the past, and will probably read her again, but this book just didn't work for me. It felt like these two were just all over the place and I got frustrated about 25% in and just started skimming very quickly to get answers.
YMMV, a lot of people really like this one, it just has some book sins that drive me bonkers.
August 28, 2018
Charity Ferrell was a new author to my blog partner and myself when we read Just One Night. We surprisingly (and I say that in the nicest way we've never agreed on a new author) LOVED the book. Of course when I realized there was a book prior to Just One Night featuring Dallas's brother Hudson I went back and read that.
Now we have Just Exes which features Lauren, the younger sister of Dallas and Hudson. For some reason I usually don't have an interest in reading "the sisters book". I don't know why, I'm a complete weirdo but I'm generally never interested. However, I feel like the way Charity developed Lauren's character in the prior two books was perfect. We didn't know too much about her so I was really excited to read her story.
Lauren and Gage were high school sweethearts until Lauren broke Gage's heart without any warning or reason at all. Gage winds up moving to Chicago leaving his old life behind until his fathers health starts to deteriorate. Now Gage is back and he's clearly not happy to see Lauren again.
"You used to know me. You used to course through my motherfucking veins." I push off the wall and stand straight. "You left me. You left me, and I ran and got hurt worse than any girl breaking my heart could ever cause. It's not about you." I throw my arm out and gesture to the room. "Nothing going on in m life is about you anymore."
This whole time I'm thinking to myself what could be the reason for Lauren to break up with Gage, and I have to admit I came up with a few theories and was really hoping I was wrong because they just seemed so obvious and common to me. I was happy to see that I was wrong and I did not predict her reasoning at all. So yay for that. I don't want to give anything away but once again Charity nailed it. I really enjoy her books and I will be harassing her to see if Luke's book is next because he's my new boyfriend!!!!
Now we have Just Exes which features Lauren, the younger sister of Dallas and Hudson. For some reason I usually don't have an interest in reading "the sisters book". I don't know why, I'm a complete weirdo but I'm generally never interested. However, I feel like the way Charity developed Lauren's character in the prior two books was perfect. We didn't know too much about her so I was really excited to read her story.
Lauren and Gage were high school sweethearts until Lauren broke Gage's heart without any warning or reason at all. Gage winds up moving to Chicago leaving his old life behind until his fathers health starts to deteriorate. Now Gage is back and he's clearly not happy to see Lauren again.
"You used to know me. You used to course through my motherfucking veins." I push off the wall and stand straight. "You left me. You left me, and I ran and got hurt worse than any girl breaking my heart could ever cause. It's not about you." I throw my arm out and gesture to the room. "Nothing going on in m life is about you anymore."
This whole time I'm thinking to myself what could be the reason for Lauren to break up with Gage, and I have to admit I came up with a few theories and was really hoping I was wrong because they just seemed so obvious and common to me. I was happy to see that I was wrong and I did not predict her reasoning at all. So yay for that. I don't want to give anything away but once again Charity nailed it. I really enjoy her books and I will be harassing her to see if Luke's book is next because he's my new boyfriend!!!!
January 27, 2020
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Charity Ferrell and Give Me Books Promotions!
Just Exes is the third book in the Blue Beech series and tells the story of Lauren and Gage. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Just Exes was such a good book and yet another amazing read in the Blue Beech series. I really love second chance Romances and this one was so good. Just Exes had some epic plot twists and I couldn’t put this book down.
Just Exes is about Lauren and Gage. They’ve been together when they were younger, but they broke up. Now a few years later they see each other again and everything changes. Lauren is trying not to fall for him but Gage is making it really hard. I loved both characters and I couldn’t stop smiling when they were together!
Just Exes was a quick Romance read and is yet another one that I loved by Charity Ferrell. She’s an amazing author and she can give her books something extra, something emotional, something that makes you keep reading. Just Exes was an amazing read and I cannot wait to read the sequel!
This book was provided by the author through Give Me Books Promotions in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Charity Ferrell and Give Me Books Promotions!
Just Exes is the third book in the Blue Beech series and tells the story of Lauren and Gage. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
Just Exes was such a good book and yet another amazing read in the Blue Beech series. I really love second chance Romances and this one was so good. Just Exes had some epic plot twists and I couldn’t put this book down.
Just Exes is about Lauren and Gage. They’ve been together when they were younger, but they broke up. Now a few years later they see each other again and everything changes. Lauren is trying not to fall for him but Gage is making it really hard. I loved both characters and I couldn’t stop smiling when they were together!
Just Exes was a quick Romance read and is yet another one that I loved by Charity Ferrell. She’s an amazing author and she can give her books something extra, something emotional, something that makes you keep reading. Just Exes was an amazing read and I cannot wait to read the sequel!
November 3, 2021
⭐️
4.5 "Only Love" Stars
⭐️
I was excited to finally read Lauren’s book! I enjoyed her spunky personality a lot in the previous novels of the Blue Beech Series and was intrigued about her relationship with her ex, Gage. I so wasn’t expecting that kind of story that was really deep and bursting with feels. I enjoyed the tension and sizzling chemistry oozing from these two right from the start. Their unresolved feelings were clearly apparent after years apart, and made their reunion so explosive. Just Exes had me hooked from start to finish! Between rivalry, passion and falling in love all over again, this was such an exquisite second chance romance!
I was excited to finally read Lauren’s book! I enjoyed her spunky personality a lot in the previous novels of the Blue Beech Series and was intrigued about her relationship with her ex, Gage. I so wasn’t expecting that kind of story that was really deep and bursting with feels. I enjoyed the tension and sizzling chemistry oozing from these two right from the start. Their unresolved feelings were clearly apparent after years apart, and made their reunion so explosive. Just Exes had me hooked from start to finish! Between rivalry, passion and falling in love all over again, this was such an exquisite second chance romance!
May 11, 2022
Lauren & Gage we’re high scho sweethearts. But Lauren ended things with no reasoning suddenly, breaking Gages heart. Gage eventually moves away to hopefully move on, but years later he suddenly moves back to Blue Beech after a recent trauma in his life.
Now that Gage is back, he finds himself not able to avoid Lauren at all. Neither of them have moved on from their breakup years prior. But they both have been keeping secrets from each other and eventually all the truths must come out. When those truths come out, decisions will have to be made.
Now that Gage is back, he finds himself not able to avoid Lauren at all. Neither of them have moved on from their breakup years prior. But they both have been keeping secrets from each other and eventually all the truths must come out. When those truths come out, decisions will have to be made.
September 7, 2018
It was written well by this new to me author, but it had a lot of tropes I don't really care for, mainly secret keeping throughout. it gets frustrating as its the thing that continues to drive the story.
There's some other woman stuff too and the hero had a whole other life with a new wife after he split up with the heroine the first time. Not a fan of that as a story either. I'd definitely read something else from this author. This storyline just wasn't my cup of coffee.
There's some other woman stuff too and the hero had a whole other life with a new wife after he split up with the heroine the first time. Not a fan of that as a story either. I'd definitely read something else from this author. This storyline just wasn't my cup of coffee.
August 19, 2018
I am ruined! Yet again! Seriously! This author had a way of writing that breaks my darn heart. Just Exes is the third book in this series. It is a stand-alone, but you will see the characters from book one and two in this book. I think this book shook me the most though. This book has nostalgia, heat, romance, and some really messed up stuff in it.
The plot of this book intrigued me the most. Second-chance romance at it’s best. What happens when your high school love and the man who’s heart you broke comes back into town? Especially when the feelings you have avoided come rushing back as well? This book explores that. I loved the idea of high school sweethearts breaking up, but then finding themselves back in the same place after years apart. People chance, but does love?
I always liked Lauren. She is spunky and sweet. I love the fact that she gives her brothers so much crap. She is what a little sister is supposed to be. This book shows way more from her. Not only is she amazing, but she has a heart of gold. Her selflessness is my favorite part about her. Then you have Gage. Gage has been dealt a rough hand. He is such a strong character though. I love that he is a cop. That just adds an added layer to him that is sexy.
There is history between these two characters. That history is insurmountable to fully understand. I loved that there were hints at their past, but this book was mostly about now. The heat between these two is there in every cringeworthy moment they deal with each other. The scenes between these two is hot and steamy. Holy heck I wouldn’t mind me a Gage.
The writing style of this book is good. This book is told from a dual point of view. The pace of this book is steady. I really like the twists and turns in this book. I mean whew, I need a break after reading this book. Much like the last book, this book also made me cry. I loved it though.
Overall, this is an amazing book. Honestly, I love this series. Gage and Lauren are my favorite couple so far in this series. This book broke my heart, but also made me swoon so hard. I will be recommending this book to others. I hope the author decides to take pity on us readers and gives us a book for Kyle or even Luke.
Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
*Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews*
The plot of this book intrigued me the most. Second-chance romance at it’s best. What happens when your high school love and the man who’s heart you broke comes back into town? Especially when the feelings you have avoided come rushing back as well? This book explores that. I loved the idea of high school sweethearts breaking up, but then finding themselves back in the same place after years apart. People chance, but does love?
I always liked Lauren. She is spunky and sweet. I love the fact that she gives her brothers so much crap. She is what a little sister is supposed to be. This book shows way more from her. Not only is she amazing, but she has a heart of gold. Her selflessness is my favorite part about her. Then you have Gage. Gage has been dealt a rough hand. He is such a strong character though. I love that he is a cop. That just adds an added layer to him that is sexy.
There is history between these two characters. That history is insurmountable to fully understand. I loved that there were hints at their past, but this book was mostly about now. The heat between these two is there in every cringeworthy moment they deal with each other. The scenes between these two is hot and steamy. Holy heck I wouldn’t mind me a Gage.
The writing style of this book is good. This book is told from a dual point of view. The pace of this book is steady. I really like the twists and turns in this book. I mean whew, I need a break after reading this book. Much like the last book, this book also made me cry. I loved it though.
Overall, this is an amazing book. Honestly, I love this series. Gage and Lauren are my favorite couple so far in this series. This book broke my heart, but also made me swoon so hard. I will be recommending this book to others. I hope the author decides to take pity on us readers and gives us a book for Kyle or even Luke.
Ratings:
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Heat: 5/5
Writing Style: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
*Reviewed for Seraphim Book Reviews*
April 7, 2020
It’s interesting that Lauren keeps making it a point to lie about guys that’s she sleeping with and after figuring out that Gage took for virginity she probably doesn’t want to hint to him that he’s still the only person that she’s slept with... the lose of self-control that Gage has has been working perfectly in this triangle of lovers that Lauren keeps creating.
It’s not even a 1/3 into the book and already there are so many hints of backstories that the anticipation is killer but that’s really the magic of Charity’s writing... so far in this series, this book seems to be the most jam packed with hidden secrets.
As much as I thought it was going to be the basic “exes hate each other and they eventually get back together at the last minute”, I’m happy to see so early on in the story that Lauren is letting Gage comfort her and that Gage is breaking down that wall between them and making jokes and that nothing so far is going sour.
As much as they want to “hate” each other, they have such a possessive trait like Lauren getting pissed about Gage getting married to another woman and full-on, not hiding her anger about it.
There was a hint of Gage’s story at Tyler’s house for dinner but nothing anyone could imagine when he finally admits it to Lauren. It’s just confusing, how bad can Lauren’s story be? What is so bad that it’s going to hurt him AND ruin someone else’ life?
I had a feeling the secret had to do with either Gage’s father or mother but she made it seem a bit more dramatic with someone “going to lose their life” but I get what she says when Gage would lose his father out of anger. It’s a relief that Almo told Gage but thinking back to what that decision caused created so much hurt in the reader because his entire life after Lauren broke up with him was pretty much a domino effect...
It’s interesting to see the build up of this book, it starts off with a crazy introduction of both main characters and even finishes off with a bigger climax, readers don’t get a moment to catch their breath.
I read this book through a different format than I usually do so I couldn't highlight my favorite parts, but have decided to include them in this review (since my review was short, these quotes fill in the blanks to show that this book is WORTH taking the time to read - they encompass not only both the main characters in their own unique ways but the overall takes of the book; they start from the beginning of the book to the end of the book so as you read through them you can see the change of ark):
"I wish you a speedy recovery, Mr. Perry." He lowers his voice. "If you are the Gage she talks about during our weekly happy hour, don't let her fool you. She still loves you."
There are so many things I don't know about her anymore, and I hate it.
"Lauren Barnes was your weakness then, and there's no doubt she still is."
"Small town, my ass. You've been here for weeks without us running into each other. Now, all of a sudden, you're everywhere. I'm not about to become a star of Dateline. Everyone loved Lauren.... and her ex-boyfriend loved her a little too much." I wisp my hand through the air. "Blah, blah, blah."
"So, you're Kyle's partner?" my date asks. Her name is Susie.... Sandy.... something along the lines. I feel like an asshole for not paying attention to a word she's said all night. I'm comparing everything she does to Lauren, something I haven't done in years.
"I'm sure you've met someone who doesn't burn everything she touches." "I haven't met anyone who doesn't burn shit as well as you." He leans in. "And, honestly, I haven't been looking either."
"It's not you, I fucking swear it." He pauses to take in a few breaths and calms himself. "If anything, you'll be the only person capable of pulling me out of this funk, so I don't walk into that dinner and act like a miserable dick."
Whatever it is, it's something he doesn't want to have come out because it'll bring him to his knees. He needs someone to keep him standing, and I was thrown into his space just in time. No matter how shattered our relationship is, I'll never let him hurt alone.
He scratches his cheek. "Wrong. Gage will never see you as just a friend. He cares about you more than his own life. He'll never choose anyone over you, and he will sure as fuck never move on from you for some goddamn weird reason. You were his life then, and you're still his life, no matter how much he denies or fights it." He shakes his head. "I only hope to God the feeling is mutual."
"Figure out what you want with him. If you plan to only be friends, you're doing nothing but hurting the dude. If there's a chance you can make shit right again, then I'll be Team Reconcile. He needs love, not heartbreak." He glances over to Gage in the kitchen,
"No!" The word leaves my mouth louder than I intended. "You used to know me. You used to course through my motherfucking veins." I push off the wall and stand straight. "You left me. You left me, and I ran and got hurt worse than any girl breaking my heart could ever cause. It's not about you." I throw my arm out and gesture to the room. "Nothing going on in my life is about you anymore."
"Then, what do you need?" She asks. My answer leaves my mouth as if it's been waiting there on autopilot, ready for when the time came. "You." I take my hat off and toss it to the side. Not another second passes before my hand curls around the back of her head, my fingers digging into her silky hair, and my lips crash into hers. "I need the girl I fell in love with. Fuck, I need her now more than ever."
"I've lost enough people in my life. I'm fucking terrified of losing you again."
The sight of Gage, naked and in bed with me, is breathtaking. I would be a woman on top fo the world if I could do this every morning. It sounds so easy for us to go back to what we were before, and I'm ready to take that step if he is. Ready for this to become a lifetime thing.
I expected him to give me shit eventually, but damn, am I that transparent when it comes to Lauren? Maybe it's easier for people to read us than it is for us to read ourselves.
He nods in understanding. "Committing to someone in the past can't stop you from loving another, nor does it mean you have to keep the person in your heart forever. Not that I can say from experience, but people divorce for different reasons. But one thing to remember is, your heart is big enough to give people pieces of it. You can scatter your love as you proceed through life. Maybe Gage is married, maybe he did love another woman, but that doesn't mean he can't love you, too."
"That doesn't mean there weren't hardships. Love isn't easy for anyone. Your mother and I have had our fair share of problems, but it was us against those problems, not us against each other. Talk to him. See where his battles are, and join him in fighting those battles. Then, your love will be stronger."
I don't stop while she helps me get dressed or when she drags me to the bathroom to comb my hair. She takes care of me while I give her my memories.
"No need to have that talk this time either. You're sure as hell not my fuck buddy. You're my girlfriend, the woman I love, my goddamn everything. Let's make that clear right now, okay?"
It’s not even a 1/3 into the book and already there are so many hints of backstories that the anticipation is killer but that’s really the magic of Charity’s writing... so far in this series, this book seems to be the most jam packed with hidden secrets.
As much as I thought it was going to be the basic “exes hate each other and they eventually get back together at the last minute”, I’m happy to see so early on in the story that Lauren is letting Gage comfort her and that Gage is breaking down that wall between them and making jokes and that nothing so far is going sour.
As much as they want to “hate” each other, they have such a possessive trait like Lauren getting pissed about Gage getting married to another woman and full-on, not hiding her anger about it.
There was a hint of Gage’s story at Tyler’s house for dinner but nothing anyone could imagine when he finally admits it to Lauren. It’s just confusing, how bad can Lauren’s story be? What is so bad that it’s going to hurt him AND ruin someone else’ life?
I had a feeling the secret had to do with either Gage’s father or mother but she made it seem a bit more dramatic with someone “going to lose their life” but I get what she says when Gage would lose his father out of anger. It’s a relief that Almo told Gage but thinking back to what that decision caused created so much hurt in the reader because his entire life after Lauren broke up with him was pretty much a domino effect...
It’s interesting to see the build up of this book, it starts off with a crazy introduction of both main characters and even finishes off with a bigger climax, readers don’t get a moment to catch their breath.
I read this book through a different format than I usually do so I couldn't highlight my favorite parts, but have decided to include them in this review (since my review was short, these quotes fill in the blanks to show that this book is WORTH taking the time to read - they encompass not only both the main characters in their own unique ways but the overall takes of the book; they start from the beginning of the book to the end of the book so as you read through them you can see the change of ark):
"I wish you a speedy recovery, Mr. Perry." He lowers his voice. "If you are the Gage she talks about during our weekly happy hour, don't let her fool you. She still loves you."
There are so many things I don't know about her anymore, and I hate it.
"Lauren Barnes was your weakness then, and there's no doubt she still is."
"Small town, my ass. You've been here for weeks without us running into each other. Now, all of a sudden, you're everywhere. I'm not about to become a star of Dateline. Everyone loved Lauren.... and her ex-boyfriend loved her a little too much." I wisp my hand through the air. "Blah, blah, blah."
"So, you're Kyle's partner?" my date asks. Her name is Susie.... Sandy.... something along the lines. I feel like an asshole for not paying attention to a word she's said all night. I'm comparing everything she does to Lauren, something I haven't done in years.
"I'm sure you've met someone who doesn't burn everything she touches." "I haven't met anyone who doesn't burn shit as well as you." He leans in. "And, honestly, I haven't been looking either."
"It's not you, I fucking swear it." He pauses to take in a few breaths and calms himself. "If anything, you'll be the only person capable of pulling me out of this funk, so I don't walk into that dinner and act like a miserable dick."
Whatever it is, it's something he doesn't want to have come out because it'll bring him to his knees. He needs someone to keep him standing, and I was thrown into his space just in time. No matter how shattered our relationship is, I'll never let him hurt alone.
He scratches his cheek. "Wrong. Gage will never see you as just a friend. He cares about you more than his own life. He'll never choose anyone over you, and he will sure as fuck never move on from you for some goddamn weird reason. You were his life then, and you're still his life, no matter how much he denies or fights it." He shakes his head. "I only hope to God the feeling is mutual."
"Figure out what you want with him. If you plan to only be friends, you're doing nothing but hurting the dude. If there's a chance you can make shit right again, then I'll be Team Reconcile. He needs love, not heartbreak." He glances over to Gage in the kitchen,
"No!" The word leaves my mouth louder than I intended. "You used to know me. You used to course through my motherfucking veins." I push off the wall and stand straight. "You left me. You left me, and I ran and got hurt worse than any girl breaking my heart could ever cause. It's not about you." I throw my arm out and gesture to the room. "Nothing going on in my life is about you anymore."
"Then, what do you need?" She asks. My answer leaves my mouth as if it's been waiting there on autopilot, ready for when the time came. "You." I take my hat off and toss it to the side. Not another second passes before my hand curls around the back of her head, my fingers digging into her silky hair, and my lips crash into hers. "I need the girl I fell in love with. Fuck, I need her now more than ever."
"I've lost enough people in my life. I'm fucking terrified of losing you again."
The sight of Gage, naked and in bed with me, is breathtaking. I would be a woman on top fo the world if I could do this every morning. It sounds so easy for us to go back to what we were before, and I'm ready to take that step if he is. Ready for this to become a lifetime thing.
I expected him to give me shit eventually, but damn, am I that transparent when it comes to Lauren? Maybe it's easier for people to read us than it is for us to read ourselves.
He nods in understanding. "Committing to someone in the past can't stop you from loving another, nor does it mean you have to keep the person in your heart forever. Not that I can say from experience, but people divorce for different reasons. But one thing to remember is, your heart is big enough to give people pieces of it. You can scatter your love as you proceed through life. Maybe Gage is married, maybe he did love another woman, but that doesn't mean he can't love you, too."
"That doesn't mean there weren't hardships. Love isn't easy for anyone. Your mother and I have had our fair share of problems, but it was us against those problems, not us against each other. Talk to him. See where his battles are, and join him in fighting those battles. Then, your love will be stronger."
I don't stop while she helps me get dressed or when she drags me to the bathroom to comb my hair. She takes care of me while I give her my memories.
"No need to have that talk this time either. You're sure as hell not my fuck buddy. You're my girlfriend, the woman I love, my goddamn everything. Let's make that clear right now, okay?"
August 19, 2018
~*~ 3.5 Dyson Stars~*~
Lauren is Hudson and Dallas's sister, who we met in Just Her Bodyguard and Just One Night.
The book begins with her sleazy landlord having her arrested because he believes she caused the fire in her apartment, the one that caused her to lose everything.
She knows she can flirt her way out of it, until the cop arrives on the scene being none other than the man's who heart she broke years ago.
Vindication rides along with his all-business attitude. He remembers our history- how he begged me not to leave him and then told me I was dead to him when I walked away. No amount of flirting will save me today. I am so fucking fucked. - Lauren
" What are you doing here?" - Laurie
" Oh, little hell raiser, you didn't hear the news? I moved home. Disappointed you weren't my first call?" Gage
Gage has moved back from Chicago supposedly to help out with his dad, who has COPD and his health is declining. But there is a more sinister story which isn't made known in the beginning. We only get bits and pieces.
I grew up loving Lauren Barnes, and so help me God, I'll die loving her.
" Forgiveness is a brave thing, son. A man becomes strongest when he bears no malice." Amos (Gage's dad)
I love not only the banter between Lauren and Gage, but Kyle was front and center with his not so subtle digs at Lauren.
" Aye Aye Lauren lover. "
" The girl you love but wish you hated strutted her evil ass into your office. She leaves, and when you finally come out, it looks like she told you she was knocked up with another dude's baby. What gives, bro?" Kyle
" I wish my enemies were as considerate as you. Is Miss She-Devil moving in with you when you buy your new house too?"
I enjoyed this book. It was a light and easy read. I loved the characters. Gage's story is heartbreaking.... so be prepared, you may need tissues. And wine.
This book is low on angst and over the top drama. Great read!
Please tell me Luke and Kyle get a book!!!
Lauren is Hudson and Dallas's sister, who we met in Just Her Bodyguard and Just One Night.
The book begins with her sleazy landlord having her arrested because he believes she caused the fire in her apartment, the one that caused her to lose everything.
She knows she can flirt her way out of it, until the cop arrives on the scene being none other than the man's who heart she broke years ago.
Vindication rides along with his all-business attitude. He remembers our history- how he begged me not to leave him and then told me I was dead to him when I walked away. No amount of flirting will save me today. I am so fucking fucked. - Lauren
" What are you doing here?" - Laurie
" Oh, little hell raiser, you didn't hear the news? I moved home. Disappointed you weren't my first call?" Gage
Gage has moved back from Chicago supposedly to help out with his dad, who has COPD and his health is declining. But there is a more sinister story which isn't made known in the beginning. We only get bits and pieces.
I grew up loving Lauren Barnes, and so help me God, I'll die loving her.
" Forgiveness is a brave thing, son. A man becomes strongest when he bears no malice." Amos (Gage's dad)
I love not only the banter between Lauren and Gage, but Kyle was front and center with his not so subtle digs at Lauren.
" Aye Aye Lauren lover. "
" The girl you love but wish you hated strutted her evil ass into your office. She leaves, and when you finally come out, it looks like she told you she was knocked up with another dude's baby. What gives, bro?" Kyle
" I wish my enemies were as considerate as you. Is Miss She-Devil moving in with you when you buy your new house too?"
I enjoyed this book. It was a light and easy read. I loved the characters. Gage's story is heartbreaking.... so be prepared, you may need tissues. And wine.
This book is low on angst and over the top drama. Great read!
Please tell me Luke and Kyle get a book!!!
March 30, 2019
A second chance romance, but also filled with so much than just two lovers rekindling an old flame.
So this is the third book in the Blue Beech series, but it is the 2nd book I've read. I read Just Neighbors first which is the fourth book, so right now I'm reading the series in reverse and I'm sort of enjoying it. I had glimpses of Gage and Lauren in Just Neighbors, but I had to know their full story and what brought them together. Also, OMG...Kyle in this book is even more hilarious now that I know him from Just Neighbors, but this story is not about Kyle.
I fell in love with Charity's writing when I first read Just Neighbors and now I'm on a kick to read everything she's written. I was NOT disappointed when reading Just Exes. I now need to read the first two books in this series and then move on to her other books. She is amazing and I can't wait to pick up her other books.
Okay...Just Exes...
Gage and Lauren have a deep loathing for one another. You get that right off the bat, but why? I love that Charity always leads with, not only humor, but mystery as to what happened. She doesn't dump it all in your lap and then unfold the story, she gives you bits and pieces along the way while building up the couples chemistry. It makes for a gripping read that has turned me into a Charity Ferrell lover!
These two characters still love one another, but also dislike one another. Again, you keep asking yourself why. What was the catalyst that drove them apart? There is also a secret that Gage is keeping which is why people like Kyle hate Lauren so much. There are a lot of layers to to this story, but in the end once Gage and Lauren peel them back the love might still be there.
So this is the third book in the Blue Beech series, but it is the 2nd book I've read. I read Just Neighbors first which is the fourth book, so right now I'm reading the series in reverse and I'm sort of enjoying it. I had glimpses of Gage and Lauren in Just Neighbors, but I had to know their full story and what brought them together. Also, OMG...Kyle in this book is even more hilarious now that I know him from Just Neighbors, but this story is not about Kyle.
I fell in love with Charity's writing when I first read Just Neighbors and now I'm on a kick to read everything she's written. I was NOT disappointed when reading Just Exes. I now need to read the first two books in this series and then move on to her other books. She is amazing and I can't wait to pick up her other books.
Okay...Just Exes...
Gage and Lauren have a deep loathing for one another. You get that right off the bat, but why? I love that Charity always leads with, not only humor, but mystery as to what happened. She doesn't dump it all in your lap and then unfold the story, she gives you bits and pieces along the way while building up the couples chemistry. It makes for a gripping read that has turned me into a Charity Ferrell lover!
These two characters still love one another, but also dislike one another. Again, you keep asking yourself why. What was the catalyst that drove them apart? There is also a secret that Gage is keeping which is why people like Kyle hate Lauren so much. There are a lot of layers to to this story, but in the end once Gage and Lauren peel them back the love might still be there.
September 28, 2018
This is the first book I have read from this author and wow she blew me away. I love a good enemies to lovers story but this book exceeded all my expectations. I enjoyed every minute of this story. These characters made me laugh and cry at the same time. It only took me a day to devour this incredible book.
Lauren was already having a bad day but it became a lot worse. When she sees her ex Gage it was very uncomfortable but when he arrests her it became disturbing. She finally gets released and goes back to work. Lauren is an emergency room nurse. She loves her job until one of her patients become Gage. Lauren can’t help the attraction she still has for him. She knows that she broke his heart but he doesn’t know that her heart was just as broken. Lauren is hiding a secret that could bring them together or break them apart forever. Will Lauren get her happy ending or will she find herself heart broken this time?
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance,humor, secrets, and forgiveness. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Lauren is a beautiful woman that loves her job but she wants more. She knows that she did wrong but she wants to fix it. Gage is a handsome cop that wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been hurt too much and he doesn’t know who he should trust with his heart. I loved that this talented author wrote this book in both characters points of views. This makes you feel an emotional connection with them. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next. She has a new fan.
Lauren was already having a bad day but it became a lot worse. When she sees her ex Gage it was very uncomfortable but when he arrests her it became disturbing. She finally gets released and goes back to work. Lauren is an emergency room nurse. She loves her job until one of her patients become Gage. Lauren can’t help the attraction she still has for him. She knows that she broke his heart but he doesn’t know that her heart was just as broken. Lauren is hiding a secret that could bring them together or break them apart forever. Will Lauren get her happy ending or will she find herself heart broken this time?
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline has it all romance,humor, secrets, and forgiveness. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. Lauren is a beautiful woman that loves her job but she wants more. She knows that she did wrong but she wants to fix it. Gage is a handsome cop that wears his heart on his sleeve. He has been hurt too much and he doesn’t know who he should trust with his heart. I loved that this talented author wrote this book in both characters points of views. This makes you feel an emotional connection with them. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next. She has a new fan.
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