I have loved Channing Monroe all my life.In first grade, he asked for my Trapper Keeper.I hit him in the head with it.Third grade, we were best friends. We kissed in seventh grade.Eighth grade, he turned into a bad boy and the rest was a tumultuous storm.Growing up, the problem was never love for us.Bad times. Good times. There were times when I felt our love in every inch of my body, vibrating, … every inch of my body, vibrating, making me feel like it could bring me back to life.
The problem was us.
The problem is that we’re living in two different worlds now.
Fallen Crest and its millionaires for me. Roussou and their criminals for him. I was thriving in mine and he was running his.
But…
But there were nights I felt we couldn’t be further apart than we were, and there were nights I felt we shared the same heartbeat.
When was it time?
When was it time to either sacrifice, make a change, or walk away from the boy I grew up with?
** 103k standalone
There are two chapters at the end from additional books.
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I must admit that it’s my first read by the author and I absolutely loved it.
I got all flushed from the first sentence when I’ve heard the male narrator voice because really ,that voice is so sexy and swoon worthy.
As for the book it was great. It deals with a lot of topics that I am always eager to read about. I loved how we are going back and foreword with the friendship since childhood and as adults with the problems that come along. I love the writing and will check out other books by the author for sure.
A very well done story about the sidekick characters of Fallen Crest High. It is great when an author takes on new characters in a developed story line rather than making the happily ever afters fall apart just to get them back together. I like how the story continues but from a different view point with new problems and more in-depth characterization of people we already know.
4 !!!!
This book started off slow for me but soon it picked up . I love Tijan and this book continues my love for her books . Channing and Heather have had some sort of relationship since they were 8 years old. Whether it be friends, lovers , boyfriend/girlfriend, or trying to hate each other. They try to stay away from each other but they just can’t . They love each other too much. Channing is the bad boy , always going down the wrong path . Heather was hard worker, strong, independent and fierce women. She loves Channing more than anything even after everything they have put each thru. Channing is the leader of his crew and his crew has always come first. Heather has always just wanted to be first to him . Can these two overcome everything they have been thru and truly be together . This is a gripping, rough around the edges , tragic in the best way love Story. This is another amazing book from Tijan . Can’t wait to read more about Bren’s crew in crew 2 .
They met in the first grade. Best friends by the third grade. Held hands in the fifth, kissed in the seventh. She had loved him her entire life. He had loved her from the beginning. Love was never their problem. Sex was never their problem. She’s caught between worlds. She isn’t his main priority. Crew first. Sister next. Town after that, then maybe her. She should have walked away years ago. He should have let her go. But there has never been a couple meant to be together more than Heather and Channing.
Each book brings Tijan closer to the author I love. There were many parts of this book that were perfect. Many that were close. And some that missed the mark.
The perfect: How she continued to pop up at such random moments. Having experienced this myself, that’s as realistic as it gets. The craziness of Stalker. From her introduction to her inclusion, she cracked me up with her insanity. Mannies. I loved getting this behind the scenes, in-depth look into Heather’s place and getting to know all of her employees/family. The last several chapters leading up to a HEA. Dreams come true and then some. The bonus scene with the FC crew. Sam and Mason will always be my favorites. Every other character pales next to them.
The close: The flashbacks. I really enjoyed young Heather and Channing. It seemed as if some of the things weren’t age-appropriate, however. In 5th grade, they are trick-or-treating (Yes), but then by 7th grade Channing has tattoos?? Did he sleep around when she turned to FC? One minute it seemed as if she was his one and only, but that’s never been the image we’ve been given from the FC books. Did he turn his back on his love for Heather and sleep around? This is crucial because the only way he ever really showed his love for her was through sex, not actions, so if he slept around, it’s even worse than a regular man-whore. Moose, Lincoln, Chad, and Congo. I love Channing’s friends, if only they hadn’t been tarnished by being crew.
The missed: I’m not a fan of Roussou and its crews so that complicates these stories. It’s not the seediness or the violence, it’s just not entertaining to me. Too much emphasis on crew. Channing and Heather had a toxic relationship for too many years. Love isn’t always best. If you can only have sex but never share feelings, that’s not love, that’s lust. They couldn’t share their lives beyond a certain point and yet they wouldn’t walk away and allow the other to truly live. Toxic. Channing never put her first, Heather was an enabler. It bothered me that beautiful, strong, caring Heather Jax that I know as Sam’s best friend didn’t demand more for herself. Channing was an addiction and needed to be cut off like her cigarettes. This was never more clear than after their loss. It hurt me that she was put through so much pain by her best friend/lover over the years. His actions from seventh grade on cheapen those titles. The man that all of Roussou admired was selfish and carelessly cruel with Heather’s heart.
Overall, I am happy with Heather and Channing’s story. It was much like I expected. I do not look forward to a return to Roussou and Bren’s story but I am excited about the sneak peek from her secret project book. Regardless, I can’t walk away from Tijan’s books any more than Heather could walk away from Channing!
DNF
A must read!
I was beyond thrilled when I heard we were going to get Heather & Channing’s story & Tijan did not disappoint! Getting an intimate look at what has broken these two souls, made them stronger and creating this bond that has drawn them to one another. I love how strong Heather is and her devotion to Channing is like no other! I have fallen in love with so many of Tijan’s characters but Channing & Heather may be my favorite yet! A Must Read!!!
For as long as Heather remembers, Channing has been a huge part of her life. The two go all the way back to their elementary school years, and continued well into adulthood. Over time – the two experience the toxicity of their romance. One that has carried them through good times and bad.
While Heather has always known that Channing was her one true love, Channing has always wanted more for Heather. Channing never planned on dragging Heather into the abyss that surrounds his life. A dangerous reality at times, but a necessary role given Channing’s status with the various crews in town. Now that Channing is the sole provider for his sister, Heather is once again ‘last’ in his responsibilities.
Walking away from Heather is the right thing to do, yet Channing can’t seem to complete severe the ties that bind the two together. Danger is lurking in Channing’s life that will ultimately pull those he loves into the mass chaos that surrounds the Crew. As this duo realizes their ship has sailed, they discover that the loss of the other might be greater than they ever imagined.
The Boy I Grew Up With is the latest novel by Tijan. It follows the journey that Channing and Heather have led for many years. With glimpses into the past, readers will finally see where the two crossed paths, the pain they have instilled upon one another, and the devotion that the two can’t seem to shake. With a tale full of angst and intrigue, fans of Tijan’s other books will finally understand the ins and outs of this love affair. Make sure you flip to the Epilogue…..Tijan definitely had these two come full circle in life!!
The Boy I Grew Up With is Heather and Channing. We get their dual POVs and past and present. Heather is a great character. She strong and feisty. She also loyal to those she loves. She’s a girl that you would definitely want to have your back. She and Channing go way back to the playground age. Channing and Heather have an up and down relationship. If they were are Facebook their relationship status would be complicated for a lot of the story. At points their relationship had my head spinning but they have this unbreakable bound. It’s a great story
This book was beautifully written with very charismatic characters. Heather and Channing meet in first grade and their relationship continues to grow into a wickedly sexy co existence that neither time nor circumstance can circumvent. The story of their undying love does seem somewhat predictable and at time it’s losses its freshness because of its predictably. Despite its predictable outcomes I did enjoy the book and would recommend.
What an emotional read. To say I loved this story would be a gross understatement! I have loved every story from the Fallen Crest series and always wondered about Channing & Heather’s on again, off again relationship. I loved the journey Tijan took us on.
I was interested in reading this book from getting to know Heather a little bit better in Crew. Well at least a different side to her than what you see in the Fallen Crest series. This story was definitely a little more along the lines of Crew and definitely pretty angsty. But I loved how it spanned childhood to adulthood for how Channing and Heather met and fell and all the struggles in between. I love the worlds that Tijan creates with her words. Can’t wait for more from her.
Tijan did it again! She has brought it to the table. Man she has written another story I could not put down. I mean I was reading till three in the morning and I just couldn’t get enough. When I was done reading I was like sweet baby Jesus I love Channing and Heather.
Channing comes from the wrong side of the tracks but he has a heart of gold and when he loves he loves fiercely. Heather comes from money but she is not a spoiled brat. When Channing and Heather are at school everything is fun and games. They become best friends that turns in to lovers and holy hell they are such a good couple. I mean they have their ups and downs like any normal relationship but they work it out.
This is such a must read especially after reading Crew and reading about Channing and Heather as adults you get to see how it all started and where they end up. Absolutely amazing story that will have you on the edge of your seat reading so fast just to see what happens next!
I was so excited to read this story. I met Channing and Heather in CREW and I was really curious about them. And as always, Tijan gave us an amazing and overwhelming story.
The love Channing and Heather share is historic, they share this connection that makes it impossible for them to stay apart. Trust me, they tried and they couldn’t live without each other.
This story was very emotional. Channing and Heather met in first grade and that’s when their love story started, even if they didn’t know it. What I love the most about this story is that their love didn’t know barriers, as they were first friends and then lovers, they knew each other well, they knew how each other thinks and how they behave. Their connection was pure and profound.
Tijan makes us know about this amazing characters and how they grew up and developed their love over time. The flashbacks were hilarious when they were kids and also heartbreaking. Their love went through A LOT that at the end they realized that no matter what happened, their love will always be there, no matter if they were apart, they will find their way back.
THE BOY U GREW UP WITH can be read as a standalone, but I suggest to read CREW first to understand more about this amazing characters. I would have loved to read THE FALLEN CREST HIGH first because some characters from that series were mentioned. Can’t wait to read more Tijan’s books and I’m so thrilled that CREW 2 is coming.
Spellbinding. Thrilling. Beautiful. Emotional. Those are just a few words to describe The Boy I Grew Up With. If you have read the Fallen Crest series, then you have probably been waiting with baited breath for Heather & Channing’s story. I for one, have been waiting on pins and needles for it, and am here to tell you that their story was well worth the wait.
Without giving away too many details, I can honestly say that this is one of the best books that Tijan has ever written. Heather and Channing’s story was heartbreaking and yet incredibly beautiful at the same time. The two of them have a love that has stood the test of time. They met at a young age and despite all of the ups and downs, nothing could keep them apart. What they have is a love of a lifetime. Two soulmates who are destined to be together.
Overall, I found The Boy I Grew Up With to be an enjoyable read. I loved everything about it, from the beginning to the end. The characters and the story-line were entertaining and so much fun. I didn’t want to put this book down. I just wanted to live in the book and hang out with these characters. This is absolutely a wonderful book to spend the day getting swept up in.
5 STARS!!!
You know that feeling you get when you step in line for the biggest roller coaster your eyes have ever seen. As the line inches closer to the ride, you stare up at the cars flying up and down the track, patrons squealing with joy and screaming in fear. Your heart starts to race and your palms get sweaty as your stomach flips, watching and waiting. That’s how this book felt.
The entire read was the biggest Tijan roller coaster ride I’ve ever encountered. My emotions rode those highs and lows, squealing with glee and gasping in panic. Heather’s (and Channing’s) story was incredible. Their love dating back to school yard days. That invisible string that kept them tied together no matter how badly they wanted to walk away from one another. No Crew, or rival, or loss could tear these two apart. Each loss they overcame and win they triumphed in, was tied to each other.
I’m still reeling from the raw emotion with all the events, ups and downs and pure honesty that took place in a single book. Loving every moment of it, from beginning to end. This was hands down the most maturely natured story line from the Fallen Crest characters. Heather and Channing shared an unbreakable bond, seeded so deep in their pasts and future. You can’t help but want these two to work out, to have a bright future and grow old together. The perfect Heroine and her unsung Hero.
The epilogue was EVERYTHING. That’s all I will say about that.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book was better than I ever hoped it would be! I was so excited for Heather and Channing’s story. I get so addicted to the stories Tijan creates. The characters are so flawed, they are so damaged. It isn’t any different for this young adult, coming of age story. It’s really weird though, I never feel like I’m reading a story about teenagers. These are characters that have gone through so much… way more than they should have in their young lives.
I’m gonna be short and sweet… Tijan’s books are always the best when you go in knowing very little about the story. The Boy I Grew Up With is such a deep story. It’s way deeper than love, it’s a love and friendship that meld into something only rarely found. These two deserve all the good things though. Nothing has been easy. Sigh… Tijan wrote one of her best stories. It touched on so many larger things in life. Tijan’s writing is captivating and completely touching. Her books only take me a few hours to read… once I start I don’t stop, I just can’t. It’s a beautiful disaster and I can’t look away.
I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… my opinions.
The Boy I Grew Up With is the newest addition to the Crew series by the fabulous Tijan. I have a very healthy addiction to Tijan’s books and I absolutely loved this one! Ya’ll this is Heather and Channing’s story. I feel like I’ve waited a long time for this and I was a little late to the Fallen Crest party. But I’m here to tell you that it is worth the wait. So worth it.
Heather is so badass! Channing is so tough and sweet. Their relationship is complicated. Beautiful. Painful. Lustful. Hopeful. They have been entwined in each other’s lives since first grade and it’s been a physical and emotional rollercoaster since then. On off. Up down. But their fierce love was always present. They may not get it right every day, but their love is stronger than anything that tries to get in their way. The history they share made them who they are today. Separately and together. Channing is Crew. He takes care of his own. Leads. Loves. Protects. And Heather is his. Everyone knows it and those who try to mess with what’s his will pay. Channing knows something is coming and he’s going to do whatever it takes to protect everyone he loves. Heather knows she’s pulling away, but she doesn’t know what else to do. She has to decide if Channing can help her fulfil all her dreams. The dreams she has for them, together. Will Channing and Heather finally figure it all out in the midst of the brewing fight? Will they realize they are stronger together than apart? I loved this story! So much. I think it’s my favorite Tijan book and that’s saying a lot. Channing is just everything! Sexy, fiercely loyal, determined and smart. Heather is awesome! She can take care of herself and she proves that over and over. But she doesn’t want to be alone even though she would survive. I loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Overall, I laughed, cried, swooned, cried some more, got nervous and smiled. I hope to see Channing and Heather again soon!!
The Boy I Grew Up With is Tijan’s next epic novel. It can be read as a standalone. I have not read her Fallen Crest series and I even want to kick my own a- for that. I will even let you join in. I know my blog partner Kara wants to. Did however meet Channing and Heather in Crew. They were not the main characters but that was when I started to fall for the bad boy and his feisty woman. I mean, damn…Look at those covers. Anyway, I will make this fast and spoiler free.
Channing and Heather have loved each other since the day they met in the first grade. He pissed her off and she didn’t take it. She was a Jax and they didn’t put up with shit. She was exactly who he needed. Even then. And throughout the years, they have always been off and on as a couple. Their love never faulted even apart. They were one heartbeat. Everyone knew it. They never fucked with it unless they were idiots. And there were idiots of all stages. S-, they were even idiots themselves at times. Fucking up.
When will the f- up stop? When were they going to grow up and and finally make this stick? It’s shit or get off the pot time. Are one or both of them willing to make the sacrifices for their love or will they let each other go?
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It’s emotional, hot, fun, and addicting. I fell for Channing. Hard. He is the perfect blend of alpha, tenderness, and sex appeal. And a total badass. As for Heather, I might have a girl crush. She is feisty as f-, smart, strong, and doesn’t take shit for anyone. I want to be her with I grow up. Together, they are epically beautiful, maddening, and sexy as hell.
Overall…it was f- fantastic! I was consumed from the very begging to the very end. It’s not just their love story. It’s their stories mixed into one.
Quotes:
If they wanted someone to hurt, fine. They could try. Maybe they would hurt me, but I was going to take every last motherfucker with me.
“I spent the first part of my life trying to catch you. I’ve spent the last part trying to walk away.” My voice dropped to match hers.
“Fourth grade, I kissed you on the cheek.”
I gasped. “You did not.”
“I tried. You gave me a black eye.”
10 billion stars!!!
I don’t know about y’all but I have always loved Heather and now we get her story. She’s one of those characters that stays with you and Channing…. my God he’s a fine specimen.
They’ve loved each other forever. Through. Ups and downs they’ve always been there for each other and had the others back. We get to see the softer side of Heather and I am so happy that the author showed it. Just like every other book that is written around Fallen Crest and Roussou you’re going to fall in love. You’re going to get a great story and you’re going to get phenomenal writing. Totally loved this!!!