The second novel in USA Today bestselling author Penelope Bloom’s Anyone But… series turns up the heat and hilarity with a story about second chances and promises worth breaking. After Cade King cost me everything, I vowed I’d never fall for him again—even if he became rich and megafamous. Now he’s back, and he’s still the embodiment of a big, shiny red button. Everybody knows you shouldn’t touch … Everybody knows you shouldn’t touch red buttons, but it’s so, so hard to resist.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it a little when I arrested him for disorderly conduct. Unfortunately, I think Cade liked it a little too. So when he asks for my help raising the son he just found out about, I know exactly what to say: “No, you stupidly sexy red button. I won’t touch you, even to help a cute little kid.” You’re damn right that’s what I said. Mostly.
Still, Cade doesn’t know the first thing about commitment. He lives completely in the moment. I’d need to have a recurring case of amnesia to believe he could change, even for his son. Or me.
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ANYONE BUT CADE (Anyone But… Book #2) by Penelope Bloom is the second contemporary romance in the King Brothers trilogy. These books are an enjoyable mix of romance, laughter and smokin’ hot sex.
Cade King is the other twin, who is never serious unless it comes to negotiations for work. Seven years ago, he cost his girlfriend her soccer scholarship with a stupid prank that went wrong. Since then he has never been in a serious relationship and hides behind his money and success. He can’t be hurt, if no one really knows him, right?
Iris swore seven years ago with her two best friends to never again date a King brother. But they are back in town and already one of her friends has fallen. Iris values the success she worked hard for to become a law enforcement officer, but something is missing. Cade is still a temptation hard to resist.
Cade receives the news that he is the father of a five-year-old son that he never knew was out there. He asks Iris for her help and even though she knows she shouldn’t, she cannot resist Bear. Can Iris forgive Cade and can the two work together for Bear?
I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue was laugh out loud funny at times and ridiculously funny at others. As much as Cade and Iris were great for each other, Bear made them even better. I loved when Bear would be a mini-Cade and the action between the two throughout shows the difference, I felt realistically between how a man or a woman play with a child. Even when it seemed as though all the secondary characters were against them, Iris and Cade stayed positive and worked things out. The sex scenes were explicit, but not gratuitous. I love when I finish a romance and have a smile on my face.
I love all the brothers and I am looking forward to Nick and Miranda’s story!
Fun and easy read with great characters
Cade is one of those people that are always fun to be around! He is someone that can turn the most innocuous sentences into a joke or sexual innuendo, and he does it in such a deadpan way that you don’t know he’s kidding until you process what he said, and it will turn out to be something hilarious.
Cade dated Iris in high school until his irresponsibility and thoughtlessness got to be too much for her. He unintentionally did something stupid that she paid the price for and she cut him out of her life after that. Iris and her two friends (that had similar experiences with Cade’# two brothers), then made a pact never to date a King brother again. It was fairly easy to keep the pact since all three brothers moved away. After high school.
Though Cade and his brothers Rich and Nick, founded a highly successful business and retuned seven years later as billionaires and were building their new company headquarters in town. Iris’s friend Kira has since then, already broken her part of the pact and is now married to Rich.
Iris had changed a lot in the seven years the King brothers were away. She has become a respectable police officer, but Cade has had no reason to really grow up much. She resents him still for what happened in high school and the fact that he hasn’t changed much is good reason to stay away.
Though Cade really has had no reason to mature and be responsible. He is a hard working adult at work, of course. But in his home life he is rich enough to have maids that clean up after him, cooks to prepare dinner for him and he doesn’t have to take care of anyone, even himself. Iris only sees the fact that he doesn’t have to do things like learn to cook, do laundry and clean up after himself.
Things change though when he gets a call from an ex-girlfriend and he is forced to grow up and change. He asks Iris for help and they grow closer. The romance is a bit of a slow burn and when they finally do get together it is hot. However, there is not enough intimacy for this book to be rated more than 3 out of 5 flames in the heat department .
The relationships between all the characters are great though. The supporting characters are humorous and real and they add to the story, the descriptions of how certain characters act in different situations is heartwarming and fun. I thought the book was very good. Though it wasn’t quite as funny as some of Penelope Blooms other books. Even so, it was witty and I plan to read the next book in the series, Nick and Melanie’s story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Well this certainly didn’t disappoint. I was so eager to read Cade’s story and I loved it. It made me chuckle and snigger and get a lot of funny looks from those around me. Such a good read and I loved the cameo!
Oh, Cade, can you ever be serious even for just a minute? Lame, poorly-timed, usually not funny, jokes and comments don’t always land well to lighten the moment or hide his nervousness that he’d never admit he had. It’s one of the reasons things were messed up with Iris and his relationship seven years ago. But when things start to possibly get back on track, a bitter monkey throws a wrench into his cush life and it’s time to get serious. Fast. Hopefully Iris can help with that.
I always enjoy a really good book by Penelope and this one was it. As much as I liked the first book, Cade is definitely better. I really liked this story and it’s characters.
Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Absolutely ridiculous and so much more!
Penelope Bloom is clearly a hidden ring pop in a hay bale. Anyone But Cade is a hypodermic needle at a 3rd grade spelling bee. It’s absolutely out of place but has your attention anyway.
I can honestly say there were times where Cade’s crazy made sense. I wouldn’t admit it court but…
I had an absolutely terrible time trying not to fall for the wildly weird man. It had absolutely nothing to do with his looks. Cade is the kind of weird that is head shaking and endearing as long as he isn’t YOUR actual problem.
I don’t think that Iris would have been happy with ANYONE BUT CADE.
Anyone but Cade is second book in this series and I really enjoyed it. I love a good second chance romance.
Cade has returned back to his hometown after being gone for a while. He had no clue him and Iris had a child together. He might be the key to getting the two back together. Cade sees Iris again when she arrests him after getting drunk in a bar and punching a jukebox. The banter and the chemistry between these two was perfect. This was a fast paced read that I really enjoyed and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book was hilarious. It’s the first book I’ve read from Penelope bloom but definitely won’t be the last. 4 stars
Cade and Iris are coming back together after being apart for awhile. Cade was irresponsible and foolish in high school which led Iris to leave him after suffering the consequences. Now Cade has changed and wants a chance to prove it to Willow. Thanks to his son Bear they are working on a relationship. A funny, sweet read that I loved reading.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
This is the second installment in this series and is about Cade, the other twin, and Iris, the girl from high school who now hates him and carries a gun for a living. Yea, she is a police officer in town. This starts off with Cade getting drunk and Iris ends up arresting him for punching a jukebox. Just perfect. These two are perfect together. They have a banter that is witty and sexy and once they cross that line there is no turning back. Add in the 5 year old Cade didn’t realize he has but now will not give up and they are the perfect family. Cade has a mini me and it is wonderful. Definitely looking forward to the last brother and seeing how this series wraps up!
ARC review/audible For honest review after iris heart is broken by cade when young ,she makes a pack .now years later he back in West valley and needs her help even arresting him don’t work till he shows her why he needs her help which gives him the open door to get her back. Awesome story
I was a little leery to read this book after the first one but this one I really enjoyed. Cade and Iris are hilarious. After dating briefly in high school, things didn’t end well and Iris wanted nothing to do with Cade however now that he is back in town and has a son to care for how can she ignore him and the help he is asking for. I liked watching both characters grow. No they didn’t lose their weird sense of humor and childishness but they did learn to put others first and to trust in each other. This was a quick good read.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
This is the second book in the series, and I would recommend that you read Rich’s story first, as it sets the scene and gives you some background and insight into the men’s childhood and meteoric rise. Oh my, their parents were and are just horrible!
Cade is Rich’s twin, he has always been the joker and the one who avoids any seriousness he can. Even though Rich has fallen in love again with his childhood sweetheart, Kira, and moved their business HQ back to their hometown, Cade continues to play the field. He is, of course, confronted by Iris, his own high school love. She is not just the one who got away, she is the one who had their chance at a soccer career spoiled by a drugs test failure, thanks to his pot brownies.
Iris, Kira, and Miranda swore to never date one of the King brothers… Kira has failed, and Iris has to admit that Cade remains easy on the eye. However, he is still the joker he was at school – until fate provides him with a son who makes him grow up fast. As Iris appreciates his efforts, and falls for Bear nearly as much as she still cares for Cade, that promise is starting to seem to her like it needs breaking too.
I really enjoyed the banter in this book. Cade really cannot say anything serious without adding a silly remark at the end to lighten the moment. I had a bad habit of doing this myself, so it was reassuring to see it was not only me! Luckily, he learns when it is a good plan, and when it really isn’t. That is not to say that only Cade grows up, Iris too gets to understand that maybe her priorities were not exactly directed correctly.
A really good addition to the series, and now we need to see how the last brother, Nick, and Miranda are going to resolve their issues, so I am looking forward to the next installment already.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Iris Rosewood and Cade King dated in high school—until his thoughtlessness and carelessness got her kicked off the soccer team, making her lose her scholarship. Instead of an eight-year program to get a PhD in criminal psychology, she had to settle for a bachelor’s in criminal justice. She and her friends Kira and Miranda swear an oath to date anyone but the King brothers.
Years pass and the King brothers move back to West Valley. Cade finds out that he has a five-year old son, Bear, who will be going to foster care if Cade doesn’t save him; but Cade doesn’t know anything about taking care of children and he asks Iris for help.
This is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read! This is the first book I’ve read by Penelope Bloom and I enjoyed it so much I’m sure I’ll be reading (and reviewing!) more of her books. The story is well-written and easy to read. The characters are very entertaining. I love how strong Iris is and how endearing Bear is.
Anyone But Cade is an second-chance romantic comedy written in dual first-person POV. It’s a standalone that ends with a HEA. No cliffhanger, no cheating.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Loving these new series, Penelope does it again with another series that are totally addictive you will not want to put it down.
My review is just comments of some of the hilarious things that got me going, enoy
Iris had me in stitches when she was trying to get information out of Bear, very hilarious scene, Cade knows her so well.
Now that was a mouthful, I had to check if that word really existed, and you learn something new everyday and my favourite statement “You must be the only person I’ve ever met who regularly wins arguments by sheer force of stupidity.” Seriously how much “frustration” can you read from that statement. Can’t believe she fell for the test, but anyway it was inevitable.
OMG, just cant get over Cade’s childishness “Insert part A into Part B.” seriously. What sort of a word is dadly, only Cade would come up with such a statement.
Oh my favourite person Grammy makes an appearance, and believe me she will shock you just as she did in the previous series as she took no prisoners.
Eagerly waiting for the next book in the series
I had a bit of mixed feelings with Anything But Cade, but I still enjoyed this quite a bit! Cade is such a jokester it was tough to take him seriously at times. But I loved how endearing he was when his son, Bear, came into his life. I’d say it was probably one of the best things that happened to him.
The one thing the drew me to this series is the second chance romance stories! With this one, add on the single parent and you’re set for a pretty decent read.
Ever since I read Anyone But Rich, I’ve been so curious what happened between the King brothers and essentially the heroines of each of their books.
I loved seeing the internal struggle that Iris had about being around Cade, again. They definitely have some history that altered her life plan, but I’d say she made the best of it. I will say that the pact she made with her best friends about never dating a King is becoming a bit too much.
However, I love seeing how these King brothers are getting past all their barriers. I truly enjoyed this funny read and am soooo ready to see how Miranda will be won over!
**I RECEIVED A COMPLIMENTARY READER’S COPY FROM MONTLAKE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR CONTENT OF MY REVIEW**
Anyone But Cade by Penelope Bloom is book Two in the Anyone But…Series. This is the story of Cade and Iris. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one but I do feel you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Cade left his home town along with his brothers but now he is back and learns of a child he didn’t now existed. Iris and Cade were young together and of course had feeling for one another but then Cade up and left town. Now Iris and her friends have all sworn off the King brothers. So when Iris arrest him for disorderly conduct it brings them to meet again which opens the door for him to ask for her help.
Enjoyed this second chance at love story.
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series, and is Cade and Iris’s story. This is a beautifully written story which is hilarious from the very beginning, with crazy shenanigans, witty banter, and is a steamy 2nd chance romance. This gifted author has done an awesome job in penning this tale, and I highly recommend for all readers.
A feel good second chance romance with heart, laughs and plenty of steam.
I loved Cade and Iris. They dated seven years ago in high school until Cade did something dumb and then Iris vowed to never date a King brother again. Now, Cade is rich and famous and ready for his second chance with the only woman he ever had feelings for. Iris is a cop and does everything she can to avoid Cade until a little surprise shows up. He’s still the goofy guy who hides behind jokes, but he’s also so much more. Iris can’t resist.
Literally LOL funny, steamy with irritating and wonderful moments
Having read ANYONE BUT RICH about Rich, twin brother to Cade, I already knew that Cade and Iris would be a formidable couple, both witty, outrageous and caring. And again, Ms. Bloom has pulled out all the stops. This book was HILARIOUS. She should consider doing standup comedy, so funny! Her narratives are literally LOL funny and that’s not how I usually read…laughing!
Cade and Iris had a thing in high school until he did one of his more ridiculous stunts which changed everything. Fast-forward seven years and the brothers have returned as billionaires and Iris is trying so hard to hold onto her anger with Cade. His antics make that really difficult even more so when he’s faced with a problem he never expected. Who is there to help him out? Iris.
There are times when I couldn’t decide if Cade was more sweet-ish or childish. So many funny moments: Iris pretending to type at the station; Cade’s baby-pool in the living room; “bone apple tea”; the bj on the diving board; when Grammy from HER CHERRY appears; lastly, anytime the brothers banter together, including Nick. I so hope we get Nick’s story soon…
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley and it comes highly recommended. I give it 10 Stars!