A will. The last wishes of a dead man shouldn’t have had the power to change all of our lives.But a family fortune can test even the bonds of identical twins.Now there’s him, the perfect bad boy who hates us all.My sister wants him, but he wants me.With billions of dollars at stake, no one is going to come out unscathed.
Bloody hell!!
I could not put this book down!
The Spare has blown me away, I was so engrossed in this story, the characters were intriguing and the plot soooo intense.
Tallulah is a ghost, invisible even to her own family until they need her. She’s the daughter who doesn’t matter, a twin but not in her own right.
Carrigan is the oldest, the first born who will inherit everything if she succeeds with her late Grandfathers will demands, she must remain a socialite keep up the family name she also has to keep her grades up, finish High school with good grades, and to do that Tallulah the sister nobody knows about sometimes has to sit tests in her place Carrigan was definitely not the twin with brains but no-one must know who Tallulah really is and so she pretends to be her sister when necessary.
They both go to the same school filled with rich students, the elite, the well known in society but people only know of one Archibald and that’s Carrigan.
The Archibald family are greedy, evil, selfish, they parade their eldest daughter around like a prize possession and even the money she is going to inherit isn’t enough, they want more, they want Carrigan to marry into money, they want Carrigan to marry Arlo who is also from a rich family to strengthen the family name.
Arlo Lexington can’t be bought or manipulated that easily, he can’t even stand the prissy princess Carrigan and eventually he stumbles across the secret the Archibald’s have been hiding… Tallulah, who is the complete opposite of her sister.
Oh my god it got so exciting and intense, I seriously cannot see where the plot will go, Gemma nailed this young adult romantic suspense and I cannot wait to see what happens next in part two.
Fans of L.J Shen and L.A Cotton, Tijan, would love this.
Oh my god!!! that damn ending nearly destroyed me, I need more from Arlo and Tallulah!! Gemma is an amazing writer, she brings the story to life and sucks the reader into the storyline. Bully romances are a big thing at the moment, but it was refreshing to have a different style of a bully romance, it was unexpected.
My heart broke for Tallulah, especially when she was calling her self the spare. I couldn’t believe that she was able to stay hidden for so long!! Her parents are dicks and her twin Carrigan what a total bitch!! seriously would love for someone to knock some sense into her. As the story progresses, it amazing watching Tallulah break out from her twin’s shadow and start to see her develop into her own person.
Arlo, where to start. The first scene with Tallulah how she didn’t deck him. I’ve got no idea. He’s feels trapped just as much as Tallulah does with his father. Then probably does the worst thing ever to Tallulah and puts her in the firing line of her parents and sister. Arlo starts to have feelings toward Tallulah but ends up blackmailing her as well.
That ending though completely blew my mind, I need part two like now!! This book is definitely a must-read!!
I personally didn’t think I was going to fall in love with this story as it was way out of my normal reads, but I opened up my eyes and gave it a try and holy mother of pearls do I love it, I more then love it. I cannot wait for Spare part 2 like How could Gemma leave the story off like she did. Glad she did because hello book hangover. Arlo and Tally I love these names such rich people names in my eyes anyways. They i believe have a secret love that will hopefully bloom more right now I loved that Arlo is the knight in shinning armor that Tally needed to get out from her parents and sister. Twins who knew right. This story will blow your mind and make for a fast easy to read story. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough I know this is one I need to own in paperback that’s for sure. Tally has become my fav female character of the year. Arlo is just this alpha in training but I have a feeling it will come out more and more in the next story. The 2 person POV also blew my mind I loved it being told in 2 different eyes it made the story come to life. MUST READ
The Archibald’s have a huge test in regards to money. A will was set in place that all money will go to the first born grandchild. And that grandchild turns out to be an identical twin which has been kept out of site her whole life. Why you may ask well the money of course. It brings the worst out in people and this family of Archibald’s is the worst. The first born walks around with her head held high to good for everyone else but in the background her twin has to keep her sisters GPA at 4.0 or this money will not become theirs. Also a chosen list of boys to marry and what college to attend. Well all this has worked out perfectly so far until Arlo comes in and shakes up the family by finding out about these twins that have been kept secret. Arlo is supposed to marry twin #1 but hates everything she is about. How the tables will turn for the Archibald’s once Arlo steps in and ruins everything. How far will a family go to keep this secret and getting what they want.
Arlo can’t stand that Carrigan is paraded around like a showboat, everyone eating it up, but something is different about her tonight, she’s afraid and not acting normal, normally he’s not interested in Carrigan, but this different version is turning him on.
Tallulah knows one thing that Arlo hates her, or he hates Carrigan, but she can’t help the mix of desire and fear that she’s reacting with. Tallulah quickly learns that her parents don’t care they want her to do whatever it takes to make sure that Arlo will marry Carrigan no matter what the cost, because she’s only the spare it’s her sister the will inherit the fortune that her parents want.
Having had enough and not doing what her sister wants Tallulah slips and Arlo finds out she’s not Carrigan and he wants answers, but also sees the perfect way to make sure that the families understand he doesn’t want to marry Carrigan. Although he quickly learns that Tally is nothing like her sister.
Tully realises that her family doesn’t care about her at all or she wouldn’t be able to be blackmailed by Arlo in his plan. Tully knows she can’t get out of the plan that Arlo has set in place, even his friends can’t get him to stop, he thinks everything will be ok because she’s an Archibald but is he right or wrong.
The Spare by Gemma Weir is a bully romance that is completely original and unique and was a one sitting read. I literally could not put this book down and this is only part one. I NEED part two now. Gemma Weir can spin a yarn to get the right vibes out there and tell the story that these characters want to be told. I am one of those readers that believe the characters tell the authors what to write and I bet Gemma Weir had her hands full with this book. I absolutely loved this version of the bully romance and was shocked when I found out who the bullies really were in the story. 5-leather studded stars for The Spare by Gemma Weir.
The rich are rich for a reason and all they want to do is get richer. How they obtain that money doesn’t matter and who the hurt in the process is nothing to lose sleep over. Old money versus new money and old traditions of arranging loveless marriages are still the practice among the wealthy and it only gets worse as time moves on not better. Once upon a time a man-made lot and lots of money. His son and then grandson did nothing but reap the benefits of the hard work the old man did. Now as the old man dies, he leaves a will and testament that will shock the family and the upper crust of society. In the pursuit of gaining more money a set of twins are put to the test. While one wants one of the gorgeous elites that has been put on the short list to marry her, he wants the twin that doesn’t care and can walk away from it all.
The Spare by Gemma Weir is Part One in The Kings & Queens of St Augustus Series. This is the story of Tallulah ‘Tallys ‘Archibald . Tallulah is a twin to her sister Carrigan. Carrigan who is the oldest twin by three minutes or so is the one that everyone sees. Carrigan is the one that has to meet certain requirements to get the much wanted inheritance. Tallulah knows and feels she is just the unseen spare left to the shadows. Arlo father has plans for him that Arlo doesn’t want but his father is not giving him much choice. While Tallulah hangs in the shadow of her twin, she finds that she can’t hide from Arlo. This is a bully type romance so there will be some upsetting scene along with Arlo not being the most likable main male character. This book does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment of their story.
This is number 10 of the Gemma Wier books and I have read them all they are all great but I think Gemma has out done herself with this one it’s like Romeo and Juliet meets Cinderella meets beauty and the beast lol. I have read a lot of high school bully books but this different where as normally it’s girl meets boy his is nasty they make up they fall in love hea the end lol Gemma has changed it around they hate each other end of.
But this will have you not only wanting more but have you begging for it. You want to love and hate this author for the cliffhanger.
Tally is the spare a twin to her sister carigon who stand to inherite a small fortune as long as she follows the rules set out for her. This alone made me giggle it’s so over the top but actually I can see being so real. Arlo is the lead male a total snake but I think he has a soft spot deep down that he lives well by being a total tool.
This has a cliff hanger fair warning. I’m so gutted about this in itching for part to right now. Can’t wait to see what lies in store for the Archibald and the Lexingtons.
4.5 stars
With every single story that I’m reading by the author, I’m getting more and more in love with her writing and characters.
This one is no exception at all and all the banter, the characters and so many layers to unveil with each page just made me want to read it quickly so I can read their happily ever after.
Yes, it ends in a cliffhanger but every great story has to overcome a lot in her path.
Tallulah Archibald… The Spare. Carrigan Archibald… The Heir.
Tallulah is the forgotten twin. The one no one cares about. The one that simply does not play a role in this huge play of rich families, inheritance, arranged partnerships & marriages.
Within the fight of who is the top family, the ones you want to from allegiances with, the power plays… Tallulah is nothing, apart from a way to ensure that Carrigan gets it all. The one to ensure Carrigan gets those top grades.
But what happens when she is thrust into the light and starts to be acknowledged: what happens then?
Arlo is a brilliant character. Ruthless. Determined to get exactly what HE wants, regardless of what or who is in his way. His father wants him to be a part of the Archibald family, yet Arlo cannot stand the one he’s meant to be partnered up with…
I loved this story. I loved these characters. There was some amazing tension. The angst levels were high!!
But it’s a cliffy…. and my word I cannot wait for book two!!!
Every book Gemma Weir writes her writing just gets better and better! This is going to be such a good series!!!
Oh wow!! What an ending!! I need book 2 ASAP!!
Gemma Weir has hit it out of the park with this bully romance!
Each book she writes is on a whole other level and I cannot get enough! My emotions were all over the place reading Arlo and Tallulah’s story and I lived for it!
I don’t want to spoil anything but all I will say is you need to read this book!! Amazing!!
This book is absolutely amazing. Once again Gemma reels you into her world.
Love can buy many things but not love or happiness.
Twins, school, old money, relationships and more.
Cannot wait for book two.
Not my usual sort of read at all. Which is why I’m amazed I’ve enjoyed it so much.
I usually steer clear of books with teen/ young adult characters but this I enjoyed.
Having read books by Gemma since the very start I feel they get better with every book.
I can’t imagine being the main character in this story, Tallulah is spare the one the family didn’t account for or want.
She’s pushed and pulled around by her family and invisible to her peers at the prestigious school she attends.
No one knows she’s there, always covering for her sister Carrigan.
Until Arlo catches on that there is two of them at the school. His rich family have connection’s with the twins and the story starts to unravel.
The push and pull and flowing words make this a story you devour.
It does end on a pretty big cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
Money can buy everything except love, but love doesn’t always come for free.
Tallulah is the younger twin. Identical to Carrigan in everyday except her eyes. Unfortunately her life doesn’t match. Carrigan is popular and has a perfect image. Tallulah is the spare. The one to help her keep her perfect image.
In a world where being rich is everything, the Archibald family have to live by the terms of a will to inherit their money. Carrigan must be the perfect model of society. Her schoolwork must be maintained. Her place in society must be maintained. The only thing she doesn’t need is a good relationship with Tallulah.
Arlo is rich and privileged. He doesn’t want to marry for status. His dad wants a connection to the Archibald family but that doesn’t mean Arlo is going to play by the rules. He sees a ghost, a person who isn’t supposed to be seen and he see his way out of a life he doesn’t want.
This has a dystopian world feel to it. Money is everything and power comes from connections. To survive sacrifices need to be made. This does end on a cliffhanger but I loved every minute.
ARC in exchange for an honest review. Gemma Weir is on my list of favourite authors.
Christ on a cracker!!
I can’t breath
How?
Gawd
Why?
I started this after dinner figuring I could finish it on the ‘morrow
I couldn’t put it down!
No joke
I walked while reading
I had to know
The clincher? Spares are real.
Tallulah, honey, I’m so flipping sorry
Arlo, I know you don’t see the whole picture
It’s easy to be blind to the pain others are enduring when your world is so easily manipulated to satisfy your wants
But open your eyes!
You just delivered a death sentence on an innocent!
Olly, I hope you can save her
Mom, I hope you choke on your champagne
Dad, you… I have no words for
And Carrigan dear
May you rot in the he ll you’ve created
I am not going to recap the blurb
I will tell you that you need to set yourself up
Uninterrupted reading space – preferably a closed door
A pillow to scream into
A stress ball so you don’t crack the reader screen
Some tissue when you feel your heart cracking
A reading light so you don’t get lost in the darkness
Patience – lots of patience
Why?
Because this ends on a bloody big cliffhanger!
Wow! I did not expect to feel so much sorrow with this book, i absolute adore it. I love how this was written, it just flowed so effortlessly, so beautiful. Every chapter pulled me in and then it ended, i was so enthralled in this story that i didnt stop reading or even realise how much time had gone by.
Tallulah suffers silently. She is a ghost in her school. Starved of any love from her family. No friends. Isolated from everyone and everything her family is involved in. She is exhausted, going through the motions of what she is to do every day. Sadly the title of this book is so true for poor Tally.
It is not all sadness though. Arlo comes in and yes his attentions are not in Tallys favour but he sees her, when no one else does. And boy does she get fiesty with Arlo, i loved that Tally started to show who she is and that she doesnt have to pretend with Arlo now.
That ending killed me though. My heart broke for Tally. She deserves so much love. The anticipation for the next book is gonna drive me mad. This griped my heart. Another remakable story from Gemma.
Where there’s a will there’s a way.
Whoever said that didn’t no what the f$&@ he was talking about. When it comes to my grandfather’s will I am the pawn with no way out. My identical twin holds all the cards and I am forced to be a ghost, only called upon when needed to play a role. Its worked for three years I just need to bide my time and vaporize into the walls for a few more months and then I can finally be me, Tallulah, the twin who never was.
A surprise for my soul! I adore the premise of this story and am dying to continue the series. Grab this one with both hands and hang on. Fantastic characters and smart choices.
What can i say this is the authors best work by far. A different genre from what she is used to but written perfectly. I loved the intricate relationships between the characters it showed great depth. Also an ending you literally do not see coming.
This author seems to amaze me every single time I read a book by her and she just outdoes herself with every story. Some characters in the book I just wanted to slap around, that’s how enthralled I was by this book. I was captivated by this particular story from beginning until end and I just need part 2 now to know how it ends!
Carrigan and Tallulah have been twins but ever since Carrigan has been the heir of a big fortune, Tallulah doesn’t seem to exist anymore, only to herself. At school she tries to keep to herself but one night will change everything… the day that she and Arlo meet. Everything that Tallulah knew is going to change. Arlo never knew Carrigan had a twin and that simple fact changes everything ‘cuz he doesn’t want to marry her and will try to avoid that at any cost… even if it’ll damage Tallulah’s future in the process…
She’s the ghost of a girl that’s precious to the family name.
She is almost invisible. No one knows she exists and that’s the way her family want it kept.
Will anyone ever truly see her?
Oh my gosh I totally and utterly fell in love with this book!
My heart cried for her, she deserves so much more than the life she leads.
So many secrets and lies, I wanted to free her from them all, and keep her frequent visitors pain and punishment at bay.
My heart ached for her it really did.
Then he saw her and my first instinct was to jump for joy but then I remembered the genre of the book and I knew it wouldn’t be as simple as that.
Arlo is blinded by her. She’s not only beautiful, but unique and the key to everything.
He’s a fantastic character, and is exactly what I would expect an entitled young man to be.
Both the cover and the blurb brought me to this book as I’ve not read Gemma Weir before, but I’m mighty glad I trusted my first opinion as this is truly a gem!