He can’t stand anything about her, but can’t keep his hands off of her.
Frankie
I wasn’t looking for him.
He found me.
With his sexy smirk and irresistible body.
I wanted nothing to do with someone like him.
Judgmental and brooding.
So full of himself.
But now, I’m stuck playing the fool.
Falling for him.
And losing it all.
If only for one night.
ZEKE
Stuffy, rich, entitled.
The kind of girl … rich, entitled.
The kind of girl that gets what she wants.
When she wants it.
And I want nothing to do with her.
Yet, I can’t stay away.
I’m drawn to her kindness and compassion.
Her beauty.
She holds me when the pain won’t subside.
And now, if I can help it, I’m going to hold on to her…
Forever.
more
What a great book!! I was scared to read this book based on the author’s Facebook posts while she was writing it. I had nothing to worry about. I absolutely loved it. Zeke was such a great character flaws and all. I’m very glad it had dual POV because if it had been only told from Frankie’s perspective I would have hated him. I will warn folks that this book doesn’t have the heat that many of Ms James books do and I ugly cried several times.
Blown away…… Marie James does it again with Zeke and Frankie’s story. I wouldn’t call it a love story because I spent most of this book wanting to smack Zeke! Ugh that boy needed a serious punch. Frankie is a character you want to hug and comfort through her story. And well you know my stance on Zeke. Marie will captivate you right from the start and keep you guessing till the very end.
I found myself a bit speechless at the end of this book. I find myself speechless at the end of most of Marie’s book she is that good. She will pull you in right from the start and not let you go till the very end. And even at the end you are wanting more. I can’t wait for what’s next for these guys and I am eagerly waiting for the next book in this amazing series!
This story was amazing!! I loved Frankie & Zeke so much!! It was heartbreaking and real, sweet and funny. I highly recommend any book by Marie. So go grab this one up!
Rating:
I wanted to hate this guy but I just couldn’t!
The “Hero” in this story, Ezekiel is a bully from the start. He knows he is doing it and realizes he has no valid reason for it but he can’t seem to help himself. His reasons change throughout the story but you just feel for this guy because each of his reasons are so real. Not that it is an excuse for the way he treats Frankie, who is a very nice girl and doesn’t deserve any of it.
However, what he does is what a lot of teenagers do when they are backed into a corner or when their world is coming apart at the seems. They lash out at someone close to them or someone available. In Zeke’s case, Frankie is that person, she is the symbol for what is happening in his life so it sort of makes sense that it is her.
Zeke’s family lost the ranch that was in the family for generations and was supposed to be handed down to him one day. Now he and his Dad work on Frankie’s grandmothers ranch and live in the foreman’s house on her land. Zeke is having to help his Dad more and more and will probably have to give up football this year (his senior year), to help out on the ranch. That was supposed to be his ticket out. Now he is looking to spend his life working for other people on ranches he doesn’t own and living in houses that aren’t his, and he sees his future slipping away.
His father and Frankie’s Nan have been talking up Frankie to him for weeks before she arrives for the summer about what a good match they will make and Zeke sees it as one more choice being taken from him. So when she arrives for the summer her is very nice and polite in front of everyone but mean and nasty to her when they are alone. He also is fiercely attracted to her and that makes him hate her even more, and Frankie can’t figure him out because one minute he will be nice to her and the next will turn on her.
The romance between Zeke and Frankie is hot and has so many emotions because they go through so much together and they become friends. But Zeke just doesn’t know what to do with his emotions sometimes and he always seems to do the wrong thing and hurts Frankie. I really enjoyed this story, especially how it all came together. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Style: Enemy to Lovers Romance (High School)
Story: 3/5
Sexual: OK
Enjoyment: 3/5
Series: Book 2
I liked Frankie’s story,however, I totally understood what Zeke was going through, but he was always angry 90% of the book. It did get a bit draining at times. This book is 255 pages long. By 215, Zeke is still always angry. Like seriously, it took him too long to figure out everything. By the time the story concluded it was over and I didn’t get to enjoy their happiness as it was the last few pages. There are good qualities and bad about Zeke, but he is a teenager with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Frankie, I like her fire, very strong for someone who has been bullied most of her life. I didn’t like how the book ended with her parents and like the first book I felt like certain things were left unanswered.
I like that Piper and Dalton and still very present in this story, and no, Dalton still doesn’t have his memory back. Like the first book, the story took place over summer vacation and then concluded at school. It was good seeing them in a school environment.
Overall, I liked the story, however, it came with a few buts for me. Both books were my first time reading anything by this author but would not rule out reading more of her work.
***I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s definitely about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the stories you read. I hope this review was helpful.
Ooh, I’ve been anticipating this book since finishing the first book in the series, and this did not disappoint! I actually liked this book better than the first one! We met Frankie in the first book of the series, she’s the best friend to Piper, and she’s stuck in Utah for the summer. Her only consolation is Zeke, until she learns right up front how he feels about her (and it ain’t good friends). There are varying reasons why Zeke is so cruel towards Frankie, and while they’re valid, I had to remember these are teenagers and this is how they might react to events happening in their lives that they can’t control; they’ll just lash out and make someone (or someones) the target for their anger and hostility. Unfortunately, Frankie seems to represent what a big issue is for Zeke so he’s made made her his target. To make matters worse are the feelings he seems to have regarding Frankie, so that’s got him even more angry about what’s wrong with his life.
Things between them are all over the place, but I loved seeing them becoming friends, even though I couldn’t wait for Zeke to get himself together and stop doing and saying things to hurt Frankie; there were a couple of moments I wanted to reach through my e-reader and shake him. Hard. But I vaguely remember being a teenager and wanting to blame the world for whatever crisis I was experiencing, and then I remembered even more that Zeke didn’t really channel his emotions in the best way. I was happy with him by the end of the story.
James gives another Incredible Read! Catch Twenty-Two was a super emotional read, with very high angst! Whew! Put your big girl panties on because you’re gonna need them, and grab a box of kleenex! Zeke and Frankie are brutal on the Heart! I liked Frankie from the first book and I couldn’t wait for her story but I was in no way prepared for Zeke! Oh Zeke! I wanted to smack him so many times! I can’t tell you the number of times I had to close my reader and scream! Zeke puts Frankie through so much unnecessary hurt and pain, and he freaking knows it! Gahhh! I wanted him to pull his head out so many times!!! Frankie is strong and her heart is so pure, the compassion she holds is truly so beautiful. These two characters were really something. I’m so very happy with the way the book developed. The first half with their summer in Utah and the second half of them back in Westover. I devoured in a day completely swept up in everything. I loved Rowdy, he really melted my heart. I also loved getting pieces of Piper and Dalton. Catch Twenty-Two is book two in the Westover Prep series. while the books are standalones, I do highly recommend you start with One-Eighty. I’m so happy I found James, She gives you such wonderful characters that stay stuck in your head and touch your heart! I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
“Marie James is an expert when it comes to the bully romance trop. She knows how to work our hearts to love bullies this much. Catch Twenty-Two was everything!! A plot full of emotion, tension and an epic story telling. This was the second book in the Westover Prep series and follows the story of Frankie and Zeke. I thought book one was beyond good but this book surpassed everything! Sometimes I forget how much I miss and love teenage love and relationships. Seriously this book was all! Epic and emotional! A history about love and hate but mostly forgiveness. A captivating and page-turner story that won’t want to miss.”
I enjoyed the second book by Marie James in the Westover series even more than the first. The world-building and characters are top notched. Zeke and Frankie have a lot against them, and Zeke doesn’t handle the pressures he is facing well but I love the way their story is played out. I recommend this book and it would work well as a stand-alone since there is very little about the first book to influence the reader in this one.
Catch Twenty-Two is book 2 in the Westover Prep Series written by the talented author Marie James.
A remarkable read! I was completed absorbed and thoroughly immersed in Zeke and Frankie story! Another couple to fall in love with. I really enjoyed reading this bully romance story and look forward to book 3 in the series!
When Frankie is sent to her Nan’s house for the summer, she thinks it’ll be exciting when she spots the hot guy in the driveway. That is until he also sees her and she catches his sneer. Zeke’s been forced to work for the neighbor that his dad worked for after being forced to sell their own ranch. He’s not happy about the future that’s been set for him. Frankie is all his parents have talked about and that makes him automatically hate her. He’ll do anything he can to keep her away from him.
Frankie can’t figure Zeke out. It’s more of a puzzle than her best friend’s relationship. She has no idea why Zeke hates her but she just wants to stay away. Too bad she’s drawn to him. Stuck in his web, little does she know that she’ll continue to be the victim even when she goes back home.
I hated Zeke, and felt horrible for Frankie for having to put up with his crap. I did love the flow of the story and where it took us. I love that she didn’t just forgive and forget. He had to come to his own conclusion that he wanted to be better. He had to work especially for redemption. As always, Marie doesn’t disappoint no matter what she writes!
Have you ever just wanted to hate a character, but once you keep turning the pages you realize you can’t! I’m fact you end up falling in love with them….that’s how I feel about Zeke. Leave it to Marie James….she psychs you out and the. Reels you in. Absolutely love this series
Seriously I just looooove this author!!!! I’ve read all her work!! This book was just perfect! Loved Frankie & Zeke! Grab the tissues! This is a emotional roller coaster!
Frankie has been sent to Utah for the summer to help her grandma on her farm… Zeke works on her grandmas farm with his dad…
On the outside Zeke is perfection but as soon as he opens his mouth… not so much… but I understand now why he is/was that way… and Frankie is his calm to the storm that’s brewing..
Amazing job marie!!
After reading One-Eighty, I NEEDED Frankie and Zeke’s story something fierce! Frankie intrigued me from the very beginning of OE but so I was DYING to read her story. I needed to know why she moved, how she knew Zeke, how they became frenemies and more!
I’ve said this before and I will say it again, I don’t really do YA stories, but for Marie James stories, I will in a heartbeat!! I love the characters that Marie creates because they are deep characters who really have multiple layers that you truly experience, not on a surface level. You get to know and experience the characters and I love that even more!
I hope there will be more of this series but really just any story Marie James writes, I’ll read!!
Frankie has been dumped off on her grandma’s ranch for the summer and she’s upset about it because she’s just been informed of her best friend’s accident and she wants to go back to see her. No dice, though, because her parents are the least attentive to her needs parents, ever. But at least if she’s stuck on the ranch for the summer, the new guy is hot and might make for a good distraction. Except not because Zeke may be polite in front of her grandma and his father, but behind their backs he’s a mean ass bully to her for no reason that she can see.
Frankie hates that she’s so attracted to the boy who torments her for no reason. And Zeke feels the same way. Even he knows the way he treats her is wrong, but his world is out of control and she’s a convenient target for his rage. Helping fuel his rage is his insane attraction to the sweet girl he keeps bullying. It’s a never ending cycle of rage and attraction that neither can seem to stop. But when something unforeseen happens, will it bring them together, or be the thing that finally causes Frankie to kick Zeke out of her life for good?
This is another great bully romance from Marie James. I absolutely adored Frankie – she’s sweet and compassionate and did not in any way deserve the way Zeke treated her. He’s such a typical teenager who lashes out at someone unsuspecting and undeserving. I honestly didn’t like him, even when he redeemed himself in Frankie’s eyes. I get why he was so broken, but Frankie was far too sweet to deserve his bs, and I really wish she had dumped him and never took him back. Alas, the heart wants what the heart wants…still, aside from Zeke’s awful behavior and character, I liked Catch Twenty Two. It’s emotionally fraught and moves the story of Westover Prep even further forward. Can’t wait for the next installment.
This is another great book in this series and I am loving it!
The stuff that happened initially at Westover Prep made me so angry and if I could have strangled Zeke through the book I really would have!! I was so mad at how he was striking out at Frankie again when she was innocent through everything.
I was kind of anticipating the little twist and I was not disappointed in how everything totally exploded!! I loved when Dalton got involved in sticking up for Frankie!
My heart broke for Frankie when it came to her journal and I was so mad at the cruelty that people directed towards her. I was so happy that Zeke finally confessed everything and smartened up!
I was sad at how Frankie’s parents were after but I was really happy that she had Zeke and his mom to rely on and be there for her!
By Rebecca
A captivating story. I felt for Frankie and wanted to hate Zeke, but when his tale materialized, you couldn’t but feel him too.
I loved this story. It was a great conclusion. I’d love to read more from the Westover Prep.
I loved Frankie and was so glad she was getting her story told. What can I say about Zeke? You love to hate him. His hot and cold attitude toward Frankie made me want to reach through the pages and shake him. This book will pull so many emotions out of you. It is gritty and raw with a good amount of angst.
I am so glad the author wove some of book 1, One Eighty, in with this one. I loved getting a continuation of Dalton and Piper and seeing that they are still going strong. I am loving this series and can’t wait for more!
My Heart!!!
Frankie and Zeke are everything!!
There is so much going on in this book and although we know things these characters don’t and the turmoil, hurt and emotions that their actions cause makes you want to scream at them to talk!! I couldn’t put this book down and was desperate for the next page to see what would happen!!
If you are looking for action, angst, emotion, laughter and another glimpse of Dalton and Piper and the characters from One Eighty then this is the book for you!! I really hope there is more from this series to come as it’s brilliant!!
A MUST READ!!
In the first book of this series, we met Piper and her bully Dalton. When they had an accident, Dalton lost his memories and “forgot” he was a bully. Then he proceeded to court Piper until they were a couple. Apparently, bullies are now secretly in love with their victim.
While all this was happening, Piper’s best friend Frankie was sent by her parents to spend the summer with her maternal grandmother Nan at her ranch in Utah. Her parents had plans for the summer that didn’t include her. When she arrives, she gets the happy news that her grandmother has a boyfriend candidate ready for her. And even his parents are behind the relation because marriage to her would improve their dire financial status (as in, broke). Naturally, Piper is not on board with the situation until she sees Zeke:
“Dalton has nothing on the dark-haired, boot-wearing stranger climbing out of the truck. Even from fifty yards away, his strong jaw and wide shoulders are the stuff fantasies are made of. Maybe my forced visit to Utah won’t be so bad.”
But when she goes to greet her new “beau”, he snarls what will become a new bully relation:
“Silly little girl,” he rasps in my ear. “Did you really think I’d kiss you? I’d rather piss on an electric fence.”
And we get another delightful tale of a guy who behaves like a jerk and a girl who lets him step all over her. There are instances where she will stand up to him, but most of the time she cowers, cringes, flinches or hides away from the scorn.
This is the theme for their summer adventure, and when school starts, he moves to Westover with his mother, and continues the abuse. By this time, I was fed up and tired of the abuse. Several incidents happen where Frankie is embarrassed by the bully squad and Zeke, who has started to change his feelings toward Frankie, behaves like a sniveling coward and slithers away, leaving her to face the bullies on her own. Luckily, she has Piper and Dalton on her side and they never leave her side and shield her from the worst of the abuse.
I understand Zeke had his reasons for being angry at the world, feeling like he has no chance at improving his life and accomplishing his goals, but hitting on an innocent girl who moreover has a beautiful soul and heartwarm feelings, he deserves to be kneed in the nuts.
“I no longer had control of my destiny. My dreams, my goals, the things I wanted to do in life no longer mattered. You became the focus of that anger. You were a tangible thing for me to fight against, the only way I could get some level of control back in my life.
I don’t mind bully stories when the heroine gives as good as she gets, or when she is able to take vengeance on her mistreatment. In this case, Frankie took whatever Zeke handed her, good or bad. Her defenses were to hide or lay low, either away from home or behind her friends. I didn’t have a lot of enjoyment from this book, because when they finally had their sexy times, I was busy plotting Zeke’s demise . There is no way I would forgive a guy for this much bullying, no matter the reasons.
Reading this book was entertaining but bad for my blood pressure. The writing is brilliant, the pace great but the characters, especially the male ones, need to grow a pair.