My whole life I’ve known Finn Jeffries and Brady Sterling would be my undoing. The three of us were inseparable, but growing up with two boys as your best friends comes with it’s own certain type of growing pains. As a child, Finn was wild and free, and grew up to be a devilishly handsome man with a smirk that frustrated me as much as it did other things to me. Brady was brave and loyal, and the …
Brady was brave and loyal, and the kind of man he grew into didn’t surprise me a bit: devoted and gallant, with a handsome, trustworthy face that made my heart beat faster.
We went our separate ways for college, but now it’s eight years later and a pact we made back then has brought us back to our hometown.
Back to the complicated situation we ran from.
Back to the love triangle we never really escaped.
I love them both, and it’s time for me to make a choice.
I’ve always known one of them would be my forever, I just never knew which one.
And I still don’t.
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This has angst in spades but the good kind, not the repetitive whingy kind.
There’s quite a lot of background to take in, in this tale, which is revealed bit by bit.
We have 3 childhood friends Lennon, Brady & Finn. All from different backgrounds however they form a strong bond which has lasted the years since they fled their hometown & making totally different lives.
They did also make a pledge that when one of them returns home they all will follow.
What the main issue is they both love her & she loves them both. So she needs to make a decision which is one of the main focuses in this story.
Of course this will come at a cost to their friendship. You float from each guy all the way through. Perhaps some will guess but that’s the beauty of it as it’s a long wait for the reveal. However while it’s said that something will trigger her decision in a parting word, I found it happened a bit too quick after that for me. But I suppose it put us out of our misery.
I will say the loser (sigh – such a horrible word) will feature in the next book, which I’m eagerly awaiting.
Be prepared for quite a few twists & a few I wasn’t expecting!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. 4.5*
You can get my attention with any love triangle book. I read the blurb for this book and instantly wanted to read this. My heart was aching for a good loving angst reading. This definitely whet my appetite. I’ve never read Jennifer Millikin before so I was taking a leap of faith that she was going to make my heart soar with this love triangle. This wasn’t my absolute favorite love triangle but it definitely is worth a read!
Your heart will be torn between Brady and Finn just like Lennon’s was. Their three way friendship that spanned years was unique and was heart felt. There was a tiny speck of wanting there to be more “intense” scenes but that is simply my preference. The writing did good with keeping most of the scenes PG 13. I prefer a little x-rated but PG 13 every once in a while isn’t a bad thing either.
The ending of the book? The ABSOLUTE ending of the book. I didn’t see coming. AT ALL. I had an inkling of who she would pick but the way Jennifer Millikin ended it with a twist; I applaud her!
#avidreaderbookblog #readingislife #bookblogger #bookworm #angst #chicklit #friendstolovers #heartbreaking #lovetriangle #read #romance #sexualtension #steamy #sweet
OH my beautiful story of three friends who love deep. This story had me on the edge of my seat right up to the end.
Click here for more of my review~ https://youtu.be/OK2QGuFJBEs
Jennifer Millikin, ‘Beyond the Pale’.
As an ARC reader I received this book for free. And promised an honest review. Here it is. English isn’t my first language. Sorry for errors.
Rating: 4,5 (out of 5 stars).
In general: An original love triangle.
The main characters in this book are: Lennon, Brady and Finn.
They know each other since elementary school. Lennon was a new girl in Agua Mesa; Brady and Finn helped her to settle in her new small hometown. They became an unit of three persons during their youth, despite their very different social background. Lennon was raised by a religious mom and had a pastor as a stepfather; so appearances were important; Brady’s dad was a judge, so for him too no social misbehaving, Finn lived in a mobile home camp and was hardly accepted by Lennon and Brady’s parents.
During their teens both boys develop a secret crush on the beautiful Lennon. She suspects something sometimes but she loves both and cannot make a choice and avoids to do so for Brady and Finn are good friends. During high school they realise that they will leave the suffocating atmosphere of their small home town. But they promise solemnly to return together when one of them is forced to return to Agua Mesa. After their departure from their homes they keep in contact by digital communication.
After about seven years Lennon’s mom dies. So she has to return. She calls Brady and Finn and they promise immediately to help her with the consequences of her mom’s death.
The author, Jennifer Millikin, describes – in a very original plot – how the relationship between the three (now adults) develops. Wonderful characters, striking sketches of a small town community, credible dialogues and a surprising ending resulted in a book that – for me – was an easy to read page turner I hardly couldn’t put away.
Only Lennon’s long postponing of looking into the essentials of her mom’s legacy was – for me – a bit difficult to understand. But it ensured an exciting ending.
R. Huiszoon.
I haven’t read a book that involved a love triangle in a while, so I was intrigued to read Beyond the Pale, especially since the main characters were best friends. Lennon is the heroine in the story, and most of the book is told in her POV, except for a few times it’s said in the heroes’ points of view.
Lennon has been best friends with Finn Jeffries and Brady Sterling since grade school. They have been inseparable, up until they moved to different states after high school. They still keep in contact with each other, and now they are back together after making a pact with each other to come back if one of them needed them. Lennon’s mother has passed away, and she has to take care of the funeral arrangements and her mother’s house. Her best friends Finn and Brady will stop everything from being there for her, especially since they know it will be hard on her. Unfortunately, Lennon is not looking forward to the trip because she knows Brady and Finn have not stopped loving her. She has to choose who she loves more, but it will be a hard choice. Both male heroes are different from each other. Finn is a sexy bad boy that has a devilish smile. He’s always been there for Lennon through everything. Brady comes from a wealthy family who is brave and loyal. Brady was the first one that became friends with Lennon and will always be there for Lennon too.
This book involves not only the love triangle but also something that happened to poor Lennon to almost break her in the past. Her best friends were the only ones that supported her, and she never wanted to ruin that friendship. Unfortunately, love triangles are always complicated, and Jennifer portrays it very well in this book. Eventually, Lennon chooses in the book, and I’m glad she chose the one she loved the most. She still loved the other but had different feelings for him. I had a feeling she would want the one person she did in the book, but it did break my heart that the other one didn’t get chosen. I’m glad that the person is going to get his book.
If you are looking for a love triangle book that involves best friends that is also a small-town romance, then this book is for you.
Story Rating: 4 stars
Steaminess Rating: 2 stars
Standalone or part of series: Standalone
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Love Triangle; Friends-to-Lovers; Small Town Romance
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Blog Tour Host in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Who to choose, who to choose!?! An absolute must read!
Beyond The Pale by Jennifer Millikin is an exceptionally well written book full of wonderful characters, a seamless blend of past and present as well as intrigue.
This author has created an amazing read. I love how she tells Lennon, Finn and Brady’s stories from their past as well as their present in a way that is effortless and very natural to the story. It just flows so nicely.
The storyline of their love triangle is also extremely intriguing and of course is a fantastic hook to get the readers fully invested. To be honest, Finn and Brady were so equal, I would have been happy with either outcome! Through Lennon’s eyes, the guys are eternally equal in all ways despite their unequal backgrounds.
All of the characters in this book, as with all of this author’s work that I have already read, are realistic, emotional and captivating. As is the plot, all emotion, relationships and ultimately a choice. Who will it be? You will just have to read it to find out for yourself and you won’t be disappointed. In addition to a very well written book, there’s a surprise revelational at the end! You don’t want to miss it!
Overall a very well written book that will take you through an emotional wringer, but provides a HEA.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
A love triangle. Man, I was on edge the entire time I was reading this book! Some thugs I was able to predict and others just blew me out of the water. Highly entertaining and engaging.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
***Actual Rating: 4/5 Gut-Feeling Stars***
“beyond the pale:
outrageous and intolerable. Outside the limits of acceptable behavior.”
Remember how I usually don’t go for books with love triangles? Well, I’m really glad I decide to make a change this time and pick this book up. Before giving this book a try, I knew it’d be about an antsy love triangle among three best childhood friends, Brady, Finn, and Lennon. The inseparable threesome. Brady is always this considerate, sweet cinnamon-roll boy-next-door who has a privileged upbringing and was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
His entire life has been incredibly successful–went to a private high school when his other two best friends went to a local school and got in some prestigious college and became one of the best lawyers in the country–on the contrary, Finn, the rebellious, smartass guy who lives in a trailer with his cancer-battling uncle. He just lost his job as an app developer and has yet to fight his way back in the competitive field of technology. He’s also the kid who shoplifted when he was little because he could barely sustain basic human necessities and doesn’t have much to offer when it comes to Lennon, the girl whom both of them so desperately want to claim.
“Or would we be in a fucked-up triangle, never moving forward, just buzzing along our axis and stopping when we bumped into each other at our shared forty-five-degree angles?”
What I love most about Lennon, Brady, and Finn’s story is that these characters aren’t flawless. Despite the fact that Brady seems to be the most perfect guy compared to Finn, his inner persona conflicts a lot due to the images he’s forced to keep and the true essence of who he actually is under the surface. Undoubtedly, he’s the most natural, most at ease when being around Finn and Lennon, but the majority of him still has to carry the baggage of being the son of a well-known, influential father.
As for Finn, awww, he’s like the modern version of Heathcliff, in my opinion. Even though his story isn’t as tragic as our beloved classic character’s, the hardship and obstacles between him and Lennon he has to deal with truly move me deeply as his love/loyalty to the girl he covets never wavers. He works hard, pursues his dreams hard, and falls in love harder than anybody else, and I really admire him for all his endeavor.
“No longer was Lennon in my arms, but in her place, I held her apology.”
*Ugh, all the feels and heartaches.* Since this book is all about love triangle and tough decision for Lennon, we can’t escape the forthcoming heartbreaks and devastation for either of the guy…or both. Interestingly, much to my surprise, Jennifer manages to beautifully depict those heartbreaking moments and weaves the shattered pieces of hearts into something profoundly touching and human. That’s why this story still stays with me long after I’m finished.
“Maybe that’s how life goes. Perhaps we aren’t a collection of the hearts we break, the love we fall into, or the experiences we have. We start out whole, and as we go through life, we carve out pieces of ourselves and leave them behind. Maybe we pick up pieces of others, and stitch them onto us, until we are a fabric made of everyone else.”
Last but definitely not least, I’d like to wrap up my review with my most favorite quote among all. The above quote is so incredibly relatable to me and I’m sure with each passing day, and every single journey we’ve experienced, or are all experiencing, we will feel the same and truly grasp the meaningfulness of this life we’re living and breathing.
Throughout Lennon, Finn, and Brady’s story, they not only show me how amazing life is because you may reunite with the ones you love even after all those years filled with ups and downs, but they also demonstrate what our hearts are comprised of. All I’m saying is that Jennifer impresses me with her previous work, Good on Paper, and now she surprises me with a love triangle story with the trope of childhood-friends-turn-lovers once again. I’m quite certain she will not fail to continue catching me off-guard in the future.
Besides, her next novel, One Good Thing, which will be released on April 7th, 2020, will be someone’s (one of our lovely main characters’) happily-ever-after, and I seriously cannot wait to read it!! Therefore, without further hesitation, please go give this book a try because I promise you’ll be in love with Lennon, Brady, and Finn as much as I do.
***Huge thanks to InkSlinger PR and the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
I read this long read all in one sitting … I stayed up waaaay beyond a reasonable time. However, I was so entwined in this story, that I just had to keep reading to the end, to see how everything eventually unfolded. I must admit that, a first for me, I was three for three in knowing how things would unfold.
This story was well written, original and believable. The characterizations were excellently done, so much so, they seemed to appear to leap off the pages and demand the reader pay attention to them. There was great romance portrayed throughout this tale with very few sensual scenes enacted. Not saying there was a lack of sexual tension between the main characters; Ms. Millikin still kept the reader on their toes but without the use of many sensual scenes.
Highly recommended reading material
I voluntarily received a free copy of this novel via Voracious Readers Only and I am leaving an honest and unbiased review. I have no affiliation to this author.
I found this book to be an interesting read with the good storyline and well detailed characters that kept me turning the pages until the very end!
GREAT READ!
A very enjoyable story that captivated my attention and at times was a bit hard to put down. A nice flow of twists and amazing chemistry that at times was intense.
Brady, Finn and Lennon have been friends forever and formed a triad where both guys loved her. The issue is she couldn’t choose because she loved each for different reasons so they made a pact that they would return if one did which brings them back to the same issue. Who will Lennon choose. A touching story that draws you to the edge waiting to see how it will all play out. This is an enjoyable story that is descriptive and well written.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the moment Brady and Finn came into her life Lennon knew she had just met two special people, two friends that would be in her life forever. Each brought something different to her life, Finn always with calming words and Brady with his supportive hugs they always kept her afloat. They were the bright spots in her often dim world, and she loved them both… which she knew would eventually create a problem. But they were young, and not ready for all the feelings and love brewing between them… so they went their separate ways, and planned to remain friends.
After eight years of being away from one another they are all about to reunite for the first time, this time much older, wiser, and ready to finally settle the uncertainty between them. Lennon has no idea who to choose, she loves them both for different reasons, and she can’t bare to lose either of them. It’s an impossible decision!
Beyond the Pale is a heart-string tugging tale that will reek havoc on your emotions and leave you dying in anticipation… Lennon darn near killed me with her indecision! I am a sucker for love triangles stories and this one did not disappoint, it had the angst and emotional turmoil I crave, and characters that completely stole my heart. I look forward to coming back to them and seeing how the rest of their story plays out, I have high hopes their is another happily ever after to be discovered. I really enjoyed this one, the words squeezed my heart in all the right places, and it’s characters kept me thoroughly entertained from beginning to end!! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Great story about three friends, Finn & Brady, and their lady love Lennon. They were inseparable growing up, and only put distance between themselves for college. They made a pact when they were leaving that if anyone ever had to come back, they would all come back.
Both Finn & Brady are in love with Lennon, but she loves them both, how can she possibly choose between them?
This story will give you all the feels, lots of back story, just enough to get you to see where they are all coming from! Loved this story, grab your copy when it releases! 5 stars for this one!
Holy Triangles Batman. This one had all the angst, the flavor of second chances and the resolution doesn’t happen until right at the end!
I really was torn with this one. Lennon is a relatable heroine, and her story alone is worth reading this book. Add in Brady and Finn, her friends since they were 6, and there’s just a lot of swoon and tension and stress going on.
This is NOT a poly story. This is a love triangle that leaves the question about who ends up together romantically unresolved until the very end. There’s a twist that I had guessed at as well, some great dialogue – just an overall fun story if you can handle love triangles!
Holy hades, my reader friends, this one has devastating heartbreak written all over it, but the story is magnificent! Brady, Finn and Lennon have been best friends since she was the new kid in third grade. After high school graduation they go their separate ways, still keeping in touch, only to return home and be together again when Lennon’s mother dies. The guys are just as in love with Lennon as they’ve always been, and they’re doing their best not to force her to choose between them. Lennon loves them both and can’t imagine her life without Brady and Finn in it.
Love triangles are always a challenge for me to read because I know at least one broken heart is inevitable. It certainly can take the shine off of a happily ever after knowing that desolate, rejected soul might go through life alone. And yet, somehow Millikin had me devouring these pages, falling for these characters and eager for more.
Told with poignant scenes from the past, Lennon’s story is touching, endearing and authentically human. Brady and Finn couldn’t be more different, both in personality and upbringing, but their friendship and love for Lennon unites them. As Lennon revisits pieces of her troubled past and learns the secrets her mother kept from her, Brady and Finn are both beside her, supporting and helping her every step of the way.
I suspect we haven’t seen the last of these characters, which makes me very happy because I adore them all. Yes, Lennon and one of these guys get their HEA, but the ending left me with my mouth agape, thinking, “Holy carp, what just happened?!” Millikin has perfected the literary mic drop with one small sentence and now I’m dying for more! If you like your romance leaning towards the wholesome but with unexpected turns, shocking twists, a bit of angst and tons of emotion, you’ll absolutely love this touching, heartfelt, phenomenal book!