I didn't really connect with the main characters or totally buy the feelings of the hero for the heroine. They seemed to be stronger than their lack of previous relationship and time passing would allow. I'm assuming the other brothers/friends will get their own books, and I would read those. Especially Cade!

I couldn’t finish this book. There was a secret that I really feel should have been explained in the prologue but instead you just get references to “something happened 7 years ago and she should hate him”. I only got 1/3 of the way through before I couldn’t take it anymore. It needed more info up front and it really felt like it wasn’t going anywhere. I know it’s the start of a series (probably 3 books, 1 for each brother) but it needed more to make this work.

I received an arc copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. Kira and her two friends made a pact in high school, no matter what they were going to avoid the King brothers. Fast forward a few years and those brothers, who became very successful moved back home and became Rich King became a thorn in Kira’s side. Trying to make up for an action that caused Kira to lose her college scholarship Rich forces her to spend time with him. Along the way both their hidden feelings for each other re-emerge as they develop a relationship. Along the way they have to deal with his crazy brothers, her crazy friends, villainous parents, and oh yeah his fiancée (don’t worry there’s no cheating). The story focuses a lot on their relationship and trying to absolve each other of past sins but there is some heat with some sizzling scenes (more toward the end). The only complaint was it did seem a little rushed but otherwise quite hilarious. I can’t wait to see if the other King brothers get a book. 4 stars

Did this book blow my mind? No, most certainly not. I did very much enjoy it though. I've been in a romance mood lately and wanted to try contemporary romance instead of paranormal romance for once so getting approved for this book on Netgalley couldn't come at a better time.

The story was cute, the romance was nicely built up and the characters were fun to read about. It was a quick read and there wasn't any part of the book that bored me. All in all, it was a nice book but nothing special. I enjoyed myself and that is more than fine. Not every book you read has to be of epic proportions and have a complicated story.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a nice, enjoyable book this summer. A book where you don't have to think, just read. If you like humor in your book then this book is very much for you.

Kira and her friends make a pact never to date the 3 king brothers fearing they could wreck their friendship. All 3 brothers leave town and go on to be successful billionaires. Returning to town 7 years later to build a new business that will help give employment to the community Richard is determined to reconnect with Kira, a girl he’s never forgotten, with determination he pulls out all the stops to win back Kira heart but she resists.
Add to this mix scheming snobby parents of the brothers, and Kira’s father the Mayor susceptible to the parents incentives who are determined to have Richard marry a more suitable woman and you have the basics of this story.
There are some humorous moments and overall I enjoyed this story, no real angst or drama but it flowed fairly well, though that said I did take a little while to get into it. I did feel the parents should of had more of a comeuppance, hopefully that’s one for the other books that I feel will be written about the 2 remaining brothers.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Three best friends make a pact to never date any of the King Brothers—a trio of extremely handsome now-billionaires. Seven years later, the King Brothers return home and the devilishly gorgeous and cocky Richard King is determined to earn back Kira Summerland’s forgiveness. With a jawline as sexy as his, it’s no wonder Kira is struggling to keep her promise to Miranda and Iris.

Overall, this was a fun and easy beach read to breeze through and relax with. Bloom’s characters are mostly likeable, even Rich’s twin Cade who is probably going to be my favorite King brother. His ability to be both dense and intelligent at the same time was hilarious to read about!

I feel the story was a bit rushed and the resolution to Rich’s and Kira’s parents’ attempt at sabotaging their romance was too convenient.

Bloom’s sense of humor is an interesting mix of weird and crude—very much reminds me of Helena Hunting’s writing (Meet Cute, 2019). Kira’s weird quirk (knitting and selling rodent sweaters) was funny, but kind of unnecessary? There’s a moment when Cade and his brother Nick argue whether a headlock is still a headlock if done to someone’s balls. Not sure if it was dumb or hilarious (probably both).

As a singer/musician, I was a little annoyed at Bloom’s use of the phrase “pretentious classical music” to describe the music being played at fancy parties. I understand she was setting the scene and using the phrase once was understandable. But then she used the same phrase again later and I just became grumpy cat.

The cover of this book is a little misleading. It looks like some darkly sensual cover for an erotica novel, but the book is quite light-hearted and fun.

Though not a standout amongst the hundreds of romance novels I’ve read, I look forward to its sequels. I need to see Cade and Iris get together! A no-romance idiotic-genius and a grumpy lady-cop whose weapon of choice is a nightstick?! I’m here for that craziness.

3.5 stars! This is a fun read, in typical Penelope Bloom style. I marked several passages in this one because they made me laugh so hard, and really, any book that makes me laugh like that is well worth reading. I liked Kira and Richard, as well as Iris, Miranda, Cade, and Nick, whose stories I certainly look forward to reading. I must admit, though, that I was completely turned off by the meddling parents and the fact that none of them really got their comeuppance. I wanted--no needed--to see them all suffer in some way for their hateful actions, and the fact that they didn't took some of the joy from this book for me. I certainly hope they don't cause the same havoc in the brothers' stories. Overall, this is a quick, funny, enjoyable read that kicks off what promises to be an antic-filled series.

A sincere thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for providing an ARC for review.

I felt old reading this book. I found the drama at the heart of it ridiculous and to be honest childish. The basic plot is that three girlfriends made a pact when they were teenagers to never ever date one of the King brothers again, as these three brothers nearly cost them their friendship. This obviously proves impossible when the brothers return years later and now super rich (there really is no shortage of billionaires in Romancelandia). I could not suspend my belief here - especially because Rich, one of the brothers, really doesn't seem appealing - and not even in the normal romance way too toxic way that can sometimes work surprisingly well. He is just boring - and the female protagonist's infatuation with him seems unfounded (she is also a virgin, something that only rarely works for me - it so fundamentally changes the power balance). I just never bought into their relationship. Do not even get me started on Rich's twin brother whose incredible stupidity felt gimicky and unbelievable. This really did not work for me and I gave up a little after the halfway point.

This is the first book I've read from this author and I wish I could say that I enjoyed it but honestly, I didn't. I found this story slow, boring and I didn't really care for the majority of the characters. Kira, Iris, Miranda, Rich, Cade and Nick were a group of grown men and women acting like children. Some of their antics made me laugh out loud but that's about it. I absolutely hated Rich, Cade and Nick's parents Edna and Harper, they were snobbish and uppity throughout the whole story. The ending was sweet and funny but even with that, I feel that this story was not for me.

Penelope Bloom delivers the romance and wit as much as in the Objects of Attraction series

I loved Penelope Bloom’s raunchy wit in the Objects of Attraction series. I still plan to read more of those books. She continues in that same vein in this series. She has Hero in this book, Rich King, as more of a straight laced guy. However, Rich has a twin brother Cade who is quite a bit more immature than him and he is the one that cracks a lot of the jokes. So it fits in with his character perfectly. I was laughing out loud throughout the book.

Kira Summerland is a school teacher that has a history with Rich. She knew him in high school and had a crush on him, but dated his younger brother Nick. Rich did something that screwed her over and she has hated him ever since, but all three Kings moved away, and Kira along with her two friends made a pact to never date a King again. So when they return and Rich pursues her, the pact becomes a problem.

Kira and her two friends are also hilarious. They meet and talk about the funniest things. Her friend Iris is a police officer and she also provides quite a bit of comic relief. Penelope Bloom is great at developing supporting characters as well as the main characters.

I walked into Bradley’s with a stereo I’d borrowed from school over my head. It wasn’t technically a boom box, but I hoped my friends would get the reference anyway. The CD player also didn’t work, so I had to awkwardly wait in my car until a half-decent apology song came on the radio and then rush in with the thing held up high.

Everybody stopped talking and turned to look at me as I came walking in slowly, eyes locked on the table where Iris and Miranda were watching with wide-eyed horror.

Cade and Nick King returned to town along with Rich in part because they had something with Iris and Miranda but those relationships will be the next books in the series. I happen to like this humor and I can’t wait to read more.

This was a fun second chance romance. Fast read and very enjoyable. This was my first read by this author but definitely will not be my last. Thanks Netgalley and Montlake for the Arc.

I loved the whole concept of this story. Kira and Rich where funny and very likable characters.

This is my first Penelope Bloom book and her writing style just isn't for me.

This was a fun little second chance romance. The whole series is second chance, and I'm looking forward to the rest.
I love when the hero is head over heels for the heroine and that is not the source of any drama or conflict, so I really liked Rich.
The story is light on conflict and angst, and the characters do a good job of talking out any misunderstandings before they can snowball, which I appreciate. I did find the male characters a bit juvenile at times, but I'm hoping when it comes to their stories they've grown up a bit. I also wondered how the hell these guys became billionaires when they don't seem to do any real work. All told, this was a cute, lighthearted read.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

2 stars
I found this book to be kind of boring and dragged. I skimmed most of it to see if it got better for me. It never did. I have no connection to the characters at all.

Loved this book!! Such a good finding home book. Definitely a Sumer must read!! Love, friends and life all in one place.

I have just started reading books by Ms. Bloom and she is fast becoming one of my must read authors. Anyone But Rich is about Rich and Kira. They went to high school together, Rich King and his brothers Cade and Nick were very well known due to their parents wealth and their good looks. Kira and her two best friends Iris and Miranda like all the other girls in school crushed on the King brothers. During Rich's senior year him and Kira had a huge falling out and ever since Rich has felt the need to apologize to Kira for his high school behavior. Kira and her best friends decided they would make a pact to never date any of the King brothers in high school as well.

Seven years later Rich and his brother left their small town of West Valley and became Billionaires. Rich and his brothers decide they want to make their corporate head quarters in West Valley. They also came back because there are three girls (Kira, Iris and Miranda) that they want to make amends with. Rich especially feels the need to apologize to Kira.

I loved Rich and Kira and the romancing Rich used. The supporting characters, the king brothers, Iris and Melinada was full on hilarious with their banter. I really hope Cade and Nicks story will follow soon.

I received an advanced copy for an honest review.

This is Rich and Kira book, Kira is a school teacher and Rich is mega rich billionaire lol they grew up together and Rich and his brothers got out of their small town! Seven years earlier Kira and her best friends made a pact to never date one of the king brothers! Well guess who just flew into town on their private jet?! Yep the king brothers! And quite a few of them have an eye open for the three best friends they grew up with!! This book was funny had some exciting moments and a few way out there moments too lol some parts were far fetched but it was still really funny and an enjoyable read! I definitely recommend reading this one! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

This is my first time reading this author and I did not love this story. I actually really liked the main characters Kira and Rich but their parents really destroyed this book for me. It is very Romeo and Juliet but it was too much so both sets of parents were horrible. And just awful, discusting and I absolutely hated them and their actions and I did not understand it at all.

As to the promise to stay away from Rich, I did not like Kira's best friends either. The whole promise was ridiculous. All three girls like the three boys and they agree to never date the three boys they have crushes on, it was ridiculous. Even if they were teens at the time. Then 7 years later, they say its him or us, and this is a guy that can make her happ. It made no sense whatsoever.

That said the writing was pretty good. No typos and it was a fast read. And I did like Rich a lot and Kira. I even liked Stella a lot as well.