From USA Today bestselling author Penelope Bloom comes the first novel in the romantic, sexy, and hilarious Anyone But… series.Seven years ago, my best friends and I made a promise: No matter what, we would never date one of the King brothers. Even if they grew up to become megafamous, gorgeous, heart-stopping billionaires. Even if they crawled on their knees and begged for forgiveness.But guess … for forgiveness.
But guess who just flew back into our lives in a private jet? And guess who just showed up to my job on my first day? Richard. King. Fortunately, it takes two seconds for Richard to reveal he hasn’t changed. Conceited. Cocky. Rude. Unfortunately, he’s also the kind of gorgeous that’s borderline offensive—with a jawline to make statues self-conscious and a grin that short-circuits my brain.
He’s spent years taking what he wants. I doubt he’s hungry for anything else—except me, apparently. There’s no way I’ll let him maneuver his way back into my life. My friends would never forgive me. I would never forgive me. But did I mention his jawline?
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A new to me author and a great book to start with.
I enjoyed this story because I love second chance romance and the main characters were interesting and easy to read.
It’s a fast paced story, with a lot of funny moments but I felt like there were also some unnecessary ones.
I loved the idea overall and how they got to let love overcome everything else in their lives.
Looking forward to the next books as the characters held my interest and I want to read their stories now.
ANYONE BUT RICH (Anyone But…Book 1) by Penelope Bloom is a new release romantic comedy/contemporary romance that had me laughing out-loud. This is the first of a trilogy featuring three billionaire brothers who return to their small hometown to claim the women they could never forget, but the girls made a promise seven years ago to never date one of the King brothers again.
Kira Summerland is starting her first year of teaching at her hometown high school. Seven years ago, Kira, Iris and Miranda made a promise when they were students at this very high school to never date a King brother again. When Richard King shows up at Kira’s classroom door on the first day of school, she is as angry at herself as she is at him.
Richard King has returned to town with his brothers. Cade and Nathan to set up their company’s headquarters in their hometown. The beautiful woman on his arm is just a ruse to keep both sets of their parents from matchmaking. He has his heart set on Kira. He knows it will be hard work to get Kira to forgive him and get her friends approval, but Rich has always worked hard to obtain his goals.
Kira must deal with her promise to her friends as she begins to let Rich back into her life. Can she have both? Will Rich be able to get Kira to forgive him and get the girl he has always wanted?
I love Rich and Kira together. Kira is the perfect lovable heroine to bring out serious Rich’s softer side. The dialogue between the friends and the brothers is laugh-out-loud funny and at times raunchy which made it more realistic. The sex scenes are explicit but not gratuitous. Each character’s unique personality adds to the fun of reading this book. For me, this is not a new plot or storyline, but the author’s voice makes it very entertaining. This is an easy-to-read romance that has me anxiously waiting for the other brothers’ stories.
Penelope Bloom delivers the romance and wit as much as in the Objects of Attraction series
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Penelope Bloom’s raunchy wit in the Objects of Attraction series. I still plan to read more of those books. She continues in that same vein in this series. She has Hero in this book, Rich King, as more of a straight laced guy. However, Rich has a twin brother Cade who is quite a bit more immature than him and he is the one that cracks a lot of the jokes. So it fits in with his character perfectly. I was laughing out loud throughout the book.
Kira Summerland is a school teacher that has a history with Rich. She knew him in high school and had a crush on him, but dated his younger brother Nick. Rich did something that screwed her over and she has hated him ever since, but all three Kings moved away, and Kira along with her two friends made a pact to never date a King again. So when they return and Rich pursues her, the pact becomes a problem.
Kira and her two friends are also hilarious. They meet and talk about the funniest things. Her friend Iris is a police officer and she also provides quite a bit of comic relief. Penelope Bloom is great at developing supporting characters as well as the main characters.
“I walked into Bradley’s with a stereo I’d borrowed from school over my head. It wasn’t technically a boom box, but I hoped my friends would get the reference anyway. The CD player also didn’t work, so I had to awkwardly wait in my car until a half-decent apology song came on the radio and then rush in with the thing held up high.
Everybody stopped talking and turned to look at me as I came walking in slowly, eyes locked on the table where Iris and Miranda were watching with wide-eyed horror.”
Cade and Nick King returned to town along with Rich in part because they had something with Iris and Miranda but those relationships will be the next books in the series. I happen to like this humor and I can’t wait to read more.
Lol, the characters made me chuckle so hard at times I lost my breath. I really enjoyed the story and how they dealt with things. And I can’t wait for Cade’s book! A lovely light and funny read.
Never ever any King, but teen pacts become harder to keep.
The King Boys are back in town and lifelong friends Kira, Miranda, & Iris renew to keep their pact to never ever get involved with any of the brothers again. But Rich King comes calling for Kira to apologize for past actions. Now what?
I liked this story. I thought the ‘chase’ for Kira would last longer but once the story went on I realized that’s only a partial part of the story that didn’t need to be very long. There’s so much more to it. Great read.
The other two King brothers were also in past relationships with Kira’s friends so I can’t wait to read the next books with their stories.
*ARC kindly provided via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.*
I’ve read Penelope Bloom’s mafia standalones. I really like her writing style and I was expecting another favorite. “Anyone But Rich” might be my least favorite of hers, but I still enjoyed the story.
Kira and Rich have history. Seven years ago, he ruined her life, so she took a vow to never let him near again. Now he’s back to West Valley, as a tech billionaire and he’s still as arrogant as she remembers him. From his first day back, he barges into her life. Kira tries really hard to resist him, but he has his ways.
The story was really good. I laughed many times while reading, especially with Cade’s antics. I’m still not convinced about his intelligence! Rich’s parents were really annoying. I couldn’t stand their attitude and behavior towards those they considered less. I’m a little curious about the stories of Cade-Iris and Nick-Miranda. Maybe I’ll be checking their books as well!!
Be careful what you promise as teenagers because when you grow up, especially when you grow up sexy as Rich does, it is hard to keep those promises. This was a sexy and fun read and it was so much fun to watch Rich and Kira fall for each other. It is going to be fun to see what happens with the other friends and brothers.
This was book was a great start to a new series. Penelope Bloom is a new to me author and I will be going back and reading more of her work.
Kira and her friends made a promise to never date a King brother. She is getting ready to start her first year of teaching at the same high school she went to. She didn’t expect to see Richard King at her classroom door on the first day of school.
Richard King and his brothers have returned to set up the headquarters of their company. He comes back to town with a woman who is a pretending to be his girlfriend. He can’t seem to get Kira off his mind.
I really enjoyed Rich and Kira’s story. The characters and secondary ones made this book a page turner. If you’re looking for a quick read grab this one. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
It’s been a while since I wandered out of my usual thriller/mystery genre but I kept hearing great things about this book and had to pick it up. SO glad I did! New author for me and I’m already psyched for the next book in the series!
Kira and her friends swore of the King brothers years ago, promising to never date any of the three arrogant, rich and yet incredibly attractive brothers. Now local “celebrities” have moved onto bigger and better things away from their hometown, building their business and wealth. Until one day they decide to come back home, causing quite a bit of drama and for Kira, a constant reminder of the man she swore off years ago.
Not only did this have a great story and interesting characters that sucked me right in but I found myself laughing out loud as I read. Hysterica banter between brothers had me dying and I loved the friendship between Kira and her two besties. Highly recommended book and author!!
Promise ’em anything, but be true to your heart
By turns serious and light-hearted, this second chance contemporary romance by Penelope Bloom ticks all the boxes for a great romance read. A high-and-mighty hometown hero who humbles himself to win the girl he left behind, a conflicted heroine whose loyalty to her besties clashes badly with her lust for the guy that got her goat so long ago, and a supporting cast of loyally loopy ladies and twin brothers who are certifiably and hilariously demented – everybody’s got allies, backup and support. It doesn’t matter. When love manifests, it’s every (wo)man for her/himself. There’s more to come, and as soon as I stop laughing over this one, I’m one-clicking.
Wow I just loved this book.
Loved the storyline and all the characters.
Loved Rich and Kira. So glad they had their HEA no thanks to his parents… especially his Mum.
I absolutely adored all the other characters… Cade, Nick, Iris and Miranda. Cade was hilarious and even more so when he got Nick involved. Iris was fun too especially after she became a Police Officer and she used to use her nightstick on her friends.
A really lovely fun story.
I could not stop laughing as I read this. It definitely put a smile on my face! Fresh, funny and full of romance, Anyone but Rich is classic Penelope Bloom but perhaps a little more refined than usual. I loved every minute of this book – it has Bloom’s trademark humor, lightness, and fun, which makes the pages fly by. It’s a great start to a new series that focuses on our couple but also leaves breadcrumbs for some intriguing future stories (there’s never a dull moment with Rich’s brothers).
The story follows Kira, a young woman just starting her new job as a teacher. Just as she thinks her life is getting on the right track, she discovers that the infamous King brothers are moving back to town. Rich and his two brothers were always the Kings of the town until they left for California and started a billion-dollar tech company. Last time they were in town, they almost blew apart Kira’s relationship with her two best friends (and Rich mysteriously did something to wrong Kira), so the friends have made a pact to never date any of the King brothers ever again. Rich has never been able to forget what he did to Kira, and he seeks out her forgiveness as soon as he returns to town… but her refusal to give it leaves him more than intrigued.
It’s such a light and fun book with characters you can’t help but root for. It’s a slow burn, enemies to lovers (at least on Kira’s end) romance that feels well developed but seems to fly by. I thought Rich was adorable (with a little bit of alpha) and a great fit for Kira. I am definitely excited to read the other two King brothers’ stories – Cade may be a bit of a playboy/class clown, but I can already tell he has a heart of gold. Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review of this hilarious and sexy book.
Anyone But Rich is a kind of spin-off to Penelope’s other series “Her” although you do not have to read that series that one is fantastic. Now about this book.
You have three King brothers who are, for some reason, messed around emotionally with three best friends. Kira, Miranda, and Iris. When the friends find out that Rich and Kira have an issue the three girls make a pack there is to be NOTHING to do with them whats so ever.
When the King brothers come back into town, will the girls be able to keep away from the boys now that everyone is older and suppose to be wiser?
I enjoyed this story. Can’t wait for the next brother’s story!
Kira and her friends vowed never to date any of the King brothers. Seven years later, Richard King is back in town and ends up being Kira’s boss. He never forgot the woman he really wanted from years ago. He and his brothers are building their company in their hometown. Kira tries to stick to her promises to her friends but Richard is so handsome and charming. A wonderful read and recommend.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.
My Recommendation
5 STARS
ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way.
Penelope Bloom is a new author for me & based on this awesome read I am adding her to my TBR author list.
This book had everything – awesome Fren-enemies storylines to an eventual HEA but so much more in a very engaging – at times laugh out loud story line!
Rich & Kira have a past – one where she has promised herself to NEVER get involved with him EVER again even if he is the hottest billionaire to come back to their small town. She & her friends made a pact to never get involved with any of the King brothers …
That being said Rich & his brothers do come back to town – the attraction is still there for Rich & Kira – so much so that their chemistry is off the charts. I love that Rich brings out Kira’s playful side. No one seems happy that their relationship will work out except Rich & Kira – takes some convincing for others to get on board….
Really happy that Cade & Nick will be getting books too – Anyone but Rich however can be read as a standalone.
Penelope Bloom writes great romance – loved this !!!! Rich proved to be Kira’s “someone” for sure – they were perfect together !!
This is the first book in a new series, and I cannot wait to read the next. Rich and Kira were a fun couple that secretly crushed on each other in HS, but hurt each other and were then separated. When Rich comes back to town years later, he wants to reconnect and write his wrong, but Kira thinks she wants none of it. Their connection is quick, and it feels genuine. Definitely recommend, and the audio is great, too!
This is one of those silly romcoms that almost everyone finds funny but me. In particular, I did not care for Cade who reminds me too much of William in the Objects of Attraction series – childish but slightly less obnoxious. Immature jokes and inane comments are par for the course from all of the characters in this book. I like Rich and Kira well enough but they also suffer from the same issues as the other characters, to a lesser degree. Their dialogue is snappy but often juvenile. There aren’t many serious moments in this book which is a shame because Rich and Kira are really sweet together. Penelope Bloom has written some great books that I really loved but unfortunately I don’t find this type of story appealing.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.
This is the first book in a new series from this talented author, and what an amazing beginning this is!! Kira and her besties’ Miranda and Iris, made a fact years ago that they would never get involved with any of the King brothers’. Now the Kings have moved back into their hometown, and Rich is determined to convince Kira to take a chance on him. This is a well written story with witty banter throughout, and is filled with drama and is a humorous, steamy and entertaining read. I highly recommend for all, and look forward to reading more in this enticing series.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Ruthie –
This is the first in a trilogy (at least) where three best friends who have each been burned by one of the King brothers promise to never succumb to their charms again. Obviously, that is exactly what will happen, but enjoying the journey is very much the point – and I did.
As the scene is set, the obscenely old monied Kings and the rest of the town are not expected to ever spend time together. Rich, Cade, and Nick have come back to their hometown to build their new HQ and their billions make them both old and new money. But they are back due to the three women who got away. Rich is first up and he comes back to town with a girlfriend, Stella, who is just as much in the ruse as the brothers.
But Kira, Miranda, and Iris really are still wedded to the idea of the promise of staying away, and as Kira starts to fold, there is trouble in their friendship. I wasn’t entirely convinced they would behave that way now that they are adults with careers, and in fact, I was pleased with how that was resolved.
I enjoyed how the book pokes fun at the crazy behaviour of the super rich and entitled, but also shows that redemption is possible – especially for the right woman.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Anyone But Rich by Penelope Bloom is the First book in the Anyone But …Series. This is the story of Kira Summerland and Richard “Rich “King.
Kira has a history with Rich when they were in High School when he betrayed her which set her up to form with her friends Iris and Miranda to swear that they would never date the King Brothers. The King Brothers were the it boys in High School that went on the money and fame. Now in their present day Kira has taken a job teaching in her hometown high school. Rich is back looking to right the wrong and maybe even win the heroine.
I enjoyed their story, of course it was steamy but has some funny parts. I excited to read Cade and Nathan story too.