An Amazon Top 30 Bestseller On the northeast side of town, there is a house.The house was once magical, filled with love and joy and plans for the future. Inside its walls are many things that belong to me — my books, the china from my mother on my wedding day, the beautiful cage once home to two birds, now empty, just like me.And a man.A man who also belongs to me.A man I no longer wish to keep. also belongs to me.
A man I no longer wish to keep.
A man who, no doubt, has not slept, though the sun is rising. Because the house where he waits is where I laid my head to rest every night for eight years. Until last night.
No one who knows me would believe Charlie Pierce, the quiet, bookish girl who never made waves is pulling out of the driveway of a man who isn’t her husband.
But they don’t know me at all.
I don’t even know me.
Not anymore.
They say there are two sides to every story, and I suppose in most cases, that’s true. But the one I live inside of? It has three.
On the northeast side of town, there is a house.
But there is no longer a home.
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This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased, honest opinion.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author, Kandi Steiner. I’m very impressed by her writing. She had this way of making you love a character, then hate them, only to fall back in love with them later on. I was all about that roller coaster ride and look forward to more books by her.
This story is about a married couple, Cameron and Charlie. Charlie’s childhood friend, Reese, moves back into town after having moved away several years ago. Their connection has always been strong, ever since they were younger. They were always drawn to each other but a 5 year age gap kept them apart. How will this work now that Charlie is married? You’ll have to read the book to see!!!
Where to begin…I love Charlie. I felt so much for her throughout this book. I was right there with every emotion she was dealing with. Most girls dream of the happily ever after, not so much the struggles of marriage. Charlie was dealing with some major life experiences. I won’t go into details because spoilers but….I understood what she was going through. I didn’t always like her decisions but part of me understood why she did the things she did. I kept seeing myself in Charlie. Wanting to have the whole white picket fence life and then not having things turn out like you thought they would. As much as we plan how we would like our lives to be….sometimes life has other ideas for us. Deep down I saw Charlie as a good person who just wanted to be happy. We see her struggle with trying to find what path she’s meant to be on….and with who….
Time for guy talk….I wasn’t the biggest fan of Reese. I can’t really go into detail without spoiling things but I just didn’t vibe with him. It felt like his life didn’t go as he planned so he wanted to revert back to when he was last happy. Don’t get me wrong….I felt for Reese, I really did. He’s been through some things that…..I can’t even imagine. See there’s that thing I was talking about earlier…..Kandi Steiner making me feel all sorts of emotions for these characters.
Let’s get to Cameron, the husband. I think I felt the most sympathy for him out of the two guys. Cameron didn’t know how to use his words to convey his feelings. He didn’t know the right words to say or the right way to say them…so it sometimes felt that he didn’t care…but I feel like that wasn’t the case. He was no saint, I’ll say that. Cameron had his fair share of shortcomings and mistakes for sure. He definitely dropped the ball in his marriage. I just think it was a situation where you don’t realize what you have until it’s too late.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It pulled at my emotions just like I liked and made me engrossed in the characters. Can’t wait to see where book two in this duet takes us.
Well written book. The characters are likable enough but the whole premise of cheating puts me off. Suck up your pride and talk to your spouse, don’t go running to someone else. Sex solves nothing. Can’t bring myself to read the 2nd book.
This was such a great story. I absolutely enjoyed all of the characters. They were flawed and made mistakes and it made the story seem more realistic, more relatable. There was anger, drama, heartbreak, love, loss, surprises, laughs, angst and so much more. Charlie and Cameron’s relationship was a difficult one but with what they went through it was sure to leave it’s mark. Charlie and Cameron deal with their feelings differently but they do love each other, they just lost their way. However, when Charlie made her decision Cameron wasn’t losing her love without a fight and he did it in the best way. He was not letting Reese take his wife and I loved him in that moment. He showed her his love in the things he did but sometimes words are needed, and he said and showed it in the end. A end that left this story with a heartbreakingly sweet cliffhanger that leaves me wanting more of their story. Although I enjoyed Reese, I really want Charlie and her husband to work out and with the surprise regarding Reese, he shouldn’t open another door when he still had one open with Blake standing in it. I’m looking forward to how things play out for him.
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Ohhh I’m so conflicted. This one was so hard to read. I was so torn over which way I wanted my heart to go. I have to say Kandi Steiner had this one overflowing with angst. I didn’t know who I wanted Charlie to end up with and half the time I didn’t know who to feel more sympathy for.
Charlie was a very broken and at a lot of time weak character. She is not happy with life period it seems and her marriage with her husband Cameron is very strained. We see how she feels neglected by her husband and how much they’ve drifted apart. The return of her childhood crush comes back into town and he mixes things up. Reese is the villain and the savior. On one hand he’s still in love with Charlie, sees how unhappy she is, and makes no apologies for after what he wants. What he wants is a very married Charlie. Holy hell I can’t even tell you how much I want to hate Reese, but at the same time I can’t. Not one character is perfect, they are all making mistakes, but I just don’t know where still story will turn.
What He Doesn’t Know is a very angst filled read that will have you very conflicted. Its not easy to read and there are three sides to this story.
Kandi Steiner what in the hell have you done to me lady? I never knew that it was possible to experience so many freaking emotions all at once. My heart is literally in the pit of my stomach right now because of this incredibly beautiful and emotionally raw story! I knew going into this one that my entire world was about to be turned upside down. I knew it and yet I was still taken by surprise. This is the kind of story that will consume you whole body and soul and grip you so tight that you’ll be left breathless. I am literally at a loss for words right this very moment and I know that whatever I say could never do this story justice, but I hope I can at least convince you all that this story needs to be embraced by every angst book lover out there. Trust me you all will not be disappointed!
What He Doesn’t Know is the first book in Kandi Steiner’s highly anticipated duet. Reader be aware that you will never be the same after reading this extraordinary real story. I seriously cannot wait for the conclusion to this duet and all I can say is that I need What He Always Knew right now. I have no freaking clue how I am going to make it through the next few weeks, but at least it’s weeks and not months. I can do it. I can do it. I totally can’t wait!
“If I am a river, you are the ocean. It all comes back to you in the end.”
Kandi Steiner has done it again. No matter how many times I read her books, I am completely blown away by her words & the stories she tells. And each time I am left struggling to find the words to properly express my feelings. What He Doesn’t Know has made this task even more difficult, as I am now impatiently waiting to see how this all plays out.
As romance readers we are used to getting lost in the magic & happily ever after of the two main characters, but what happens where there are three? Who do you root for, who do you hate, who do you invest everything in? This is the tale that Kandi Steiner has brought us, and although some may avoid reading this type of story, it is unlike any I have read before. As with all her other books I found myself on a roller coaster ride of emotions, and as I wait for book two I cant tell you with any certainty how I wish for it to end.
For anyone who has read this author before, you know she loves angst. It is her trademark, and she writes it beautifully. I was warned before hand that this one would be heavy on it, but Kandi outdid herself on this one! So for all my fellow angst lovers, pour yourself a glass of wine (better yet -grab the whole bottle!), a box of tissues, and curl up with this incredible story
What He Doesn’t Know (What He Doesn’t Know Duet Book 1) by Kandi Steiner is a full length, contemporary romance mostly told in dual POV, though a third POV is introduced at the end. What can I say about this book? “HOLY CRAP!!!” is what immediately comes to mind, because this totally put me through the ringer. If like me, you are a fan of angst-ridden stories that take you on an emotional roller coaster ride, then this book is for you.
Kindergarten teacher, Charlie Pierce, is lonely, grieving and starved for affection. Things have been different between her and her husband, Cameron, for quite some time. She misses him. He’s been so distant and she doesn’t know how to reach him anymore. She feels joyless and dead inside.
When Charlie’s first crush, her brother’s best friend, Reese, comes back into town and accepts a teaching position at the school where she works, old feelings resurface. A spark is ignited and she begins to feel alive again. Charlie quickly finds herself overcome with confusion – torn between feelings for Cameron, the man she planned a future with, and Reese, the unrequited love of her past.
“Time had wedged miles between us quickly, but it was taking its sweet time bringing us back together. I wasn’t sure if it ever really would.”
“Reese was a bird landing softly in the rough seas of my life, seemingly out of place yet so confident and calm in his landing that it only made sense he belonged.”
This was a gut-wrenching read that completely wrecked me. I can’t remember the last time I cried this much. It ripped my heart out, but it hurt so good! The writing was impeccable, stunning, lyrical, raw, and heartbreakingly beautiful. An instant favorite, I absolutely loved it!
4 1/2 out of 5 stars
This author never fails to amaze me and drag me into her book’s world, wherever that may be. This book is no different. Charlie and Cameron are married, but struggling. Life isn’t what they expected it to be. All of a sudden, Charlie’s childhood crush moves back and Reese is in the middle of her life again.
The back and forth. The angst. The love. All of the feels! That’s what this book was for me! I couldn’t hardly put it down and now I’m so, so eager for the next book!!! How will I wait to see what happens – what I can tell you is that as soon as that book hits my Kindle, I’m dropping everything else to finish this story!
Even knowing this was a duet, I finished this book going “What in the actual heck did I just read?!” The last few chapters had me on edge and I’m still teetering, waiting for something – and I have no idea what that something is!!! (Which if I’m being honest is the most exciting part of it. I know that the author will shock me and I’m looking forward to it!!!)
*** I voluntarily read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
I gave this and it’s duet book #2 ‘What He Always Knew’, (which is a must), five stars. The storyline unique, and the characters likable, and relatable. Dialogue exceptional, Facial and movement descriptions gave you a front seat read that was smooth, and its chapters transitions seamless. Romantic & steamy — without vulgarity and sex the main focus. Very well written, and different, as are all of Kandi’s books. This gal can write from the heart snd straight into yours. Memorable novel(s)
I seriously kept chanting omg, what is going to happen throughout this whole book. I wanted my eye balls to move faster because I needed to find out like yesterday what was going to happen. Eek, I devoured this book. It got me all kinds of consumed. Gah, I really wasn’t a fan of Charlie. Why oh why are you a doormat, girl?! Ack I’m all over the place. This story is so exciting. It’s got my blood pumping and I really want to start the next book but I need to go to bed. I don’t know which team I’m on yet. Holy crap what a story! Screw sleep, I’m going in with the next one!
This is, I believe, the first ever book of Kandi Steiner I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. It has a lot of emotions packed into the pages that will take you high up or down low.
This if book 1 of two. We get to see what unraveled to lead Charlie to the path she took. What made her end up on that intersection, deciding her fate.
This story is so realistic. Its problematic, intense, angsty, and it’s real. Are the characters real? No, but the story is possible, in fact, it probably happens a lot in society.
This is the story of falling into that comfortable pattern, of love and marriage and what happens when marriage transitions from love to comfort.
Their story is tumultuous. Its jarring and at times, I felt anger towards and for the characters, but it’s their story and I’m just a witness, looking in.
I really enjoyed the realness of their connection, the temptations, and their chemistry.
What happens when love changes? or when it feels like it is?
Do you give up or give in?
Charlie is empty, Cameron is a jerk and Reese was struggling. Started skimming because I could not get into it but I wanted to finish.
This book was amazing! Love lost, love found, a decision that will change the course of life as you know it. I died a little with each chapter and I loved deeply. This is one book that definitely deserves to be read multiple times.
I love this book. Let the record show that I love this book, and have recommended it several since finishing it. With that said, I also warned people not to read it, because it is so hauntingly beautiful, and heavy. If you want an easy breezy read with zero heart, don’t read this book. If you want to connect to a piece of work that makes you really feel something down to your soul level, then read this book. This book gutted me. Absolutely gutted me. I feel shaken, but I love being thrown off kilter a little by something powerful and meaningful.
This was the first book I read from this author and I have to say WOW!!!!!! I couldn’t put it down. And as soon as I finished the book I HAD to buy the second (last) book because I needed to know what would happen. I literally couldn’t stop reading! I read a lot of books and I have to say that’sit’s been a while since I’ve read something that I literally couldn’t take a few hours without not reading the book.
Loved it!
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. While I loved certain parts of this book, there were parts I hated.
I love a good love triangle in romance books and was really excited to read about Cameron Pierce, Charlie (Reid) Pierce and Reese Walker, but that fell through once the cheating started. I cannot stand cheating in books, and yes, I do know that it is a work of fiction – still doesn’t change my opinion. Things could have been different, if perhaps, they divorced first, went for counseling, communicated more – just can’t put my finger on it.
I also love a complicated love story with lots of angst, but found myself skimming the pages just so I could see how this book ended. I felt that parts of the book were drawn out more than they needed to and other parts were rushed through. Maybe it’s just me, the mood at the time of reading this book, but it just fell flat for me.
I went in knowing that there are two books I this series and sadly I won’t be reading the second story.
This is my first Kandi Steiner book and wow! I did not realize that she was a heart breaker. The story is about love, loss, heart break and much more. She weaves her tale and traps us! I thought for sure that I would feel one way, but then she had to go and make me feel another. The story is intense and will take your emotions on a wild ride.
Charlie Pierce is a beautiful, sweet, sensitive and heartbroken woman. Married for eight years to Cameron, things took a turn after a tragic event and it changed both Charlie and Cameron. The way Ms. Steiner weaves together the picture of before: the happiness of a fairy tale; to the after: the despair and desolation of broken hearts is just wow! Beautifully written. The angst, pain, heartbreak, emotions and “feels” are all there!
There is a third person added to the mix! Reese Walker returns to Pennsylvania after being gone for fourteen years. He lived in New York and attended Julliard. Reese too has suffered a tragedy and is trying to find “home” and a chance to start over again. Reese and Charlie have a past together….
“Charlie and my little sister were best friends growing up, and I was friends with her brother, Before we moved, that is.”
Charlie and Reese spent many nights together in her youth. He played piano and she would sit and listen in awe. Charlie was the quiet, geeky, pig tailed girl five years younger than him. They had an amazing connection but those five years difference put the brakes on anything further from happening.
Situations change, drastically! Things become difficult. Lines are blurred. Charlie, Cameron and Reese have exploded! The debris is everywhere. Charlie must decide who will be her other half. Who does Charlie belong with? When her love is so strong for both men who will she choose?
“If I am a river, you are the ocean. It all comes back to you in the end.”
“But if I was a river, and he was the ocean, then Cameron was the storm that raged over the point where we met.”
“And lightning was about to strike.”
I felt so strongly in the beginning of the book for one man and by the end of the book I wasn’t sure who would be the better half. And I am sure there are other twists and turns coming ahead. Get the tissues ready….What He Always Knew is the conclusion! Can’t wait!
4.5 stars
An intensely heart-wrenching, love triangle with a twist. #BringOnThePain
Here’s a little character layout:
Charlie- Wife
Cameron- Husband
Reese- Charlie’s childhood best friend
This is my first novel by Kandi Steiner and I am completely HOOKED! She hit all my “needs” when it comes to my reading preference. Every chapter had an emotional response from the characters and in turn, an emotional response from me. I knew going into this duet, I was going to be pulled in two directions. That’s why I waited until both books were released to start! I thought I was prepared for it, but between the dual POV’s (Charlie and Reese’s) and the moments when Charlie was looking into the past 8 years of her marriage with Cameron, I realized quickly, that I was very much in denial. LOL. I easily got caught up in the impossible decision that Charlie will eventually need to make.
a) Stay with her husband or
b) Be with her childhood best friend who has now returned.
“Cameron was her husband. I was the boy who used to live next door.” -Reese.
For me, the choice was obvious: REESE! Most definitely Reese! He was essentially the “one that got away” and now he’s back. But then there were moments where Charlie was remembering how her and Cameron used to be…BEFORE (I’m not going to elaborate on what the BEFORE is, you need to read to find out), and I would melt toward him. He was truly a wonderful husband! Like #dreamhubby But man oh man, then Cameron would screw up AGAIN and break Charlie’s heart all over again and Reese would pick up the pieces. #swoon. My pendulum would swing Reese’s way again. “Reese was a bird landing softly in the rough seas of my life, seemingly out of place yet so confident and calm in his landing that it only made sense he belonged.” And so, back and forth it went throughout the whole book. My heart was completely torn by the end.
“I’ll wait. I’d wait forever for you.” -Reese.
-So now was it fate that brought Reese back to town? To remind Charlie of her real self and to show her that she was meant to be with him all this time? And was there losses something they could connect with on a deeper level?
-Or was it life proving to Charlie that Cameron is the right man for her after all. Did fate bring Reese back, in an odd way, to fix Charlie and Cameron’s marriage? Did Reese give Cameron the push he needed to bring Charlie “back to life” and to heal their marriage
-Is this duet all about fixing a broken marriage or is it about finding out the “what if’s”…What if Reese never moved away when they were younger? Would they have been together?
GAH! I need these answers, but I am scared to get them! My heart, undoubtedly, will be ripped in two in book 2, WHAT HE ALWAYS KNEW, because Cameron may have been essentially nonexistent in their marriage in this book, but he very much plans to be present in book 2: “One thing I know for sure, I wasn’t going down without a fight. If I truly lost her, if he was to have her, he’d have to beat me in a fair fight.” #LetTheWarBegin But Cameron has some groveling to do! And now with that cliffy at the end, Reese has some major explaining to do!
WHDK was all about setting the scene for Reese and Charlie, with Cameron in the background, but now book 2, WHAK all three characters are going to be very active participants. Who will Charlie choose??? I am starting book 2 RIGHT NOW.
10 stars!