Imagine lying in a hospital bed and the doctor who pulls the curtain back to treat you is the one who got away. Even if you never really had her in the first place. She’s not only your high school crush, she’s the ex-girlfriend of your ex-best friend. The one girl you’ve always wanted.Here’s a step-by-step list to finally win her over… she snuck back into town without telling you—six months ago.
Key to win #2: Rekindle the friendship to ease the awkwardness. But… DO NOT enter the friend zone.
Key to win #3: Ignore the fact that she went speed dating the night before. Take it as good a sign—maybe she’s looking for a relationship.
Key to win #4: Attempt to keep the two of you out of the town gossip blog and away from your large family.
Make sure you don’t let this last one throw you off your mission.
Key to win #5: Don’t get deterred when you find out the past is about to repeat itself. Because the man she met at the speed dating night is your best buddy from work.
Just remember, you sat back and let her slip away once, you won’t do it a second time. Failure is not an option.
Author Note: This book does NOT contain cheating.
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Our baby Bailey brother Kingston gets quite a shock while lying in a hospital bed when he finds that Stella, the one that got away back in high school, just so happens to be his doctor- the girl he always wanted but could never have because she was his ex-bestie’s girlfriend. Awkward turtle, especially since she’s been gone almost a decade and left mostly to escape the drama that ensued when two friends both wanted her. Now Stella is back, but poor Kingston, though- yet again he finds himself in a similar predicament- because ironically Stella is sort of pre-dating a friend, this time a friend from work that she met on a speed date. But Kingston is no longer the high school boy, and last time he let her go, but now? Well, Kingston isn’t going to let history repeat itself.
Since these two have such a rich history, we’re treated to flashbacks of them as young friends juxtaposed to their current day story- a writing convention I always enjoy because it really helps deepen chemistry and character connection, and here it does the trick and also just adds to the urgency and emotions in the present, knowing that both of them had feelings in the past that they repressed. It’s always so sweetly tragic to see characters that have been pining for each other for so long- and makes you root for them all the more in the future.. And these two characters have baggage from their lost connection with each other. Kingston is a daredevil Romeo and Stella wants to guard her heart. Both will have to put themselves back out, risk the hearts that the other already broke, to find a way to each other in this sweet second chance story. I loved getting to see the sweetheart of Kingston- he’s just a wounded, vulnerable man who has never recovered from losing his first love, and Stella is just so delightfully sweet and caring. Both had some emotional work to do here- both needing to figure out how to open their hearts and compromise.
Fans of the Baileys will already expect them to make an appearance- this is part of a series where there is an overarching family that pop in and out to influence each other’s stories. The big picture is about this family unit, a multi book arc. I’ve not read all the Bailey books- and they can be read as standalones- so some parts of this I connected with more than others because I knew the characters better. PR smartly ensures all the Bailey family magic stays connected to this couple and their journey, and from what I can tell, not all characters get as much pop-in attention. (this is the 2nd to last book, so there are a lot of family members to check-in on!)
It’s bittersweet and at times frustrating to read about their history- knowing that things could have been different, watching them make mistakes, seeing them still struggle to figure it out in the future. But, Kingston and Stella’s journey ends up being one of hope- hope that you’ll find your way to your person no matter what, even if the journey there isn’t neat. Hope that true love isn’t easily silenced, hope that finding that person can help you heal the parts of yourself that have been hurt by that journey- and that in the end, it is all worth it. That love is a leap of faith, and the right person will catch you, will hold your heart.
I feel like I’ve been waiting for the story of Kingston and Stella forever. And I wasn’t entirely sure what I was expecting. I knew there was a lot of history and a teenaged love triangle but I didn’t know the actual nitty gritty details of their past.
All of the breadcrumbs in the last few books had me waiting with baited breath. Obviously nothing terrible had transgressed because the Bailey’s all loved Stella. But something had happened and I was dying to know. The whole unrequited love that Kingston had, had me dying to see him win over his girl and live happily ever after.
And while I really enjoyed the ride with these two I kind of feel it was a little anticlimactic. But that may be in part because I just read the first chapter of Sedona’s story and I’m desperate to get my hands on it. And I really can’t believe that Sedona’s book is the last in the series. I don’t know if I’m ready to let them go yet.
Perfect second chance love story! Kingston has only loved on women, Stella his childhood best friend, and even after all this time his heart still belongs to her and now that she’s back he has one mission, to make her his. Stella’s heart is his too but his tendencies scare her and she’s petrified to go all in to only have her heart broken. Loved that this story fills in all the blanks of there back stories
If you want a sweet, fun, lighthearted read this is for you, the characters are amazing and you now them from previous book, the story is sweet and endearing hands down that kind of read that you need to lift you up and make you believe that everything is going to be fine, I highly recommend this one.
Wow!! I have been so looking forward to Kingston and Stella’s book since we got a glimpse of them in book 7. Piper and Rayne did not let us down at all.
Kingston has always been like a loner and not one we got to see much of in the past. He would come in from smoke jumping and hang out with family but then gone again. I loved getting insight into him with his book. He’s a daredevil and it was so fun to watch him realize where his heart lies
Stella is just someone you can’t help but love. I hated watching how she stayed away from Kingston in the last book and all but to finally get more into her this book was great.
Just a forewarning that you need to prepare yourself because this book is so full of angst but it’s so worth it to finally get them together as a couple. I absolutely love them as a couple.
The epilogue was amazing as always and oh my goodness that little bit about Sedona is killing me. I need her book NOW!!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I adore the Bailey clan! You finally get Kingston’s story but you also get your much needed Bailey fix! Kingston and Stella’s story is one that tore my heart into and then put it back together. Kingston truly loved her from first sight but of course life happened. It is a heartbreaking, heartwarmingly fantastic. I read it in one setting, I just couldn’t put it down. I loved Kingston’s character. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review after reading this arc, but I loved it so much I purchased my own copy!
GAH! I say this with every Bailey book that I’ve read, but I just love this family so much!! Kingston is one of the Bailey’s that we haven’t gotten to know too closely in the other books and I was intrigued to see how his POV would play out. I loved the slight angst & drama of his relationship with Stella. She was the one who got away and he never got over her. Watching these two try to navigate their new relationship (and their feelings) kept me captivated from the start.
This was such a great book, and I absolutely loved watching Kingston & Sedona! I’m so excited for her book!!
I signed up to read an early copy of this on a search for a new to me author. And I have to say, these ladies are now on my one click author list. This is book 8, I am completely new to this world but I didn’t feel out of it. BUT I do want to read all the other books in this series. I really love this world and I need more of it!! This is a definite must read and make sure you pick up the previous books too!!
I enjoyed this so much! I’m giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars. This review is for an ARC, and reflects my honest opinion.
While this series has been amazing so far, I wasn’t sure what I expected going into this book since Kingston had been an enigma with how little he was around. We also haven’t seen much of Stella either since she moved away for college, and stayed away. This had several flashbacks, which I appreciated because it showed me past monumental moments between these two characters.
I ended up really liking Kingston; he wasn’t my favorite Bailey brother but he’s up there. Stella was a sweetheart, and I would have loved seeing more interactions between her and her mom. I’ve never liked Owen, and I still didn’t like him in this book. I loved seeing the Baileys again; I’m going to be desolate when this series is over. I liked Allie, and Lou grew on me.
I would have liked more exploration on challenges interracial couples deal with; as Stella and her mom stated, it’s a problem with some people unfortunately. I liked how Kingston “grew up” towards the end, but that could have been explored more. I would have liked him possibly going to someone to talk about his need to do daring things, and how it likely stemmed from his childhood. I wanted him to actually work through those issues. But overall, this was fantastic. I can’t wait for the next, and final, full-length book in this series.
While fighting a fire, Kingston ends up getting injured and sent to the hospital. The last person he expected to see was the one who got away and his only love outside his family. Stella returns home to assist her mom and finish her residency in Anchorage. She attempts to hide from Kingston for as long as she can but knowing he is a first responder and she works at the hospital they are bound to run into each other. After reconnecting and Kingston attempting to put them in the friend zone, the past starts to repeat itself. Will they finally give in and attempt the relationship that they have always wanted or will the past repeat itself and keep them apart?
Kingston and Stella’s story has been built up all through this series and was completely worth the wait. I felt for both of them as we got the view into their back story and their road to finally coming together as everything seemed to be working against them and trying to keep them apart both past and present. Their sexual tension and stubbornness made this slow burn a page-turner. I am glad they finally got the HEA. Winning My Best Friends Girl is a friends to lovers, second chance romantic comedy which is told from the dual first-person point of view.
*ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review*
A man who has spent his life chasing danger will soon realize that the only rush he will ever need is this woman by his side. And a woman hell bent on playing it safe will learn that love is worth every risk.
Winning My Best Friend’s Girl is an
Angsty
Emotional
Slow Burn
Second Chance
Small Town
Friends to Lovers
Taking Risks
Trusting in Love
Romance
And another sweet addition to the Bailey series.
Kingston Bailey, up to this point, has been the elusive adrenaline junkie, with a vague backstory drenched in heartache. In WMBFG, we finally learn what happened to drive a wedge between King and Owen, and why Stella left Alaska.
The connection between King and Stella is built on a mutual understanding of grief and loss and a deeply rooted friendship.
But friendship has never been in the cards for these two. With an unresolved past and a combustible connection, they are awkward to be around. When the walls finally come down between them? Hold on for a wild ride.
All I can say is this duo enjoys dropping bombshells on their readers, and Sedona’s book cannot come fast enough (even if it will be bittersweet).
I love all the Bailey’s, but I’ve been waiting for this book. Stella and Kingston have been teased through out the series and now we finally get the scoop! It lived up to my expectations. I gobbled up this book in day and a half. I couldn’t put it down which is normal when it comes to the Bailey clan. Kingston made me fall in love with rather quickly. It makes me wish I had someone like him in my life and a friend since childhood. It’s beautiful watching Kingston and Stella reunite. It made me so happy, but it’s not all smooth sailing. Is history going to repeat itself? Oh my god the ending has me wanting the final book in the series. It’s going to be so good. I can’t believe this the second to last Bailey sibling’s book. It makes me want to cry. I’m not ready for it to end!
It’s so much fun being back with the Bailey family.
Kingston and Stella have been mentioned in so many previous books, and now their story is complete.
Kingston was absolutely perfect. He knew when to push and when to pull back. I honestly thought he would have more of an ego, but he was a sweetheart through and through.
Stella was the amazing as well. Her concerns about them being together were valid and watching her overcome those fears was wonderful.
My only wish would be to have more of when they were together. There is a bonus epilogue, but I felt like them as a couple was rushed at the end.
You will also get glimpses of Sedona’s book, and I’m here for it!
-Am Arc was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.-
Winning My Best Friend’s Girl is the eighth title in The Bailey series, featuring Kingston Bailey.
Kingston is the Bailey sibling who always seems to be on the outer, and in the previous titles had an air of mystery and intrigue.
Stella and Kingston’s story is an angsty, emotional, and slow burn romance full of ups and downs. The connection and love this pair shares is undeniable, and their interactions are sweet and sexy, but their past is incredibly complicated.
Stella is intelligent, caring, compassionate and loving. She’s returned to Lake Starlight to be near her mother, but in order to find happiness she needs to confront her past.
Kingston is an adrenaline junkie, he runs into fire when the majority of us run in the opposite direction. He’s sweet, loving, loyal and a good guy, who will do anything for those he cares for most.
I’m eager for Sedona’s story, but also sad that this series is coming to an end as I’ve loved the Bailey’s and I’m yet to discover if my guess is correct as to the identity of the writer of the Buzz Wheel.
Reading a Bailey book is like coming home. I love this family, this town, and this series so dang much. It is one of my all time favorites and I don’t ever want to say good-bye.
I’ve been curious about Kingston for a really long time now. He’s a firefighter, smoke jumper, and has the reputation of the local Romeo. The truth though is, he’s only ever loved on girl, Stella. She left town eight years ago to go to school and to escape having to choose between Kingston and his best friend Owen and leaving their friendship in pieces. Now that Stella is back in town, history threatens to repeat itself. With a little of the typical Bailey family meddling, Kingston and Stella finally find their way to a happily ever after.
I can’t believe we only have one Bailey story left (plus a novella). I’m getting so sad as we near the end of the series but I will always be able to go back to Lake Starlight!
Grateful to have received a complimentary ARC copy to honestly review.
I think it’s true to say I’m now fully obsessed with the Bailey’s. I’ve loved all the books in this series and ‘Winning My Best Friend’s Girl’ was no different. This book continues with the winning formula of a great slow burn storyline, strong female characters and a man who is over the top. Loved it.
This is Kingston’s story and his second chance with the girl who stole his heart when they were only kids, Stella. He’s pined for her since she left their little hometown but now she’s back he wants another chance. History repeats and Kingston finds himself in a familiar position, his best friend has asked the girl out before him, well this time it was before he knew she was even back.
Throughout the story the rest of the Bailey’s make their appearances, offering their opinions, it wouldn’t be a Bailey novel without everyone involved. Can’t wait for the next one.
The Bailey’s will have a place in my heart
These books are about family and love.
The 2 main characters in Winning my Best Friend’s Girl are Kingston and Stella.
They have this electric chemistry between them. They have a past and this book goes in detail of it.
I absolutely loved getting to know these 2 more 🙂
“I’m yours tonight and always.”
If you love a good storyline that has a fun family that will have you laughing , smiles and sometimes sad/scared, as well as some steamy scenes then this book..ahh this series is for you!!
Have the love of your life slip through your fingers the first time was soul crushing enough a second time is not an option. I simply love this book. I adored Kingston and was so excited to finally get to see more of him instead of always being the mysterious one. Stella is also a kickass chick. The two compliment eachother perfectly now if they could just stop fighting their destiny it would all come together.
The Bailey’s Series by Piper Rayne just feels like home and family. With each story, you grow closer to the family and the town. Kingston and Stella were a great addition to the series! Their second chance romance was one full of hurt, friendship, tension, laughter, and love that will have you truly invested in their story!
4.5 stars
Good Lord, Just when I think that I cannot love the Bailey’s any more than I already do, a new Bailey comes along and makes me fall in love with them even more. This is one of the best family series that I have read. There is just something truly magical and amazing about this orphaned siblings. Their closeness, whether in joking, bantering, arguing, or just plain “take a bullet” for their sibling makes this have that much more meaning.
I will admit that going into this book, that Kingston was one of the ones that I just hadn’t truly clicked with and actually was the story that I was looking forward to the least (if that is even possible), but this story changed that. I adored how swoony he was as he was trying to be respectful of the girl that he always loved. I loved watching Stella and he navigates around the fact that not only was there a legitimate fear on hear part of what he was all about but the guilt that they both harbored. I also liked that Kingston was colorblind, as he should be, and that he didn’t see Stella as anything other than the woman he wanted to be her queen. It was refreshing to see in these crazy times.
My favorite parts though had to be with how he stepped up with Sedona. I cannot wait to see what is in the future regarding Sedona since it ended with a glimpse that had me eagerly awaiting the final sibling getting her story told. I have a feeling from just the sneak peek that I saw, it might be my favorite in the series. That will be bittersweet knowing it is the end (hopefully Austin and Holly get their wish). Highly recommend this book and this series.