Pretending had always been so easy for Shane...until Janelle moved in next door.
Janelle was excited to be starting a brand new chapter in her life. But her eagerness quickly plummeted when her new neighbor stormed over with his arrogance and attitude. And now, just the sight of him made her blood boil.
Just as she thought she knew exactly what kind of man Shane Anderson was, he blindsided her and left her speechless.
Turns out, she didn’t know him at all...
She quickly realized that the man he pretended to be was nothing more than a Paradox
She gets a little more aggressive when she has a few drinks in her. The mention of castration, disembowelment, and roasting his nuts over an open flame made us laugh during dinner, yes, but now I am honestly a little afraid for the guy.
“Do you think he’s gay?” My smile falters. “Who knows?” It is hard to distinguish between the two voices. “What I do know is no matter if he prefers the bratwurst or the bun, he needs to get laid.”
“I have an entire list of things that would inflict great pain on any man that I am dying to try if the need should arise.”… She can’t be more than one hundred pounds soaking wet, but something tells me she means every word.
I used to think Mom dropped you on your head as a child and that I couldn’t be mean to you because that was not your fault. But now I can’t blame Mom. You became this warped and confused version of yourself all on your own.
Did she honestly try to pull a bone and bolt on you?
My Review:
This tragic and heart-squeezing tale was poignantly penned while well-balanced in tone with amusing and provocative wit, sizzling sensuality, and vibrant characters. Ms. Harm’s emotive writing captivated my interest, tapped all the feels, tugged at the heartstrings, and sent her flawed and struggling characters straight to the heart where they burrow deeply into my coronary muscle. I adored each quirky primary and secondary character and am eagerly looking forward to more Pearson adventures.
Hero’s blow hot blow cold routine was extremely tiring. The reason behind it still failed to excuse him or endear him because he came across as a selfish, jerk and asshole, who couldn’t make up his mind, didn’t have an ounce of self control, used heroine as an outlet to vent his frustrations in more ways than one (emotional AND sexual). On top of that he was a MEAN MEAN drunk with blackout hangovers. Like he was NASTY to the h and wouldn’t remember the next day kind of drunk.
No backstory excuses his behaviour and TBH, I didn’t see him as anything apart from a guy with anger management issues. The whole cycle was he would pursue her, push her, pursue her again and then lash out on her to the point of no return. And it has happened more than the standard CR black moment quota. Even after he begged for a last chance and declared his love for her, at the first sign on hurdle, he lashed out on her.
I don’t see a permanent HEA for these two, unless he does accept that counseling offers. I think she’ll walk away the moment the honeymoon lust evaporates and she realises that she can in fact live without him and no one ever died from actual heartbreak in the last century or so, and you don’t die from not receiving man induced orgasms. Or those orgasms don’t have to come with strings attached in form a bullying, insensitive jerk.
I feel his jerk ness and cruelty > actual romance.
D minus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
[1.25 star] dont like this book, hero is kind of an asshole and heroine is kind of a doormat. at about 50% of the book, i was getting bored of it. the author just keeps repeating the same thing over and over again like we are senile or something. probably not continuing the series.
Shane has the weight of the world on his shoulders and I honestly don't know how he is able to put one foot in front of the other each day. You truly never know what someone has going on in their lives that you don't know about. Janelle has the biggest, most caring heart. Their first meeting doesn't go well, nor does the second or third... But slowly things shift and they no longer fight the attraction. Janelle's two sisters are a total hoot! I love them! They had me laughing out loud while the rest had my needing tissues. I am hoping that we get the two other sister's stories!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was the first book from this author that I have read and I really liked it. Shane and Janelle were so good together. Shane had a lot on his mind with his mom being sick and his dad leaving when the times got bad. When he first meets his neighbor they get off on the wrong foot. It takes some time but they start to see each other in a different light and a relationship starts to blossom. One big issue will try to tear them apart but they are able to work through that and get the HEA that they both deserve. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was some things I loved about this story and some I didn’t. I was engaged and kept turning the page. The loved the Pearsons sisters relationship. They each have different personalities which was fun to read about. I liked Shane and Janelle together. She was his saving grace and peace.
What I didn’t like was Shane’s decision to be so secretive about his mom. I guess it was suppose to give it some angst but I felt it was kind of ridiculous. I mean it’s his mom who has basically turned into a vegetable from a accident that was caused by a drunk driver. Her condition is not some top secret that would start a war!!! I didn’t understand his reasoning for keeping it a secret. I feel he still could have been stand-offish with that knowledge being given to Janelle. Heck he wouldn’t even involve his best friend from childhood which he is still friends with. Also, I didn’t like the resolution about his dad. I needed more. That’s was kind of dropped into the story so late in the game. Maybe it will continue in the other books. Who knows...
I really want Jackie’s story. Her ex husband is a douche of epic proportions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
CA Harms does what she does best and that is to draw you into a story in such a way that it is like you are right there with the characters. You feel the hurt, the pain, the suffering and the struggles as if they were your own. Shane is teetering on the edge and ready to fall and shatter into pieces as life is nearly bringing this young man to his knees. Janelle a blonde haired, blue eyed beauty that is the light to his darkness may be just what the doctor ordered. As these two try to walk the path to a happiness that they both crave, ego and an ability to push people away may be a bigger fence to jump then either of them could have considered. Shane and Janelle’s story had my anxiety levels high, my heart in my throat and the tears falling at times uncontrollably. The passion, heat and sensuality that these two emit through written words will have your pulse racing. This first book in the Pearson Sisters series will have you falling in love and laughing hilariously at these three sisters as they bring a huge smile to your face at the banter and antics that they get up to.
Well, it's really not her best in my opinion and I am a fan of this author.
Hated the h at first, she was better later but still hate her youngest sister. She's smart mouthed and annoying. It's supposed to be endearing and it isn't.
The H is no alpha. I was liking him but his whole keeping secrets was silly especially after they became involved and he screwed up several times where major groveling was needed. Abrupt ending didn't help.
This book was just okay for me. I didnt really connect to either character. I think it had potential so I still gave it 2 stars, but for me it was just average.
I loved that this book showed the venerability of Shane the main character. It showcases that men don't have to be tough all the time; they do cry; they do feel deeply.
Shane is working 3 jobs to ensure that his mom who 5 years ago was left in a coma after a road accident has the best possible care available; his dad walked out straight after the accident not being able to cope; when Shane is not working he sits by his mums bedside talking to her in the hopes that she can hear him but his not so sure.
To the outside world Shane is handsome and all man. When Janelle moves in next door with a BANG! Shane is not happy that his quite and little sleep he gets has been disrupted - he goes over to give her a piece of his mind! Janelle is excited to move into first home after living over the garage at her parents - she is the middle girl - Jackie being the oldest with a 2 year old just gone through a bitter divorce and Janie the youngest wild and free! Meeting the hunk Shane should be a bright spot but he is so horrible that she dislikes Shane on sight.
But when Shane helps Jackie out and Janelle gets to know Shane better she finally sees the caring guy he really is. Shane tries to stay away he has enough on his plate looking after his mom who he hasn't even told Janelle about - but when a chance meeting occurs at the home between Janelle, Shane and his secret is out how will Janelle handle knowing that this is Shane's reality and how will Shane cope when his father appears on the scene after 5 years wanted to come back into his life.
I loved this emotional book and my heart broke for Shane I jus wanted him to find his HEA.
I so hope the other 2 girls get their story and Shanes' two friends as well
Shane is totally stressed in life. His lively and beautiful mother was hit by a drunk driver, and is now almost catatonic. Shane works two jobs to keep her in a facility that is both caring and wonderful. He also visits her daily and gives up a lot of sleep and a good chunk of his life to care for her. He’s angry because his dad left when things got tough, and left Shane with the total burden for her care. Janelle Pearson moves into the house next door to Shane. It’s been empty for a while, and Shane treasures the quiet. Needless to say, loud stereo music and the sounds of hammering nails at 7 am do not go over well for Shane and Janelle’s first meeting.
There are beautiful things about this story. The family relationship with the Pearson sisters and even with their parents is fun and amazing. There are also angry times and misunderstandings. Shane and Janelle each jump to erroneous conclusions a time or two, and have to find their way back to each other. Their motivations are clearly delineated, but pride and stubbornness definitely get in the way at times. The pacing is good, but there were a couple of slower sections that dragged slightly. It was also difficult to figure out the timeline. His mother has been in the home for 3 years for most of the story, and then suddenly it’s been 5 years...yet his father has only been visiting for months, and he started slightly before the 3-year mark. It just didn’t add up for me.
Other than those minor issues, it was an engaging read and it was obvious that the book has been proofread, as there weren’t noticeable errors in grammar or syntax.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Janelle and Shane do not have a great first impression when she moves in next door. Shane works three jobs so when he gets woken in the middle of his slumber by his new neighbor, they both get taken by surprise. Their encounters turn into four play for them because when Shane finally asks Janelle on a date their relationship moves full speed ahead. Shane is all about trying to have fun, but the relationship part is difficult for him to be open. His life has revolved around taking care of his mom and when Janelle enters the picture it gets complicated. Janelle is living her best life when Shane enters the picture and knocks her off her feet. Their adventure has its ups and downs but Janelle fights to keep what they have going. Shane has only had to fight for one woman and being with Janelle is new territory for him. When his father comes back into the picture all his old hurts surface. Can he get past the hurt of the past to see his way to a future?
I must say that I didn’t love this story, but I liked it to a degree. The main characters were great, and the story line fit their personalities perfectly. Some of the drama was over exaggerated and I didn’t quite like the ending of the book. It did not end with closure, it ended with both characters finding happiness but some of my questions were left unanswered. I like the family feel of the story and working hard to find love within the hard times.
I absolutely love C.A Harms. Her books are amazing and this one proves that. I am absolutely loving the Pearson sisters. Feisty, loud mouths, tell it like it is. Don't take nothing from no one. Will stand up for themselves when needed and are there for one another. This one is about Janelle. She is the middle of the three sisters. She recently moved into a new house and her neighbor Shane is quite the neighbor. These two don't hit it off. He is quite the jerk right from the beginning. I have to say I understand where he is coming from. Things between these two are tense for a while. Then something happens and he goes to her for comfort. That is when things change. But will it last? Shane is dealing with a lot but keeps that side of his life from Janelle until the day she ends up at his mother's home for a makeover day. That is when things really change between them but again will it last? I absolutely love these two together. The push and pull right from the start. You can easily see these two have some strong chemistry but Shane has such a hard time with everything going on in his life. But will he left go of some of it to have that something special? One of my favorite parts of this book was when Shane interacted with Janelle's niece that was a very sweet moment. Overall a very well written wonderful storyline. I cant wait to get the other two sister's stories.
When it comes to writing a tortured soul I doubt there is anyone better than CA Harms, she just manages to get in all the feels when it comes to laying a guy out for all to see, warts and all I loved the fact that Shane was a guy that brought more than his own fair share of issues to the table, he was weighed down with more problems than anyone guy should have to bear but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t everything you could have wanted…nope if truth be told in my book it just made him all the more appealing, I loved that he was so real, that he drew emotion, honest emotion from me as I watched him come to terms with what was going on in his own life. I liked the fact that I from the outset, it felt like I was waiting on him tipping over the edge, I wanted to be the one to stand beside him, holding him up and praying that he would find a way to happiness. His struggle felt so real, so tangible, I was cock-a-hoop when Janelle entered his life because I wanted her to be the reason he needed to move on. His reason to fight the darkness that he wore like a cloak. Janelle was a great character, just what Shane needed, and their journey together was far from straight forward, they were passionate, provoking tears, tantrums, and hilarity The first in a new series that was just what I didn’t know I needed, fabulous.
Shane would do anything for those he loves but the responsibility that he is having to bear is taking its toll on him and his life. The last thing he needs are the noisy neighbors next door and he isn’t shy about ensuring they know exactly how he feels.
Janelle and her two sisters are very close, and they are excited to be moving into their first home. The last thing she needs is grumpy guy taking the fun out of the experience despite how sexy he is.
Janelle wants to know more about Shane as at times he can be so sweet and caring and at other times his dark side surfaces which makes things difficult for everyone. He is determined to handle everything alone but will she be able to convince him that they are stronger together than apart?
Full of emotion Janelle brought light and understanding to his life when he needed it the most.
I just finished this book and ya'll I got thoughts. This book was different, I thought it from the beginning. Usually we see the female having all the issues and hiding and exploding and usually the guy is the background character. This book was almost refreshing as it focused on Shane and how he was was shouldering the entire world and trying to use Janelle as a way to escape is everyday life.
And instead of being mad about it (which sometimes he was a bit of a jerk), I found myself being empathetic. I personally feel that I tend to shoulder things and think I can handle it all on my own, just like Shane was. Janelle, she was a breathe of fresh air, she was lightweight and free and unapologetically herself. I loved her parents and sisters and how they interacted and I look forward to reading more on the Pearson sisters. Great start to a series.
Janelle is loving life. Moving into her new house, spending time with her sisters and parents, starting her new job at her aunt's salon. What more could she ask for? Now if she could just shake the cranky but oh so sexy neighbor. Shane has a lot on his plate. Working two jobs to take care of his responsibilities, he just wants to sleep. Too bad the crazy new neighbor is so loud. Can these two get past their annoyance for each other?
What a fun book! Full of passion, love, humor, kindness, understanding, heartbreak, and healing. Janelle and Shane's journey will steal your heart quickly. I loved every single word of this amazing story! I was hooked from the start! An absolute MUST READ!!!
I was pulled right into this truly emotional story. The story has laughs, secrets, anger, pain, and heartbreak.
This is Janelle and Shane’s story. He is struggling and she is making her life better. What starts out as a huge argument and mess turns into something loving by the end. He has his own demons that plague him, and he is taking it out on her. She is trying to stay away as his attitude brings her down. But the more they learn about each other the more the pull is for them. Can he heal enough to let her in and help him? Or will all the anger he makes her feel finally push her away for good?
I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
This is the 1st book in a new series from this gifted author, and what an amazing introduction this is!! Janelle is excited to move into her new house but does not get off to the best of starts with her new neighbor. Shane is working 3 jobs in order to support his mom, and does not appreciate when his sleep gets interrupted by his noisy neighbor. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a beautifully written story which is heartbreaking, raw, gritty, intense, humorous, and with secrets which all lead to an emotional roller coaster journey throughout. I cannot wait to read more in this awesome series, and highly recommend for all readers.
Shane works three jobs, is the handyman to the housing addition he lives in, takes care of his mother’s care, and likes his quiet, peaceful existence. He sleeps when he can, so be sure you don’t interrupt the grumpy bears rest.
Janelle moves in next door to a man who who seems to be nothing but a grouch. Rather than just asking her to quieten it down he calls her rude.
These two but heads at every turn in the beginning. When Janelle’s sister’s soon to be ex shows up Shane sets in and rescues her. Huh? Maybe he’s not the devil after all?
They both have their issues and they’re both stubborn. Can they ever get it together enough to be neighborly?
Janelle is excited to start anew and has just moved in to her apartment. Shane is working to support his mother and doesn't like being awakened by his new noisy neighbor. Janelle thinks he's cocky and a bully. She begins to see that there is more to Shane than she thought at first. This is a good story and has heartbreaking moments for both characters.
I don't think that I've read anything by this author that I haven't fell in love with. This story being no exception, I devoured these amazing words! Shane was such a troubled soul doing all he could just to survive and live with the cards life dealt him, until Janelle comes along and starts to burry her way under his skin.
I liked the sisters, they made me smile. I didn’t really like Shane, there’s nothing deep and dark about caring for your mother. He seemed like an immature child most of the time. I normally like this author’s heroes but he just really irritated me. Really looking forward to the rest of the series, just hope the heroes are emotionally more mature.
C. A. Harms is a wonderful writer and I enjoy reading her books. This story is different in the fact that the hero is troubled and not really wonderful. You will hate him and like him but I never got to the loving him part. Our heroine is a sweetheart and I loved her and her family. Unfortunately, the storyline left me hanging but there is a HEA for now.
2.5/5 super slow book especially towards the end. Their relationship was kinda cute but Shane haD sooooo much emotional baggage and janelle was absolutely carrrrrrying the book and their relationship. I get that he is taking care of his mum but he’s also hurting others in the process and he’s so woe is me. Struggled to not dnf. Also the end was kinda open so ehh
Really enjoyed reading this story of love and trouble with family matters with ups and downs like real life. Love the ending and look forward to reading more about them.Highly recommend reading.