Shay Gable hated my guts, and I hated hers, too.We went out of our way to avoid one another at all times. When she came my direction, I went the other. When we locked eyes, she’d turn and walk away.All of that changed the day I was presented with a challenge. It started out as a stupid bet: make Shay fall in love with me before I fell in love with her first.That was an easy bet for me to win.I … easy bet for me to win.
I didn’t love, I hardly liked.
Yet slowly the game started to shift. Shay made me crave things I never knew I wanted.
Love.
Happiness.
Her.
The closer we grew, the more she challenged my darkness, and the parts I kept locked away.
The hurts.
The pains.
The truth.
The game between us became too real, our feelings intermixed, and the risks of hurting one another grew higher.
But you know what they say…
All’s fair in the game of love and war—especially the heartbreaks.
(Book one in the L&S Duet)
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Overall Grade: +
My first foray into Brittainy C. Cherry was her fantastic book, Eleanor & Grey. The angst of their story and its happy ending made me fall in love with Cherry’s storytelling. Within the pages of that story, we were introduced to Landon and Shay. Landon is Grey’s best friend since childhood, and Shay is Eleanor’s best friend and cousin. In this book, it’s clear that Landon and Shay have unresolved issues. There is a tension between the two of them, grounded in disappointment and game-playing. At the end of Eleanor & Grey, I wasn’t done with these characters. In fact, I wanted Landon and Shay’s story. And Brittainy C. Cherry has provided a duet for these two, the first book being Landon & Shay: Book 1.
For those of you who read Eleanor & Grey, the Landon and Shay of that book is similar but not quite the same as the Landon and Shay of this first book of the duet. Yes, these two begin this story as enemies. Both of them “hate” each other predicated on their perceptions of the other person. They don’t really know each other personally. Their understandings of each other are based on their preconceived notions and the actions of the other. And those preconceived notions don’t match the real worlds of these two characters. As one can imagine, as the story progresses, these two learn more about each other. This occurs because these two make a bet: the first to fall in love with the other is the winner with all the entitled bragging rights. What each learns about the other through the experience of the bet makes them realize they are more alike than different, and they have deeper feelings than before. At the end of this book, after falling in love, they leave each other for future endeavors. Obviously, Book 2 will show us more of the Landon and Shay of Eleanor & Grey, but I think Cherry has added more depth to these characters than she did in that book. I, for one, am anticipatory for her second book in this duet.
This book is a slow burn. As an “enemies-to-lovers” book, it’s important to realize that it takes quite a bit of story for Landon and Shay to move beyond their “hate” for each other. Cherry develops this story almost tediously as a way to help us understand the characters of Landon and Shay individually. What this does is slow the story down quite a bit. This is a romance that requires patience (never a bad thing), but the true action and depth of the story don’t really begin until about 60 – 70% into the book. Instead, Cherry takes her time in developing Landon and Shay individually so we can feel the depth of their hearts when they finally admit feelings larger than hate. For a reader like me, I found myself wanting to speed up or fast forward, but I waited it out. When the story finally crescendos, the feelings and heartbreak for these two characters tears at your soul. This is wise storytelling; it suggests that the more we invest in the character development, the bigger the emotional payoff. For a romance reader like me, that’s important. I need an emotional connection to my characters within the context of an angsty romance like this one. That is what makes a successful romance in my estimation.
While this book is seemingly about enemies becoming lovers, the real message behind this story is depression. This is the power of Cherry’s story here. Landon lives a life with a mask that hides his deep depression. Cherry shows us all his hurt within the confines of his mind. Every moment Landon hits the page, it illustrates the dire nature of living with depression. He hides it well, except that Shay sees through his mask. It’s her love for him, her tenacity to see him fully, that helps him begin to admit he’s depressed. This isn’t an easy or fast choice in this book. It takes most of the book, much back and forth between these two, for Landon to admit it. When he does, this sets the action forward. Through Landon’s characterization, we are treated to the ways that people can help others with depression, and it begins with seeing them behind their masks. I hope the Landon of Landon & Shay isn’t fully like the Landon in Eleanor & Grey. I hope when we read him in Book 2 he’ll maintain the depth he’s grown in this book. But, this being Brittainy C. Cherry, I know there are strife and tension ahead.
As far as heroines, Shay resides among the best of them. She should be broken. With an addict, liar of a father, she should act out and make poor choices. Instead, Cherry sets her in contrast to the antagonist of the story, Monica. Monica’s life is a mess because her home life is less than ideal. While Shay’s home life is also fraught with issues, she relies on the strength of her grandmother to see her through the difficulties. Like Landon, she too wears a mask at school: the good perfect girl. However, there is something deeper in Shay. And it’s this depth that calls out to Landon. She’s wise beyond her years, intuitive about people. This is what helps save Landon from himself. This is what makes her heroic. Yes, she has the qualities of a typical romantic heroine: looks, strength, and compassion. It’s her intuitive nature, however, that makes her better.
Brittainy C. Cherry’s Landon & Shay calls for patience. It asks for us to wait, to save our judgment until the very last word. If not, we run the risk of unfairly characterizing its story. At its surface, this book looks like an enemies-to-lovers story. Yet, at its depth, it is a story of loving someone through their pain and their hurt and their depression. Cherry does this carefully, plodding along while pouring into the development of her characters. I know when this duet ends my heart will be fuller, and the tension of this book (and probably the next) will have drained away. In its stead, there will be the realization that true love can overcome anything. If you love contemporary, angsty romance, then you’ll find an important story in Cherry’s Landon & Shay.
My heart! First it broke then it was put back together Brittainy has a way with her words and stories. I have not read one book by her that didn’t touch me in some way and Landon & Shay is no exception. This is more than a story of enemies to lovers it holds emotion and touches subjects such as depression, suicide and other hard subjects. The characters in this story are real we have all known someone struggling just like them, maybe even ourselves. I admire Brittainy and her ability to write a story so real and raw that the reader can connect with the characters. It’s the emotions that you will feel when reading this story that make the story amazing. Definitely a top read of 2019 for me.
I know that when I start a book written by Brittainy that I need to grab a box of tissues and prepare myself to be taken on an emotional journey. I’m glad I’ve learned this over the years because I needed those tissues! How is my heart this morning? Well it is still beating – even though it has been broken multiple times whilst reading Landon and Shay’s story.
This story is one that will stay with me forever. Landon is broken and complex, and in his young life he has had to deal with situations and feelings that no one should ever experience. There were many times when I wanted to be there for him and give him the biggest hug that I could and tell him to keep fighting – to be strong! I hoped that all was going to work out well for him because he deserved it, but I’m not sure how many times I could pick myself off the floor after being constantly knocked down by so many.
Shay is an incredible person. She is someone I strive to be! Her personality is incredible and everyone needs to have a friend like her in their corner. To see her shine and care for others even though she has her own demons to deal with, just proved how wonderful she truly is. It’s hard to always wear a mask hiding the struggles we are trying to overcome, and I felt that Brittainy conveyed this perfectly throughout the story!
I love the connection that Landon and Shay have. I loved their story and watching their relationship change and develop throughout the book. I don’t think without Shay’s wonderful and insightful personality that Landon would have had the best chance of a future. His close friends need a mention here too. Without love and friendship, we simply cannot successfully survive. It is human nature to be needed and liked, and I feel the author showed this perfectly in many ways.
Landon & Shay is an incredible story. It is a tough story to read as it highlights real battles and I’m certain that you will shed a tear or two. However, although there is darkness, there is also light! There is plenty to laugh and smile about throughout the book too.
I would recommend this story to you without a second thought. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next for Landon and Shay in the second book of this duet.
I basically devoured this 6 star story in a matter of a few short hours, it’s that addicting.
Landon and Shay have hated each other for years. Each battle their own sets of demons that teenagers shouldn’t have to be doing. There’s a fine line between love and hate. They need to heal before they can be together.
This is part 1 of a duet so it’s not meant to be read as a standalone. This an heartfelt and heartbreaking journey for 2 teenagers. Together they help each other but it’s not enough yet. Beautifully written with an enticing storyline that made me feel so many different emotions.
Characters are what are important in order for me to love a story. They were perfectly developed and made me feel so much. I can’t wait for part 2.
Told in a dual POV with a promise of a equally amazing part 2.
5 “Only Ever You” Stars!
Landon Harrison is the bad boy from the small town of Raine, Illinois. He’s a senior at Jackson High School, who is popular, comes from a wealthy family, and from the outside appears to have it all. Inside he’s struggling, and hasn’t been okay for a while. He’s complex, moody, angry, and considers himself damaged. Often alone, he has too much time on his hands. Then he gets a much needed distraction that helps him not focus or think as much about his own problems. It’s a bet he can’t turn down. Make his enemy fall in love with him before he can fall for her first. This should be simple since he doesn’t do the whole love thing.
Shay Gable was the good girl princess with a sensitive heart. She’s in her junior year, and practically Jackson High royalty. Everyone adored her, and she was Little Miss Perfect. She’d always been flawless in every way, and hating her had become the most constant thing in his life. He’d known her for years, and they ran in the same group of friends, but they despised each other. Annoying her was fun, and they loved pushing each other’s buttons.
Shay believed in fairytales and love, and generally liked most people except Landon Harrison. He’d forever been the boy she couldn’t stand. Then one day everything changed as the game they were playing turns very real. The boy she’d so easily dismissed now flustered her, and made her heart beat a little faster when he was near. She was seeing a different side to him she never knew existed, and trying to fight the undeniable pull between them.
As Landon spends time with Shay she makes him feel again. She was the first person to truly see him in a long time. At first she was just entertaining, but then her presence began to bring him a sense of comfort, and he looked forward to spending time with her. She really noticed him and made him wonder if he could maybe have all the things he never thought were possible for him. Will Landon and Shay have their happily ever after or will things end in heartbreak?
Landon & Shay: Part One is book one in the L&S Duet by Brittainy C. Cherry. It’s a fantastic New Adult, emotional enemies to lovers romance where two rivals battle it out in the name of love. It has a beauty and the beast vibe and deals with some serious issues. Brittainy continues to write unique, beautiful stories I can’t get enough of. I loved this book, and can’t wait for Part Two, and more of this couple!
“Everyone had cracks and cuts that bled into their soul each night. Some people were simply better at hiding them.”
Another five star worthy book by Brittainy C. Cherry. I just absolutely love this author’s writing. I am amazed by her ability to bring a story and characters to life. The main characters Landon and Shay start of as enemies, but during a party find themselves making a bet of who can make the other fall in love with them first. I loved their banter a lot, and especially Shay held her own even though she is the good girl. Landon acts tough and portrays himself a certain way, but Shay can see through it. I am very happy that Brittainy decided to make their story a duet, because it would’ve been impossible to tell their story in one book and have it impact me as much as it did. I am also happy that this book focused on their past and how their relationship developed. There is just so much growth in the characters, and this includes development in the relationship with their family.
“I wanted to know his story. His ugly, hard novel. I wanted to read his words, even though they seemed to bleed across the page in the most painful way.”
This book isn’t just about love, it is also about two characters that are trying to figure things out. Especially, Landon had it really rough and is struggling with his demons. I am just happy he had a great support system around him. This book was emotional, romantic and funny. This book had everything I love in my romance books. I felt such a strong connection with both characters. I was really dreading the end of this book, but Brittainy really nailed the ending in my opinion. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was just so beautiful and fitting. Everything just made sense and that is what I want in my contemporary romance novels. I already look forward to seeing what will happen next for these characters and see them grow even more. Landon & Shay is a MUST-READ for any romance lover. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading this author before then I highly recommend you do.
Brittany C Cherry is an author that keeps outdoing herself with each book she writes. When you think she has written the best story you have ever read, she then goes and does it again even better. I was blown away when Eleanor and Grey released but Landon & Shay has just left me speechless and this is only part 1. This story is so very relevant to teens today, the subject matter and themes are ones that are tough and difficult but must be talked about and faced head on. Well done, delivering a story that is emotional and raw and relevant to all! I can’t wait to read part 2 to see where the story ends.
„I am going to love loving you as much as I loved hating you.”
When I reach for Brittainy C. Cherry’s book, I always know that this author will break my heart. But like an emotional masochist that I am, I run to her with a smile on my face every time I hear about the new upcoming story. Landon & Shay was no exception. And even though I knew more or less what to expect, Brittainy once again managed to bring me to my knees. This book is not easy, it has emotional depth and the cover beautifully reflects the story– don’t judge superficially, because something that looks beautiful and sunny may contain something completely different.
This is not a simple enemies to lovers romance, it’s so much more. Cherry in a beautiful and heartbreaking way weaves heavy topics and problems that her characters struggle with in their stories. In this book the main character suffers from depression. Although Landon effectively masks his condition from the world, one person seems to see through the facade. And this person is none other than Shay- the girl that Landon hates with his whole self. And the feeling is mutual. But the hatred that seems to have always been going on is evolving into a completely different feeling. And all this thanks to the bet Landon and Shay have made.
Although from the very beginning of this story I saw Landon and Shay’s interactions as a constant banter and insults, with each overturned page my heart swelled. I was tearing off the layers of these characters and each discovery made me love them more and more. Especially Landon, who’s such a complicated boy, but good and loveable at the same time, even when he doesn’t believe it himself. Shay instantly caught my sympathy being incredibly caring and kind-hearted. She’s a real ray of sunshine.
This book is one of the reasons Cherry is and will always be one of my favorite authors. No one can shake my world and fill my heart to the brim like she does. I love the authenticity of her characters and how easily I can identify with them because they are perfectly imperfect. They struggle with real problems and make mistakes. But Brittainy also shows us the healing power of love and how the support of another person can affect our lives. Landon & Shay is another book by this author that is a masterpiece. I look forward to the next part of this duet with bated breath! I need to know what will happen next with this couple.
This author knows how to write about pure love. In this novel, she turns rivals into real lovers. She takes their unruly, wild emotions in a journey of communion and understanding, and changes them as much as she changes our perception.
Young but broken, Landon and Shay start as enemies who tease and bicker. Until a challenge pushes them into the other one’s path and their needs collide in moving ways.
This story has a very slow pace and a slow-burn romance. That allows a relationship to be built from pain and negativity to become a bond of the hearts. It deals with delicate mental issues, family struggles and the suffocating pressure of loneliness.
I loved the fun in the dialogues as the characters tease each other, and the beautiful transformation of their animosity into trust and supportive patience. I loved all the ways they communicated with words, attention and caring. I loved the intimacy, both emotional and physical. It is all very touching.
As with all fated lovers, their union is doomed, and it is heartbreaking to sense it coming. It is interlaced with family secrets and self-worth and intense emotional trauma, but it is also an homage to friendship, second chances, loyalty and the kind of love that withstands every storm.
I really cried at the end. Which by the way feels like a closure, however open ended it may be. I know there is a second book though it feels done. We will see what else comes out of the future for this suffering couple.
Can someone please help me find my heart because I’m sure I’ve left it somewhere in this book.
I am such a complete emotional mess. Early into this story it was no surprise the tears would start, but that was nothing compared to the floodgates that opened towards the end. At one point I went back and kept rereading a certain part—it hurt, but it was so excruciatingly beautiful that I couldn’t help myself. I can’t quite possibly put into words how deeply this book touched me—all I can say is that I will never be the same after reading Landon and Shay’s story. These two embedded themselves in the deepest parts of my soul and they’ll stay there forever.
I knew I wanted more of Landon and Shay once they were introduced in Eleanor and Grey. I desperately with an extra side of desperate needed their story. And imagine my surprise when they wouldn’t be getting one, but two books—I was elated and couldn’t contain my excitement. But I had no idea at the high level my emotions would be and how impacted this story would leave me. It’s a wild and bumpy ride, but every ache is worth it.
Landon obliterated my heart, but at the same time put it back together and healed it. He’s such a complex character with many layers. Underneath everything though, he’s so good—he doesn’t see it, but he is such an extremely good person. I can’t even express just how much I love Landon. He’s one of those characters that seeped into my soul and made a home of my heart and those parts will always belong to him.
Shay was an extraordinary character. I loved her and her good heart to pieces. She’s everything good that Landon needs. She’s compassionate, caring, patient, selfless and above all, loving. She’s the only one that sees the true Landon—the real and incredible person he is. She may have stared off hating him, but little by little she started falling and there was no going back. No matter what, she’s always there for Landon and he can count on her, always.
Landon and Shay are some kind of wonderful. Their story isn’t easy at times, but that’s the point because everything isn’t sunshine and rainbows. They both grew so much throughout the book which added to the depth of their character. Landon and Shay left a huge imprint on my heart—I’ll never forget these two, ever.
Brittainy C. Cherry never ceases to amaze me. Each time I read one of her books it becomes a favorite. But this book is on another level. I’m blown away with this beautifully exquisite book. Landon and Shay’s story is raw, real, tearful, poignant and beautiful. And just like Mima says, “The ending will always be worth the hard middle.” And I’m waiting on bated breath for what I’m sure will be a worthy ending to an already remarkable story.
MUST READ
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND
I have to admit this book got me right In the feels this book was everything.
When i started Landon and Shay i will admit i didn’t know what to expect we only got snippets of them in Eleanor & Grey and i am so thankful that Brittany Cherry decided to write thier story because it is a story that needs to be told.
Landon oh my goodness Landon he was such a complex character but the way the author writes his story and you could feel every ounce of hurt and pain that Landon was feeling and the sadness he was feeling what he was going through it just hurt my soul and broke my heart through the whole story, i thought he was going to be a real prick though out the whole but what he goes through you can see how good he was inside.
Shay was someone who you thought had the perfect life and the hatred between Shay and Landon wasn’t surprising but what i loved most most was how she never gives up and reads people and even though she monsters she always sees the best in them. I really loved her character.
I couldn’t put this book down this book had it all twists, heartbreak, sadness and an amazing story that is not even finished, it’s not necessarily a cliffhanger but Landon and Shays book was too big for one story they needed two and i can’t wait to read Part 2
If your a fan of Brittainy C Cherries you won’t be disappointed and if you have never read one of her books then i am not sure what your waiting for it’s a must
*4,5 stars*
Every time I read a book by this author, I always know I’m in for an emotional read and this one is no different. The way the story is written just has a way to weave it’s way into your heart. It deals with so many different things. Definitely a rollercoaster ride of emotions! Can’t wait for part two!
Landon and Shay have known each other for years but they have a hate-relationship that doesn’t seem to end. When their lives crash into one, they make a bet that may end up being more than they had bargained for. Both have a past they can’t seem to escape and not every scar is visible. Even though Landon is still trying to cope with the loss of a loved one, he tries to get by every day but it’s not easy. The more Landon is breaking down Shay’s walls, he sees that there is more than meets the eye and sees a different side of her, one that will change everything. But some secrets are being laid bare and it will change their future in ways they never saw coming… Will Shay finally be able to let her guard down? And will Landon be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel?…
I’ve been on a roll with amazing reads lately and Brittainy C. Cherry has continued the streak with Landon & Shay: Part One. Beautifully written and emotionally powerful it was a clear five-star romance from the very beginning.
This was a fantastic enemies to lovers romance and I adored Shay Gable and Landon Harrison. If Landon was our broken hero, Shay was our fierce heroine. Her strength was just incredible and helped to balance out Landon. Although this story takes place mostly in high school the story is far from YA. The story just reads like a beautiful romance. Despite knowing it was a duet I almost wasn’t ready for the cliffhanger. I’m going to need part two immediately!
Brittainy writes soulful stories that jump from the pages straight to the hearts. Her soft nature mirrors in her stories. They’re fragrant with love, tumultuous with roiling angst, soaked wet tears of the readers. She manages to draw out ALL the feelings possible just with strokes of her pen.
“How’s your heart?”
“Still beating”
It’s starts out on a vengeful & venomous note when Landon & Shay are horns-locked enemies, living for moments to stab each other with scathing knives…
“I hated Shay Gable. If there was only one thing in life I knew for certain, it was that fact.”
“we never gelled. You know how people have instant friendships? She and I had an instant hateship. I hated her, and her goody-two-shoes personality.”
…to suddenly realizing they’re two sides of the same coin, two peas albeit in differently-same pods!!
“We loved pushing each other’s buttons. We loved the way we pissed each other off. We loved the hate we were able to give each other every day we walked into school.”
Even though the Romance between Bad boy Landon Harrison and good girl Shay Gable is in the forefront in the book, the background hides ominously dark mental problems of depression, anxiety and Addiction. The focus shifts between two halves of everyday life of these characters who’re engaged in witty banter and verbal spats in the corridors of High School, at play in flirtatious games in the booze parties, yet whenever they find themselves faced with family, they either lie alone in their houses like Landon or shut themselves in their rooms like Shay. But they can’t shut the noises that drive them crazy because they’re coming from the monster entrenched in their heads
The common problem of parental neglect and angry home atmospheres raises anxiety levels to all time high.
“You’re shit,” it told me.
“Someone like her could never love someone as broken as you,” it taunted.
“She just said she loved you to end the bet, not because she really cares.”
That was the thing about anxiety and depression: there was nothing logical about it. When my brain started to spin the webs of self-doubts, it spun fast, spinning me round and round into its webs of lies.”
They both escape in the arms of one another but loneliness finds them at odd moments.
The story was tender but unsettling at times and touched some deep part of my heart
I’m always excited and eager to read Britainy’s travails of heart stories. She has remarkable ability to weave a rich tapestry of human traits and characteristics shaped by tests and trials of life. Her keen observational skills and knack of transferring them in words is a boon for us readers.
The plot was Indulgence of the empathies. I wanted to hug Landon tight, shower him with unconditional love
“So, please, stop running. Place your feet on the ground and make peace with your demons. Stop fighting them and hold them.”
I wanted to worship gracious Shay and her 24k solid gold of a heart that has sympathy and vast understanding for all around her.
I wanted to organism and intervention for The parents involved and I wanted to thank the thankless and unappreciated jobs of the school counselors.
Remember to keep a box of tissues handy when you read the book. It’s a maelstrom of sentiments that will sweep you away gloriously towards the sky before slamming you down at the end. Dazed and stunned…I can’t wait for book 2
5 I love you, I love you’s for the Love that sets your free!
whyyyyyyy can’t I read a book by Brittainy without having to go to Costco for giant quantities of Kleenex????
I was totally on edge thru this entire story! Not because it was this huge suspenseful mess, noooooooo, because I just have this animalistic (lol) need to get to that sweet spot in a journey. You know the one. Where you can finally breath easy because you know there’s no more *bombs/conflicts* left to play out.
So yeah, not yet …… *deep breath*
What an incredible pair of kids Landon and Shay turned out to be. I am ridiculously proud of this story. I have loved this woman’s work since I read her first book but it has not been since The Silent Waters that one of her stories has consumed my heart to the point of bursting. Landon & Shay have done just that and maybe a little bit more!!
There is so much darkness around these two but their hearts are so good that it just doesn’t matter. They are surrounded by just as much heart! Everyone should have a tribe like theirs! I’m a little bit jealous right now LOL I’m not going to give you much more than this on the story because it just wouldn’t be fair to you. You deserve to go into this story completely blind. The story will be worth it. #TRUST But I will say this. There’s something I have learned in my 49 years living my life … There is no hate without love. There is no love without hate. ~ Me
My last note to anyone reading this review is … have no fear, this may be a duet, but this isn’t some sort of dramatic, OMG HOW DARE SHE DO THIS, cliffhanger. It’s an emotional pause. The story needs a break. The journey of Landon and Shay has hit a fork in its path so ….. until we meet again!
I love books about young love, emotions and heartbreak. I am overwhelmed with how beautiful Landon & Shay (L&S Duet,#1) was written and it exceeded my expectations in more ways than one. This book is absolute perfection, I loved it fiercely and all the ways it caused my heart to ache.
Landon & Shay were complete opposites as Shay was sweet, kind, a good girl and everything nice. Landon was fake, his behavior was a facade and unfortunately, he battled internal demons that he kept to himself. They’ve had a mutual hate for each other since they were children and even with those feelings, they decided to make a bet as to who would fall in love with each other first. And what started out as a bet, turned into so much more than either one of them anticipated. As the story developed, so did my love for Landon & Shay and they utterly stole my heart and my soul. Their character development was just AMAZING!!
Landon & Shay does not have a cliche storyline as it’s unique and certainly holds its own. It’s raw, real, filled with angst and surprises and I’m highly anticipating reading Landon & Shay (L&S Duet, #2).