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21 Rumors #1-3

21 Rumors- The Complete Collection

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Never accept favors from strangers…

It’s a mantra every woman shouldn’t live by.
Because sometimes, those debts just might pay off in a happily ever after.

21 Rumors is a collection of three full-length standalone, romantic comedy novels with crossover characters from each book.

Collection Includes:


IOU
Rumor has it she struck a deal with the bad boy.

It’s official.
I, Ainsley James, am crazy.
Desperate and crazy.
It’s the only explanation as to why I’m nauseous, standing outside Maverick Lexington’s door.
I mean, it’s possible the stories about his deck of playing cards—with the words IOU scrawled across the back—are just rumors of the ruthless quid pro quo deals he barters.
But the flutters in my stomach know better.
Maverick is as cold as they come.
But, I need one of those cards.
I NEED to owe Maverick Lexington a favor…


Subscriber Wars
Rumor has it she struck a deal with the enemy.

In my defense, he was wet—and shirtless—and had this really cute birthmark that looked like someone had kissed his ridiculously-defined hip bone.
I got sidetracked, okay? It was an accident. Especially when I kissed him so hard my wig shifted sideways, and he realized I was someone else—someone like his enemy.
Awkward, right?
So imagine my surprise when Sebastian shows up at my door months later with clenched fists, demanding I pretend to be his girlfriend so he can win a million dollars.
He’s delicious and all, but I trust him about as much as I trust that super-hot dimple he flashes around campus.
But then he goes and says the magic words: we’ll split the money fifty-fifty.
So here I am nestled in Sebastian’s arms while two million viewers watch as he leans in, his heart racing under my palm and whispers, “This changes nothing. We’re still at war.”


The Closer
Rumor has it she struck a deal with her husband.

The tattoo down his forearm reads: My power is perfected in weakness.
It inspires bad decisions in everyone who crosses his path.
Not me though, I’ve made worse decisions before breakfast.
Marrying baseball phenom Cooper Lexington for his health insurance… doesn’t even rank Top 5.
But I can’t afford to lose this marriage by falling in love.
You see, I made a promise to myself—one I plan on keeping… even if it ruins us.

ebook

Published June 23, 2022

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About the author

Kristy Marie

21 books1,601 followers
Kristy Marie is an international bestselling author who loves writing temperamental heroes who fall hard for strong and witty heroines.

She enjoys harassing her three children and husband for all the hugs and will attempt to grow anything green. She also reads all things romance and can be caught being naughty by enjoying a chapter or two before her 9 p.m. bedtime.

When Kristy's not writing broody alphas or hugging babies, you can catch her in pajamas watching baseball and yelling at the TV. Go Braves!



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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 23, 2022
IOU-

I AM IN LOVE!
Ok, I know I say this a lot, but it’s true, and I don’t care who knows it.
Ainsley is a hot mess, with a lot of bad luck, and a little bit of the good sprinkled in.
Maverick is a legend, terrifying in his own ways.
When the two come together, a lot of things happen.
Lessons are learned, growth definitely happens here, and so much love is shared amongst all of the characters in this book.

The Pretender-

This enemies to lovers relationship was fueled by pranks and banter, each in the hope of winning. But when things get murky and they have to come together, their practical jokes paved the way to something different.
Another swoony romcom from KM, and another glimpse of those CiB babes, all grown up.

The Closer-

The found family trope has me in an absolute chokehold, and I don’t think that will ever change.

Let me tell you about my sweet baby Cooper. This man was for the WORLD, not for the streets. An absolute gem, who carried the ones he loved so tight to him, this man was beyond my wildest expectations.
And sweet baby McKinley. I just wanted to wrap her up in the biggest Mom hug and never let her go.
KM gets me, she really does, and she delivers beyond my silly dreams of what could be.
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,415 reviews85 followers
June 24, 2022
"21 Rumors" is a box set full of amazing characters, hillarious moments and sweet romance. Its heroines are witty and its heroes sexy as hell!!!
It is a collection of three unique stories that you NEED to red ASAP!!!


*****************************************

{ IOU }



***4,5 "You truly are my genie in a bottle!!! stars***

IOU: noun
A signed document acknowledging a debt.


What a lovely and entertaining story was that!!! I freakin' adore it!!!!
Literally, i was cracking up with laughter from the first moment...
I got attached to Ainsley and her crazy actions and to Maverick with his cards full of IOUs!!!!
I really loved these two and the secondary characters that were surrounding them...
I can't wait for more!!! Sebastian won't disappoint me, i believe!!! Right, Kristy???

"This story really started with a shithead and his girlfriend..."

Ainsley changed her whole life plan for her highschool sweetheart and how he repaid her???
He cheated on her with her roomate!!!!
She really didn't plan to put her place on fire, she was just aiming for his darn head!!!! Bahahaha...
Ainsley surely didn't expect for her whole life to change in a matter of minutes...
Now, she is homeless, with no boyfriend and friends but with a guardian angel by her side in the form of a firefighter....
She just have to find a place to live and she has no other options than to turn out to the famous Maverick Lexington and to take one of his IOUs.

"Rumor has it I'm clingy and naive with a heavy dose of crazy.
But my mother taught me not to believe everything I hear."


Maverick has his life in a neatly order....
Just a few more months and he is out, but in order to succeed on his great plans, he needs to collect favors...
He has built a name around campus for his deck of cards where he is scrambling the letters IOU in order to help people that are in great need...
He surely doesn't need in his house a crazy firecracker that would turn his world upside down...

"Life is a contract. Friendships. Marriages. Employment. It's all there in black and white. Once time has been served, or the contract hasn't been fulfilled to their standards, it's over.
I will never not have a contract."


Well, i loved these two very much!!!
I loved Ainsley and her crazy ass was hilarious...
I loved her obsession with sea lions and the way that she wasn't giving a damn whenever Maverick was handling outt IOUs every single time that he was feeling that she was cornering him!!!!
I loved that she was fearless in her broody presence and that she was doing whatever the hell she wanted....
I loved her for being her crazy self all the time.

"I'm usually not that competitive of a person, but Maverick Lexington brings out the challenger in me."

"My theory is the real Maverick Lexington is buried somewhere beneath all the lies and rumors but coaxing him out will take the right hand and one amazing bluff."


I also loved Maverick fiercely!!!
Yep, he though that he was in control, but i loved how Ainsley was wrecking down his solid walls...
I loved his obsession with this damn deck of cards and his marker....
I liked how he was dealing with Ainsley's crazy ass and that he had the illussion that his IOUs were meaning something to her...
I really loved him for just being him.

"Ainsley James realizes that I'm not as scary as the rumors make me out to be.
Which. Is. A. Fucking. Problem.
I need those rumors. I need fear. My life depends on them."

"I want everything from Ainsley James. Every second of crazy. Every angry word. I want it all. Every inch she's willing to let me see."


This couple was explosive in a hilarious way!!!
These two couldn't be more opposite, but they were just perfect for each other.
Their banters were hilarious and so satisfying...
Literally, i enjoyed their crazy asses sooooo much!!!!
I fully recomend this crazy book!!!! You will laugh your a$$es off!!!!
This story was very original in a way!!!!

IOU too many favors to count -consider my life yours. Do with me as you wish.


*****************************************

{ THE PRETENDER } (Previously titled as Subscriber Wars)



***4 "My best dude!!!" stars***

"It all started with a war..."

Kristy Marie has a unique way to write her stories, and she can really captivate you with her words...
After IOU, I was waiting like crazy to get Sebastian's story...
What we had in here???
Two crazy, hotheaded heroes with not your usual sense of humor and a whole world of pranks, and subscriber wars!!!!
Yep, you heard right!!!! WARS!!!
And trust me, it was delightful to witness this madness...

"You may have won the battle, Valentina. But I promise you this- I will win the war."

Sebastian and Valentina were enemies, turned out to friends and because of a crazy, weird kiss, they became enemies again and now they are being forced to walk together in foreign territory...
In short words, they are just walking the fine thin line between hate and love... Annoyance and lust...
But I freakin' loved them, no matter the lengths that they had to go in order to succeed.

"I do hate him sometimes, but this one time -never mind. Those days are over. All that matters is the here and now. Sebastian and I are enemies."

"Vee is the enemy. She should not be eliciting these types of feelings."


Well, Bash-hole and Vee were determined to win an online competition and even though they are not in their best mood after the incident that they are not talking about, they are returning back on old habits, pranking each other restless!!!
And then, Sebastian is coming up with a crazy idea in order to win and get away from a life that he never wanted.... For him and Vee to fake date and see their subscriber's number to get higher than anyone else's...
But what will happen when the fake kisses are starting to feel real???

"Her name evokes powerful emotions like rage and lust and I don't have room for that right now. I only have room for ambition. I'm getting out of Georgia, no matter what."

"He's ruined me. At the very least, he's set a precedent for all the other fake boyfriends that may follow him."


Well, i liked this crazy couple very much...
They were so opposite from each other, but their craziness was matching so perfectly...
The feelings were always there between them, but they were choosing to ignore them like they were about to bring them the greatest destruction...
But what if they were wrong??? What if they were really needing each other not only for a crazy win and a million dollar, but for something greater than that???

"Her pretending to be my girlfriend for eight weeks will fuck me up."

"Why his asshole personality speaks to me, I will never know..."




*****************************************

{ THE CLOSER }



***5 "Until delivery do us part!!!" stars***

"My power is perfected in weakness."

I adore Kristy's writing so much!!! She has the charisma to tell you a simple story with such a powerful way!!! She knows how to make you laugh and how to make you cry!!! And her stories are simply perfect and they can follow you around for a long time...
Also, her main characters, even though kind of crazy, they are making you swoon over them!!!
OMG!!! Cooper is 1000% boyfriend material!!! I just fell head over heels in love with him!!!

Don't fall in love... Don't fall in love...

McKinley was kind of crazy and spontaneous...
She had the baddest luck out there and her best friend was an old man...
When she met Cooper Lexington, she was in the road while she was carrying a wrench as a weapon and an almost dead tree as her treasure!!!
Cooper got in her life unexpectendly and even though she was drown to him, she had to fight him in every turn in order to protect her heart and to not repeat the mistakes of the past...

"He's like a mint on my pillow. It looks fancy and smells delicious, but it'll wreak havoc on my hips."

Cooper was number one pitcher and he had too much load upon his shoulders...
His only concern was his crazy grandpa and how to play the game perfectly..
He doesn't need another human being to worry about....
But McKinley is coming into his life like a hurricane and she is threatening everything that he had built for the last years...

"Her smile is what lures unsuspecting men into her insanity. God, help me."

These two were just perfect for each other...
They made me laugh so hard with their antics and silly conversations...
They made me swoon over their complicated status...
They made me sad when they lost their way toward each other...
Their story is definitely simple, but an unforgettable one...
And the marriage of convenience trope is one of my favorite!!!

"Who am I kidding?
This deal is going to kill us all."


I loved this crazy couple...
Cooper was the ideal man!!! I just wanted to grab him for myself!!! LOL!!!
He was very loyal and very protective!!! And his possessiveness toward his wife was hot as hell!!!
As for McKinley??? She was soooo crazy, but with a big heart who knew how to love fiercely!!!
I loved her sassiness and I loved seeing how much she grew up and changed in Cooper's presence...
I didn't always understand her, but I crazy loved her!!!

"You better have your wrench handy because I'm coming for you."

Of course, the show had been stolen by Pops...
He was soooo cute and grumpy and I freakin' adored him!!!
Also, I loved seeing Maverick and Ainsley again!!!
Maverick used to be my favorite Lexington brother, but Cooper made me questioning that belief!! LOL!!! I just love them both for different reasons!!! ;-)
Just pick up this sweet, swoonworthy and real story and you won't regret it!!! Trust me!!!

"I'm tired of fouling off pitches. I'm ready to strike out now."
Profile Image for Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥.
823 reviews3,043 followers
June 23, 2022
21 Rumors is a box set full of incredible banter, amazing characters, and beautiful romance. It will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love. You don't want to miss it!

IOU

When you become invested in a main character and experience a myriad of emotions in the very first chapter, you know it's going to be a damn good book!

I adore Maverick and Ainsley! He's broody, mysterious, and alpha. She's quirky, sassy, and fucking hilarious! Together, they're nothing short of perfection! I hope Kristy gives us a cameo of these two in future books. I've become attached! 😭 The side characters stole my heart, too! I need their stories! All of them!

IOU is the kind of book we all desperately needed to read in 2020. The premise is intriguing af. It's a fun hate (briefly) to roomates to friends to lovers romance. The writing pulls you in and doesn't let go. You'll smile to your face hurts, swoon the whole way through, but most of all, you'll LAUGH! You'll FEEL the friendship and love between the characters. You'll fall head over heels for this story and the author that brought it to you.

This is a book that makes you feel GOOD. In a year that brought us copious amounts of stress, anxiety, heartache, and bullshit of every flavor, it's the fresh breath of the
feels, love, and humor we deserved!

Romantic comedy fans and everybody coming out of the year from hell, this one's for you! 

The Pretender

I love Valentina and Sebastian's story just like I knew I would. It's sexy, funny, and intriguing. The pranks, banter, and sexual tension are perfection!

I was extremely excited to see the CiB series character's kids all grown up! It was definitely a major highlight for me. The relationship they all have is just like I hoped it would be.

The Pretender is an enemies to lovers, new adult romance told in a unique style that kept me invested the whole way through. I enjoyed watching Valentina and Sebastian's story unfold, and I look forward to reading more second gen character's stories in the future.

*This is a standalone novel. You do not have to read any other books to understand this one. However, if you've read the Commander in Briefs series, it will enhance your experience.*

The Closer

Kristy never ceases to me amaze me with every new release, and this time is no different.

I laughed and cried and then repeated both several times!

I'm head over heels in love with Cooper and McKinley. Their story is absolutely beautiful! It's a must read for contemporary romance fans!
Profile Image for Julie's Book Land Reviews.
406 reviews33 followers
June 11, 2022
Review for IOU, The Pretender (formerly Subscriber Wars) & The Closer in which I've read them all separately....

IOU:
Deserves 5 more 🌟 s on top of the 5 I just gave.

What can I say about this book? Since I'm wordless. Yes that's right, Julie is speechless for once (which is a good thing I think 😂). But seriously, Ainsley and Maverick's story was so good from beginning to end and it just comes to show you if you can work through one devastating event then you can make it through anything in my opinion. Anyways back to the review, overall Ainsley is like my spirit human bc her thought process and smartass mouth is exactly what makes me me as well. Maverick was this sexy as sin alpha'y male that never showed his real cards with anyone other than with his friends, but turns into this swoon worthy guy who you wish was yours, you know the type, hard with a secret gooey center you just have to love, which I'll leave you with that analogy to tie you over until you read it. Highly recommend that you get your hands on it now to see what I'm talking about. Great story as always Kristy and i seriously cannot wait to see what story you come up with next.

The Pretender:
Kristy has gone and done it again. This book had me in stitches most of the time and even made me cry in certain places. But overall I loved Valentina's and Sebastian's crazy chemistry with one another and to top it all off it also had a crossover from some of our favorite characters in the commander series which made it more spectacular than it already was in the beginning.

The Closer:
I've been trying to write a review for this book ever since I read it, but all I can say is the story was uniquely written. The characters had a lot of chemistry and their banter always had me laughing. What else can I say about this book without spoiling it? Oh yeah, it also had a very inspirational message that will hopefully help others out there who needs to hear that you're not alone and also that everyone needs a Cooper in their life whether you're married to one, dating one or still waiting for the one.
Profile Image for Mia.
338 reviews
July 21, 2022
21 Rumors Boxset containing 3 full length novels by author Kristy Marie.

This boxset also exists as an audiobook compilation! And let me tell you how obsessed I am! I can now bring Ainsley and Maverick with me everywhere I go!

IOU

I absolutely loved this novel! Five stars doesn’t even seem to do it justice and it took me a few days to review this one, because I was so in love with Maverick I had a really hard time letting go...

Let’s start by the beginning. The first chapter of this book, it was really hard for me to read! That was hard for me to read! I was so furious at her boyfriend and friend that I wanted to slap them several times...
After that, I couldn’t put it down.
Ainsley and Maverick story is not an easy one, but it’s one that will have you rooting for them.
The heroine is strong, kind and overall crazy, which makes her one of the best and most relatable characters I ever encounter. And that’s what you want from a book, right? A great hero that can be redeemable, a love story that makes you forget about your own problems and an heroine you can relate too.

Love, loved the book!

SUBSCRIBERS WARS/THE PRETENDER

“it’s harder to believe others when you don’t believe it yourself.”

I’ve been so excited to read this book ever since Kristy announced it. My excitement has been months in the making... and let me tell you, that I’m the middle of the pandemic, that excitement and expectation is heightened! I was almost scared that the author wouldn’t deliver, so big where my expectations. But she did! This book is amazing!

Sebastian is an asshole, with capital A. But he’s also sweet and kind and funny and oh so lost in himself and his demons.
Valentina is strong! Don’t you just love a strong heroine? I love it! Valentina is strong, funny, a good friend and what I love most about her is her ability to see her flaws, her weaknesses and instead of sulking or dwelling on them, she search for her strong points and enhances them. If you don’t take anything else from this book, at least learn this! Don’t dwell on your weaknesses, celebrate your strengths!

Sebastian and Valentina have been at war for months now.
They both have channels on the internet and when Sebastian decides to prank Valentina, it triggers a chain reaction that leads to a full blown prank war.
In this book we don’t get to see much of the pranks (which sadden me a little. It would have been fun to read about that). This book actually starts after the wars end, because, apparently Valentina won (though how we only get to now at the end) and her and Sebastian are on a truce and don’t speak to each other.
When a huge competition starts and Sebastian and Valentina have to join forces and pretend to like each other in order to win, the lines get blurred and they both lose sight what is pretend and what is true love.

This is a great book. Kristy Marie delivers a Romantic Comedy, that is sexy, funny and warm. But also a romance that talks about forgiveness and overcoming our own demons.


THE CLOSER

Once upon a time, in a not so far away land, lived a girl who… was three seconds away from shoving a sign up this jerk’s ass.

Meet McKinley, our heroine… She’s a little crazy (all the good ones are).
When we meet McKinley for the first time, she’s in a really low place in her life - not that her life has been easy so far… it hasn’t, at all, but she’s making a living and she’s doing so with fiercefulness, kindness and a smile on her face (and a little crazy add to the mix).

My landlord finds it exhausting chasing me down for the two months of rent I still owe. Combine that with an assload of medical bills and nothing but a fridge full of air and expired milk, I’m the poster child for debt and poor decisions times two.

She meets our hero - Cooper - exactly in that day when her life is in shambles and everything - including her truck, Lu - decides to rebel on her.

“Are those zip ties?” I try to appear like this level of crazy doesn’t scare me. “Uh-huh.” She smiles tightly. “If they can hold Lu’s bumper, they can hold this marriage together.”

Let’s get situated here.
Cooper is a professional baseball player - a pitcher. And he is, Maverick’s, from IOU, baby brother.
Now, if you don’t know you will now, that I love Maverick with a passion. IOU is in my top 5 favorite books of life. So when I found out that his baby brother was having his own story I was over the moon.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me tell, my heart will never be the same after the Lexington brothers (and Pops. ‘Cause Pops is genius!).

“You two, together, are trouble. You two with a wrench and a cane…are a felony waiting to happen.”

McKinley is crazy and will admit it to whoever wants to hear it, but I don’t think Cooper is much better - when it comes to McKinley that is.
Cooper is, in McKinley’s words, a hero. He likes to save people, he has character, he always keeps his word and goes above and beyond for those that he loves.

“Do you want to know what God says about how a man should love a woman, McKinley?” I nod, enraptured by his passion. “That I shall love my wife like he loves me—willing to sacrifice my life for hers.”

I freaking loved this book!
First Cooper is so swoon worthy that we can’t even. McKinley is crazy and sweet and has such a huge heart that we can’t help but root for her. And Pops… he’s just the perfect supporting character.

And to top it all of, we got cameos from characters from other books!
Profile Image for Ri.
5,086 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2022
I own these books separately but am combining my reviews for the boxset.

IOU
This book is a Royal Flush.

One of my most anticipated books of this year. Since I first discovered this author, I have watched her steadily get better and better. From the get-go, this author had a gift at creating a story that resonated with me but this one might just be my favorite that she has written.

From the blurb, the cover, to the actual story, this book not only met my expectations but surpassed them. The premise of the story was unlike anything I had read before. It was fresh and unique and much needed in romancelandia where, like it or not, there seems to be a rehashing of the same old stories. That isn't to knock other romance books because no one is reinventing the wheel here but it is always a much-needed reprieve to have something so unexpected; a palette cleanser of a sort.

Strong characters, a dash of mystery in regards to the IOUs and what they meant or when/if they would be cashed in, and chemistry galore. I loved Maverick, he was everything and then some, but perhaps the one that stole the show was Ainsley. Sweet holy hell, this little spitfire of a pyromaniac. Her quirkiness was refreshing. Watching her regain her purpose and self-identity was endearing. Together, these two were fire, only no fire-extinguishers were needed to put them out. There were twists to this story that I didn't see coming which made me like the book that much more.

From the first page to the last page this was a book that I couldn't read fast enough, even knowing that by reaching the end that it would be over. That is the true hallmark of a great book. Loved the secondary characters (I want more of them) including some tied to the CiB series (This scene; in particular; had me laughing for obvious reasons!), and I left feeling like this author could take me in several different directions and I would be more than okay with that.

I highly recommend this book. There is a reason that this author is one of my favorites.

The Pretender (Formerly Subscriber Wars)
From the very first moment that I saw teasers for this book, I was 100% invested. Even if this had been an author that was new to me, the blurb and excitement from those teasers had me sold. Yet, having it be from one of my favorite authors of all time? Yeah, that just meant it was going to be a sure hit for me and would make me right about my assumption that this story was going to be a gem of a story. What I didn't realize is that there are a plethora of gems out there and this one, is most definitely a diamond. It not only exceeded my expectations but it crushed it.

From the dedication hashtags which made me bust up laughing, to the actual story, this was everything that I live for when I read romance. I found myself savoring every word as if it was the finest world delicacy. I caught myself smiling in certain parts and laughing out loud. The bantering between the characters and the secondary characters, especially because I could see some of the mannerisms of their parents made this book even more enjoyable. The beauty of it that was that for readers that hadn't read the Commander in Briefs (CoB) series would not be lost but for those of us, like myself that have, it made it ten times more special. There is laugh out loud moments, literally and figuratively.

This book already was going to be a favorite because Valentina is the daughter of my favorite character in COB. I knew I was going to love this feisty mini Tim and Milah, and I was right to expect that. She is unconventional and snarky and a prankster. She is fearless in her approach to life. I felt everything that she did whether it be frustration, guilt, caring, or the dismay at falling in love with someone that is the supposed enemy. Sebastian, also, exceeded my expectations. There were many dimensions to his character that drew me in from the very beginning. He had a steeper road to climb in becoming my favorite. Even though he was in IOU, he didn't have the automatic loyalty that I save for the COB family. That was my mistake because he picked that gauntlet up and showed me who was the true king of my heart. I couldn't wrap my head around at what was this big prank that severed their friendship, and trust me I tried and tried to play out possible scenarios of what Vee could have done that would have been so bad. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING could have prepared me for the twist of that prank.

The author weaved the story through another fresh and unique premise and told the story in a way that just the right amount of hints would be dropped to engage my mind as to what the prank possibly was until just the right time. It was blended perfectly and seamlessly executed. I loved that it tied in markers from Maverick and again meshed the old crew (yeah, Daddy Timeas was in the story) and the new IOU crew. I also loved the tie-in with Vee's job and Scarlett. How I wanted happiness for Scarlett.

I have been on this journey with this author since her very first book. She has always been amazing and with each book, she gets better and better. However, this book was in a whole new caliber and league because not only was this her best work, but this story is in my top five of the hundreds of books that I have read this entire year. For a year, such as 2020, any book that can make me lose myself and forget about the chaos and despair, such as this Hope diamond of a book, then it deserves all the accolades and stars that a book can get and then some. Kudos to this author for again reminding me why I am a HUGE fan, and why yet again I find myself rambling like a shiny squirrel.

The Closer
One of my favorite things about books is the ability to get lost in another world; a world in which the characters come to life and feel like friends, where the fictional setting feels like it could be a town or city that I could visit, and where a happily ever after is waiting at the end of a tumultuous road. This author always manages to give me all of that and more. Whenever I start one of her stories, I go in knowing that it will be exceptional but then it turns out to be so much more than I was expecting. From her very first book until now, with the Closer, I watch her writing evolve into being so much more than just a feel-good story, and instead am left with not only a smile on my face but a sense of contentment that my fictional friends have found peace, love, and joy. That is quite the feat.

Cooper was first introduced as Maverick's brother in IOU (another amazing book) and made his presence known that he was a character that was going to need his own story. However, I was not prepared for how strong of a character he was going to be. He is different than I was expecting. There is a sense of vulnerability in his character that I found myself drawn to as I watched him evolve. Besides the fact that he was a baseball player (and I have a MAD fixation on all things Baseball), he was just truly a GOOD man who loved his Grandfather and family and truly saw the world and Mac in a wonderful way.

McKinley (Mac) was a woman that I found myself wanting to befriend. She hadn't had an easy life, yet still manages to take life one step at a time. I loved her snark and wit and found her to be completely relatable. I loved her wrench and her trusty plant, Psalms. I loved watching her learn the importance of roots and how family comes in a plethora of ways.

This book has some great cameo appearances from previous favorites (I definitely recommend this book for fans of IOU because there are a few moments that would be sad if they were missed). I really loved the scenes with Pops in this book too, who incidentally is a character in his own right.

There is a reason that this author is a favorite of mine. She is a true gem in the world of romance and never fails to give me a book that is heartfelt, funny, and endearing all at the same time.
Profile Image for Keri Loves Books.
1,243 reviews192 followers
June 13, 2022
Review of IOU

Indebted For A Lifetime

This story delivered a fresh and original storyline with laughter and feels that I have come to expect from the author. I wouldn’t mind owing favors to the one and only Maverick Lexington! This hot AF card/loan shark has all the right moves. He’s the king of favors and he always cashes in!!!

Maverick is the guy you seek out on campus when you need something. He’ll make it happen, but there is always a price to be paid. He’ll help you out and you’ll owe him a favor whenever he decides to call it in. The man is clever. He knows exactly how to get what he wants.

Ainsley is quirky, a little bit crazy (but the good kind), and a whole bunch of fun! I adored her. She’s just been screwed over by her long time boyfriend and her roommate. Now with no place to live, she’s looking for the guy that makes things happen. He’s her last hope.

Maverick is willing to help, but it’s going to cost her. He never agrees to a favor without getting what he wants. Mav just took on more than he ever expected. This is one IOU that’s life changing.

I read IOU in one sitting because I was swept up in this super fun and sassy romance. The story brings us some of the best secondary characters that you’ll absolutely love. The build up and tension between Maverick and Ainsley was straight up HOT! There was such incredible wit, interlaced with emotion and constant laughs. The author kept a smile on my face the entire time and I LOVED these characters.

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Review of The Closer

I’m calling it…TOP READS 2021! Cooper will make you swoon, laugh, cry and fall in love. He is her knight in a baseball jersey. She is a little bit crazy but full of heart. Mac and Coop FOREVERRRR!

He didn’t save her, they made a life together.

The author expertly wove humor and all the feels into this beautiful love story. A marriage of convenience between a reluctant spitfire and the guy who always brings it home. I LOVED IT!

Mac is sassy, independent, and stubborn to a fault. She has met her match in Cooper. She's absolutely hilarious, has crazy rants, and cherishes her trusty wrench. Her life has not been easy, but she is a survivor who just keeps on going.

Cooper has the need to save everyone he loves in one way or another. He's baseball's favorite closer and he always brings home the W. A guy who is in the prime of his life but spends his free time with his Pops and trying to keep him out of trouble. Pops is the BEST!

She needs a job and some stability. He needs someone to care for his Pops when he can't be home. When Mac and Cooper's world's collide it's the perfect way to solve both of their problems. They just never intended their temporary situation to turn into a dream of forever.

The Closer is everything you could ever want and a whole lot more. Emotion and heartache come together in this emotional romance that delivers heated sexual tension and a hero you will fall in love with. The author is a master at bringing humor into tough situations and creating the very best of book boyfriends.

Cooper is a total keeper. He is the man you dream of spending your forever with. He is exactly what Mac needs to complement her crazy. Mac is a strong woman who always manages to be everything that Cooper needs.

A story you will want to read over and over with all it's feels and so much love.

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Review of Subscriber Wars

A funny and clever enemies to lovers romance that all began with a prank war. Sebastian and Valentina have a complicated relationship. You’ll enjoy this modern tale about a couple and their quest for online notoriety.

I adored sassy Valentina. This girl could give as good as she got. She was a formidable opponent and pushed Bash as far as she could.

A few months prior they had a prank war and it made their social media status soar. That war ended in Sebastian's defeat and they parted ways. They had been friends, but then something broke them apart. Their relationship suffered and so did their online careers. Valentina has moved on, but Bash wants that life in the spotlight.

Sebastian has a new idea to get back what they lost. He wants them to pretend to be together romantically so that they can enter a contest for social media. He thinks they can win and re-establish their top dog status online. Sounds like a great plan but he forgot how much he misses his friend and he underestimated his ability to control his attraction. Things are about to get HOTTTT!

I love the way this story was told between the flashbacks and rehashing of their relationship to a third party. As always the author gave us witty banter with some laugh out loud moments. Bash is more than I expected and was easy to love. Valentina was so much fun and a really sweet girl. And her grand gesture in the end will reveal a plot twist you never saw coming. Another great read by the author to brighten your world.

Profile Image for SCBookAddict.
639 reviews49 followers
July 5, 2022
I highly suggest this box set of you are looking for something memorable to binge! Each book can hold its own but they are that much better when read together!

*IOU*
A-freakin-mazing! I didn't want this book to end - AT ALL!

IOU has the my favorite type of heroine.
Ainsley is quirky and sort of the underdog in the beginning. Yet she doesn't back down and doesn't roll over when controversy knocks on her door. She loves hard which also sets her up to hurt just as hard.

Maverick - sigh. He tries not to get himself involved, he really does but he wasn't expecting someone like Ainsley, bless his heart. He's the guy everyone talks about but not many know the real Maverick.

There were so many scenes that I loved. The pool scene, checking on Maverick while he was trying to sleep, and the macaroni and cheese incident were probably the most memorable to me. THEN there is a scene that as a Kristy Marie fan had me cheering and doing a little dance in my head.

Kristy Marie has this writing style that invites the reader into the story and makes them feel as if they are a part of it. She always gives us characters that are relatable to the reader. When her story is over, I'm always sad because I want to stay in that world.

I HIGHLY suggest reading this book! It's a fun, heartfelt, highly entertaining read that once started, I could not put down until I was finished.

*The Pretender*
AMAZING - One of My 2020 Favorites!

This is a must read! Kristy Marie has done it again! She's given us another five star memorable read! I was hooked from the start. Can someone PLEASE pick this up and make it into a movie?

Sebastian and Valentina's story is anything but conventional. It's full of humor and sparks as they either one-up each other or pretend to love each other.

This story was full of humor but just when I thought I would come out unscathed, Tim has his fatherly talk with Vee. Cute the freaking waterworks!

I loved how Kristy Marie wove bits and pieces of the Commander in Briefs series into this story. Not enough where someone that hasn't read it would feel lost, but enough to satisfy those of us that are addicted to those Marines and their women.

Also, all this teasing Aspen and Bennett in this story has me CRAVING their story! I NEED IT!


*The Closer*
Get ready to laugh, swoon, and fall head over heels in love with Cooper and McKinley!

Kristy has one again delivered an exceptional book that brought out all of my emotions. I laughed so hard during several moments and yet there were parts that just pulled at my heart strings and had tears pouring down my face. Who knew a wrench would make me laugh and napkins would make me cry? And don't even get me started on the angst! These two were so much fun but equally hot when they finally broke down all the barriers.

I think I say this every time I finish one of Kristy Marie's books but I honestly think McKinley is my new favorite heroine. I absolutely adored her throughout the entire story. From her sarcasm to her choice of friends to the way she guards her heart, I found myself falling for her. I found myself wanting to serve burnt hotdogs right along with her and also wanting to hug her and give her comfort when she wasn't so sure of herself.

Then there's Cooper. This man! He is perfect! He's grumpy but caring. He does so much for others. The way he takes care of McKinley is endearing. The best part??? When he gets growly! It's so freaking hot!

I can't recommend this book enough! It's absolute perfection! Trust me!
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,514 reviews165 followers
June 23, 2022
This is such a fantastic collection of romantic comedy stand-alones ! I seriously needed this refreshing read I laughed so hard at all the banter and swooned at the romance I don’t know where I’ve been and why I didn’t pick up something from this author sooner but I’m so glad that I did ! This is definitely one of my favorite new to me authors that I’ve read this year!
Profile Image for Jessica.
14 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2022
I’m not quite finished with this one yet (I’ve read IOU and The Closer, working on The Pretender now), but I love it already. I fell in love with Maverick and Ainsley in IOU, fell HARD for Cooper and Mac in The Closer, and I’m falling just as hard for Sebastian and Vee in The Pretender.

I LOVE how Kristy Marie writes her characters. I’m a huge fan of the tough guys who are actually softies at heart, and an even bigger fan of the strong-willed, spitfire women they fall for. I love the author’s writing style, and her stories and characters are both genuine and entertaining. Kristy Marie just jumped to my list of Top Favorite Authors. 😀
Profile Image for Lager Lefse Book Blog.
511 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2022
21 Rumors is the collection of IOU, The Pretender (formally known as Subscriber Wars), and The Closer. The same emotions and feelings felt in the individual copies could be felt tenfold through the audio.

IOU
I fell hard for Kristy Marie, her writing and the characters in her Commandeer in Briefs series. I truly did not think I could love main characters more than Theo/Anniston, or the bromance of Theo/Cade. She proved me wrong. I am in serious love with Maverick and Ainsley and their band of side characters.

Ainsley is the girl that you want to be friends with. I think we all could find some aspect of her character that would resonate with us. She is fun, quirky, a ‘button pusher’ unintentionally, plucky and strong-willed. Despite all these positive characteristics, she is a hot mess. This will lead to many ‘adventures’ with Ainsley and you will be laughing so hard at her antics that your ribs will hurt in the morning.

Maverick. It is hard to say his name without wanting to sigh. Maverick is moody, and broody, his name alone makes people quiver (and not in a good way sometimes😏). Despite his rough, stony, and cold-hearted outward appearance, he is something else entirely underneath and it only takes one tenacious girl to start poking holes in his façade.

Now, take their individual characteristics and combine them. What do you have? Maverick and Ainsley’s relationship, which will never be boring, always hilarious and my new favorite couple of Kristy Matie’s. IOU is written so entirely well that it will have you feeling the feels. Personally, I cannot help but not look at the cover and break out in a smile. It is fun, refreshing, hilarious, powerful, and enduring. I loved every little thing about IOU and am so happy to see Kristy Marie spread her wings and try something new. Well done, Kristy, well done!!

The Pretender
Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit. Kristy Marie has done it again. Now, she may not be a new to me author, but she continues to amaze me and surpass her writing with each and every additional book that she puts out.

Subscriber Wars is a second-generation series based off the original Commandeer in Briefs series. It is not necessary to read CIB first, BUT I would HIGHLY recommend it!! SW follows the story of Sebastian (Bash) and Valentina (Vee) in an incredibly unique storyline that had me thoroughly engaged from beginning to the end. There are so many unbelievable moments that had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt to being tearful. Now, Subscriber Wars is not just fun and games, there is drama, angst, and a twist that had me completely unprepared for it!!

Bash and Vee are two strong and adorable main characters. Their prank wars were legendary and made me think of some of the pranks my brother and I would do to our parents. 😂🤣 I was so incredibly curious about Sebastian in IOU, and Bash did not hold back when it came to his own story. Vee is very much one of the guys, yet she can hold her own against her male-populated friends/family. I felt like I wanted to keep saying, ‘you go girl’🙌🙌🙌!!

This fictional, but totally believable world that Kristy created had me thinking back to my college days and wishing that Havemeyer truly was a real school. It was so incredibly vivid that I could picture myself plopped into Havemeyer and be one of the students.

Kudos, Kristy, for yet another outstanding book. Easily a top book for 2020. Now, Kristy, you know that Cade and Gorgeous was my be-all-end-all top book of CIB. I have to say though, that Subscriber Wars has taken that top pick spot!! Congratulations!!

The Closer
Kristy Marie has written a new protagonist that has completely stolen my heart and proved that good guys do not always finish last. The Closer is 100% on my top reads of 2021!

Where have we seen Cooper Lexington before? He is the brother of Maverick who was featured in his own book, IOU. The Lexington boys didn’t have an easy childhood, but one thing that is constant is Pops. When Mav went off to school, Cooper deemed himself as a slightly overprotective guardian and this is how Pops came to live with him. For a young man, he has some pretty big physical and metaphorical shoulders to carry around all the stressors in his life. Besides being called The Closer, he could very well be known as Atlas.

McKinley, aka Mac, also has the weight of the world pressing down on her. She was dealt a rough hand in life. Her one constant in life was her unreliable pickup truck, Lu. Lu has a knack for picking the worst time to break down, which leads her on a new path in life. Enter Cooper. 😉😏

I love Mac! There were certain aspects of her personality and mannerisms that made me think, ‘Mac is my spirit animal!’ She is quirky, proud, loves fiercely, stubborn, scared, yet independent, and addicted to her wrench. Her story is tragic, but her ability to bounce back is admirable. Mac is flawed and human.

Pops. What can I say about Pops? I would love to have a grandpa/friend like him. He’s mischievous, playful, stubborn, a behind-the-scenes matchmaker, but loves unconditionally. The relationship that he has with Mac was so fun to watch and develop from friends to family. Did I mention that he loves to rile up his family? Particularly his ‘grumpy grandson,’ Cooper.

I love Mac and I adore Cooper, but to watch these two grow is inspiring, and I felt like I was falling in love all over again! I laughed, I cried, I swooned, I experienced all the feels and I loved! Did I mention that I read this book twice? Yep, Cooper is my new gold standard.
Profile Image for Naadira  Moodley (BookedMercy) .
367 reviews81 followers
June 24, 2022
IOU

You know when a book is epically beautiful and downright hilarious when, by the end of reading it, you are positively glowing... Well, that is the feels I have from reading this book. It's been a couple of days since I have read IOU but I am still high from the endorphin rush. I am giddy! I had a constant smile on my face throughout this whole book.

Maverick and Ainsley are characters that you will undoubtedly fall in love with. If you think you already have a favorite character from one of Kristy's books, someone that you compare characters to, then prepare for your loyalty to be tested. Mine was and I failed because Maverick and Ainsley are my ultimate OTP. Ainsley is unlike any character you have read before. She is a mess. A perfect quirky mess! I was constantly laughing at the stuff that came out of her mouth. I loved being in her head. She is witty and wacky and although Maverick scared her, she was completely herself. And that is what made Maverick fall in love with our little firebug.

Maverick, oh Maverick, oh Maverick... So grumpy... So closed-off... So sexy... So my new favorite! He was so perfect for Ainsley. They balanced each other. He was such a mystery and puzzle that I wanted to crack. The method behind his IOU's was ingenious! I so desperately wanted to know why Ainsley was at Maverick's door! That blurb was during me crazy. I had this picture, in my head, of what Maverick is going to be like and how he is going to behave and in certain aspects he was like that but he still surprised me. I was captivated by him.
I loved the fact that Mav and Ain's relationship was not rushed. It had a slow burn feel to it.(I'm a total sucker for that btw.) We got to feel what they felt. It was a journey that we got to be a part of.

Kristy deviated from her normal genre and our favorite marines and decided to try something new–to give us something new to experience–and it paid off. This is book that you can't help but fall in love with.

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Subscriber Wars/The Pretender

Kristy has left me once again mesmerized with her witty and brilliant masterpiece. I am so hooked.

Kristy Marie is known for her witty beautiful addictive tales and this is book is no exception. In true Kristy style she wows her readers and makes them remember why they love reading in the first place. This book was so addictive. I lived for the humor and the sexual tension which made for a book that was unputdownable.

Sebastian and Valentina dislike each other with great passion. They constantly bicker and fight in the form of pranking each other. It's an in going battle between them which made them famous. They upload their pranks and different videos on MyView but lately they have been losing followers because their haven't been much videos of them together. But a recent video has sparked an insane idea on how they can give their followers what they want and in the process they will win a large amount of money. That's how they become a couple ruling MyView with their sweet and not real romance. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to keep their hands off of each other. The sexual tension becomes unbearable and causes them to snap. But theirs still something keeping them from truly being together and Sebastian has plans that he has no intention of changing.

Sebastian and Valentina were so adorable and extremely hot together. They were so blind to the feelings they had towards each other. This couple made me addicted to their awkwardly adorable romance and the way they desperately tried to fight their feelings yet still craving each other. They provided me with many laughs that made crave this book. I was so desperate to know the secret they did not want to talk about. It was a twist I so did not see coming. It was brilliant!

What I also loved about this book was getting cameos from all my favorite characters which is literally everyone because, hello... this is Kristy's writing and I love every single character she has created!

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The Closer

Kristy has written another brilliant and engaging book that constantly put a goofy smile to my face. Her words are like a warm blanket. This book made me feel good. It was a comfort to me.

I'm a sucker for marriage of convenience romances especially when the sexual tension is scorching and the main couple makes us sweat with how long it takes them to finally give in their desires. This book kept that fire burning. I couldn't get enough of it.

The characters in this book were written to perfection. McKinley was every bit of fiesty and incredible as promised. She was absolutely crazy. The words that came out of her mouth was always unpredictable and made you belly laugh.
She went through so much yet showed sp much growth. My heart ached for her and I admired how strong, independent and brave she was. I loved her friendship with Pops. It was so cute. He was just as crazy as her.

Cooper, oh Cooper, oh Cooper. Incredibly sexy Cooper. Gosh, this man made me swoon. He was so freaking sweet and loyal. He acted like a grizzly but his actions proved otherwise. I loved his devotion. If I sum up his character to one word, it's DEVOTED! He loved fiercely and passionately. He embraced Mac's brand of crazy. Their banter was off the charts hilarious. I lived for it.

My absolute favorite Maverick made a few cameos in this book and I was beyond happy at that. Boths brothers have found crazy, lovable and sassy women for themselves. Gah! I miss them already. I will be rereading these books over and over again. It became one of the best part of my month!
Profile Image for Christine~justlovemybooks.com blog~.
1,152 reviews58 followers
July 2, 2022
21 Rumors is a collection of three amazing, original novels by one of my favorite authors!

IOU
Fantastic! Not sure what I expected after reading the blurb. But let me tell you that this book was a pleasure, an unpredictable literary surprise.

Falling in love with a book is such an amazing experience but when you can equally adore both main characters, you have the best of the best. As I said a couple of sentences ago, after reading the blurb, I truly couldn't guess where the premise was taking me. Again, another plus for me in finding a great read. And if those alone aren't enough reasons to read this winner, I don't know what is. All the feels and emotions are present. Unpredictability was another. There is some suspense and angst as well as a supportive secondary cast of complex characters that I know Kristy will treat us with books for. Let's not forget humor, sass, and intense chemistry and attraction. All aspects of this novel were original. IOU is one of my favorite books to date.

SUBSCRIBER WARS
Wow! This is another original story from this author. Her talent for storytelling is incredible. You can’t help but to fall helplessly in love with her characters.
If you're a little bored with the same old romance tropes and genres then Kristy Marie is an author you will want to read, if you haven't already. Her writing style is crafty, witty, engaging and down-right exceptional. I am 100% in love with her books. Each book is better than the one before. Each book has depth, complexity and originality. ALL her characters are amazing and you will love them all.

So, Subscriber Wars is a standalone and part of a series. They are next generation to her Commander in Briefs series. You don't have to read those books prior but I promise you will have an even better reading experience if you do. Subscriber Wars is Valentina and Sebastian's story. This book has a myriad of emotions throughout. Angst being first and foremost. Wit, snark, humor, and sexiness is in abundance as well. This book is thorough and entertaining and for me, it will be hard to knock it off the pedestal I have placed it on. Vee and Sebastian have incredible chemistry. One of my favorite aspects of this book is having both H/h perspectives. So happy I could be inside both their heads. Vee is a unique heroine; I adored her personality and the way she owned up to her mistakes. Sebastian was another amazing character. His persona is willful, arrogant, and sexiness oozes from him. And yet he is not perfect. Sebastian also doesn't run from his mistakes. But there are things he does want to run away from. That aspect gives the book depth. I wondered throughout, what his decision would be in the end.

I absolutely recommend this book to everyone who loves romance with a side of snark and a whole lot of humor. Subscriber Wars is a perfectly balanced novel.

THE CLOSER
While all three of these novels are five stars from me, The Closer is my favorite. I really wish I can give this book more than five stars. While I read so many books that I truly enjoy, The Closer was extra special. Unique and original with characters that are flawed but so, so lovable. Cooper is unsurprisingly sitting at the top of my book boyfriend list. McKinley's character traits unravel as you read on. At the beginning, I didn't think I would love her as much as I eventually did. She is something else! She makes you wonder what it would be like to be in her shoes. Mac is strong and independent to a fault. But she was no match for Cooper and his determination to be her hero, even if she ended up being his.

There is so much to love about this book. The writing is perfect in every way. The pace is pretty fast and you will be at the end before you know it. I wanted more. You will cry and be frustrated. You will probably be mad at some point as well. But the best emotion you will experience is laughter. Not only from Mac and Cooper but Pops will have you in stitches. And let's not get started with that amazing epilogue.

If you only consider one book recommendation from me, this is the book you must read! I promise you won't be disappointed. This author has gotten better with every book she has written and I anticipate what she'll write next with eagerness.

These are my honest and unbiased reviews and I thank you for taking the time to read them. :)
Profile Image for Juli.
1,465 reviews21 followers
June 15, 2022
IOU (21 Rumors #1) - 4 stars

Well that was a bit of wild ride; I loved Maverick and hated his grumpy butt.

However, I definitely loved Ainsley more especially her crazy sea lion obsessed self. Ainsley had many guardian angels throughout this book and although I do love Maverick, Boss was my favorite; her firefighter captain savior. That poor girl racked up so many IOUs you knew she wasn’t going anywhere ;)

Maverick tried so hard to fight the lovable goofball that is Ainsley, but he stood no chance, even his friends Sebastian and Rowan knew he was done for. The relationship between Maverick, his grandfather and his little brother Coop was beautiful and hilarious. However, Ainsley relationship with her totally awesome mom was so sweet.

I just enjoyed everything about this book excerpt Tucker and Taylor, they could totally suck it. I hated them and I love sweet karma justice.

Now oh my god!!! Aspen Von Bremen, I can’t even right now!!! If you read the Commander in Brief series, you know who she is and who her crazy parents are and I am so excited about this. Little Aspen all grown up! OMG! Theo must be devastated ;) Also Bennett Jameson and Aspen Von Bremen might be a thing hehe

The Pretender (21 Rumors #2) - 3.75 stars
(formerly titled Subscriber Wars)

This is a spin-off from the Commander in Briefs series and it features Valentina Lambros, daughter of Tim and Milah from Interpreter. Also I think this is the beginning of a series of the next generation of Von Bremens, Jamesons, Lambros and etc.

You should read IOU, if you want introduction to Sebastian and to understand Maverick a little better, also I loved that book.

Like I said this book focuses on the youngest of the next generation group, Valentina (Vee), who is a freshmen in college and in an odd yet significant war with her neighbor, Sebastian (Bash). The book starts off a bit odd with Vee breaking and entering with her forever bestie, Aspen and just continues to be odd. You can totally feel the hate/lust/love between Sebastian and Vee throughout the entire book and I couldn't wait to see what happened next between these wackos. Apparently, they did have a great friendship, but something happened to tear them apart and ruin their subscriber and sponsor listings. I think I liked Vee more because she was much more open about herself while Bash seemed to always have to blame others for why he was being, in Vee's words, a "Bash-hole."

However, I loved all the moments they were together especially the lake house it was real and sweet minus the bugs (I HATE BUGS). I think the only thing that bothered me was the secret that was essentially kept all the way to the end, I mean it was doozy, but I think keeping it all the way to the end was bit much.

I absolutely loved that we get see an all grown up Aspen Von Bremen as well as her brother, Fenn, and apparently Cade and Breck had twin boys, Bennett and Drew. We get some mention of Oliver, Valentina's older brother, and his musical success. I think Aspen and Bennett might have a thing going on, but the plot thickens, hehe. And yes, we do get to see our favorite veterans and Theo again, I missed them so much!

I am still hoping for books on Mason, Vic and Kane, I neeeeeeed them please!

The Closer (21 Rumors #3) - 4.5 stars

4.5 stars

This is stand-alone novel, but it is the third book of the 21 Rumors series.

This is Cooper (Maverick’s little brother) and Mac’s book.

I have been waiting to read about Mac and Cooper and I’m so glad I finally got to read it. My emotions were all over the place with this book and I enjoyed every minute of it. Mac was a strong heroine and I just loved her determination to do things on her own, which did at times make we want to shake her. Then of course we have Cooper who has his own turmoils as well; also we can’t forget Pops, I love great side characters and Pops is definitely a favorite.

I really did feel for Mac’s turmoil over Griffin and issues created by Chris, but Cooper always had her back and I loved him for it.

I love that we get to see Maverick, a pregnant Ainsley and Aspen! I love seeing our little crew and how their lives are progressing.
Profile Image for Kylie Cook.
147 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2022
IOU

Ainsley is my spirit human

Betrayed by her boyfriend and room mate, Ainsley last resort is Havemeyer University’s magic genie, Maverick Lexington. Rumour has it he grants favours and Ainsley desperately needs one.

Ainsley is one of the best characters you will ever read. Even when my heart was breaking for her she was making me laugh with her witty inner monologue. She’s the best kind of crazy! Maverick is a mystery. A contradiction of rumours that he perpetuates to hide the secret of who he really is. The only people at Havemeyer who know the real Mav are his best friends but Ainsley is on to him in no time.

It’s romantic comedy at it’s finest. A great read that will leave your heart more healed than broken. Some great secondary characters as well as some familiar names opens up a world of possibilities for the future. Another must read from Kristy Marie.

The Pretender (formally Subscriber Wars)

The story starts at the end. Valentina and Sebastian are being interviewed for the University CamFlix competition. Vee and Bash entered the competition as a fake couple hoping to use their combined MyView (You Tube?) popularity to win the 1 million dollar prize. Each chapter starts with a snippet of the interview before picking up the story in the present from either perspective. We can gather that Vee and Bash were friends turned enemies who were engaged in a prank war. Details about their past is slowly revealed through Vee and Bash’s interview answers. The storytelling is quite brilliant and it makes for compelling reading as you try and figure out what’s actually going on. Now that I’m finished and know the “secret” I’m going to have to reread to find all the clues.

Sebastian is very mysterious. He has a complicated relationship with his family and seems to have very few friends. He doesn’t plan on staying in Georgia but wants to move to California as soon as possible and pursue a career in the film industry. One of his close friends though is Maverick from IOU. Valentina is the daughter of Tim and Milah from the Commander in Brief’s series. She is the youngest of the CiB legacies, best friends with Aspen (Anniston and Theo’s daughter) and fiercely protected by Aspen’s brother Fenn as well as Bennett and Drew (Cade and Breck’s twins)

I loved the connection to IOU and the Commander in Briefs series and I can’t wait to read Aspen and Bennett’s story and see what Kristy Marie has in store for the rest of the CiB and the Havemeyer University crew.

The Closer

I dare you not to fall in love with Cooper Lexington!

The Cooper Lexington we heard about in IOU and Rebellious has his own story.

Cooper and his brother Maverick were raised by the Grandfather, Pops. During his high school years, Cooper took care of Pops when his health declined so that Mav could go to college. Now Coop is a professional baseball player and he and Pops live on the other side of the country. When taking care of Pops becomes more than Cooper can handle, he accepts that he needs help but he refuses to send Pops to Mav. Enter McKinley Parkes.

McKinley hasn’t had the easiest life to date. A foster kid who never knew her parents and lost the only people she considered family. Mac has hit rock bottom but she is determined to stand on her own two feet. She definitely doesn’t want Cooper to save her but Coop has a plan that could solve both their problems. They just have to get married.

I loved that their story is messy and real. It’s easy to see that Mac and Coop have instant chemistry but they are both too exhausted from the lives they live to accept it. Their initial attraction manifests as a bit of a love hate relationship resulting in some hilarious banter. McKinley just fits with Cooper and Pops! They are such beautiful souls.

If you haven’t read IOU and Rebellious yet, you totally should, but it’s okay because The Closer can be read as a standalone. But seriously… read IOU and Rebellious! This book is not just a love story about a couple. It’s about loving the family you’re born with and the family you choose.
Profile Image for Bailey •.
111 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2022
Make sure to grab this boxed set ASAP! Each book is filled with hilarious banter, swoon-worthy heroes and the females that bring them to their knees. Below is a review for each book included.

🃏IOU Review🃏
Take a card. Owe him a favor.
Rumor has it everything Kristy writes turns to gold.
Not a rumor - 💯 true.

We meet Ainsley on a night that life has dealt her a crappy hand. This girl cracks me up with her one-liners and inner monologue. She is unapologetically herself - a little bit eccentric, a lot sassy, and full of a good heart. No matter what the rumors say.

Luckily for her, there is someone who can deal out favors like an ATM and could care less about the rumors flying around campus. In fact, the rumor mill work for him. Maverick is a little mysterious, a lot of a smart ass, and a genius at playing poker and people.

Their relationship is entertaining and playful. This story is entirely different than anything Kristy has written before. I did not know what to expect. However, everything I thought I hoped for was blown away. I knew from the first chapter that this was an automatic five-star read and new top go-to reread. I literally kept putting the book down because I didn’t want to these feelings or the story to end.

Do yourself a favor and go into this blind. Enjoy the shenanigans and banter. Meet this new cast of characters, whom you will love, and soak up all that is IOU.

Best romantic comedy I have read in 2020. No question.

🎥✨The Pretender Review✨🎥
Do yourself a favor and download this book today. It is the perfect light read that is guaranteed to have you laughing out loud. It’s a unique fake relationship trope that I have never read before. You literally can not go wrong!

Sebastian and Valentina are rival masters at their craft and vying for a top spot to highlight their work. What ensues is the perfect romantic comedy that includes all of the quintessential Kristy Marie sarcasm, hilarious pranks, and chemistry that is off the charts!

This is a complete standalone in a new series with the second-generation Commander in Briefs kids, which is an all-time favorite for me. I loved seeing the two worlds merge and more of my favorite characters!

⚾️The Closer Review⚾️
The Closer is one of the best romcoms I have read in 2021! It has all the makings of a perfect read with hilarious banter, an unforgettable cast of characters, and the ideal mix of swoon-worthy moments with steamy goodness. It also has a surprising amount of depth that will touch your soul in the very best way.

The story opens with McKinley, the heroine, in a, shall we say, less than gracious situation. As a result of recent life decisions, she needs a few things stat, and Cooper might just be able to help her out. McKinley might be the most relatable character Kristy has ever written. I valued her strength in caring for those around her. She might make a dumb decision, but it was rarely made for the benefit of herself. And for the love, her inner monologue had me rolling - she was cracking me up!

So what's a rom-com without a hero? And Cooper is a HERO. He swoops in to offer McKinley a deal of a lifetime - proving their meeting was more than serendipitous. Honestly, I didn't realize how much I needed a hero like Cooper. He is a little quiet, a little stubborn, and a lot of an alpha male in all the best ways. He carries the world on his shoulders, wanting to provide for his family and friends the best way he knows how - baseball. His kindness and humility are what I loved the most. We need more romances with heroes like Cooper.

This story is just what the world needs to read right now. So stop reading reviews and one-click this today.
Profile Image for Bozena.
732 reviews19 followers
June 23, 2022
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙄𝙊𝙐

Do you know what is a perfect romance? When you laugh and swoon so much that you feel sad when the book ends.
And that's how all Kristy's books are. You're constantly laughing out loud and swoon about the sweet but very alpha men in her books.
Don't let them know I said sweet 🤭 they will flip out and run for the next exit 🤣
You know, we're talking about this kind of men.
I love this YA novel. I don't know what you're looking for in your romance, but this story has all the right feelings I love in my favorite romances.
Heartbreak, hilarious and emotional unstable, but badass heroine (I love her! She is hilarious ❤) and a lot of drama and obstacles to read it in one go, because is so damn exciting. And of course litty-bitty erotic 😉
The love story is so unique like all Kristy's books. Just amazeballs 🤗. It's a light and sweet read for everyone.
I've read all her books and her humor and amazing characters are addictive. No, I'm not going to tell you what this story is about.
If you love YA romances, then you will definitely love this book, trust me.
And one more thing, if you haven't read Kristy's books, what are you waiting for? Her Commander in Briefs series is one of my all favorites ever.

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 (𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐬)

Amazing, funny, swoony and unique love story ❤❤❤
The amazingly beautiful way how Kristy writes her books don't give you any other choice than to read it in one go. Sleep is completely overrated when it's comes to her books 😂

This book is unbelievable exciting and hilarious.
The pranks and arguing between them are unbelievable entertaining and funny.
Their humor and social media war is really interesting and addictive to read about.
They are authentic, flawed and lovable at the same time.
I love the characters ❤
Their struggles with their own feelings is heartbreaking and real.
Victoria is a badass girl with hilarious ideas and amazing personality. She knows what she wants and gives never up.
Sebastian is though guy on to the outside, who in reality is plagued by self-doubts and inferiority complexes.
They are perfect for each other, but see themselves as enemies or competitors.
This enemies to lovers story is a romantic and funny story, that makes you laugh out loud one second and swoon the next.
We all need more books like this in these uncertain and difficult times.
Thank you Kristy for this fantastic and beautiful book, I love every second of it ❤❤❤

𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙧

I love this book!
I laughed, cried and swooned though the whole amazing story.

McKinley’s life story is heartbreaking and tragic, her character is so damn real and authentic, you just have to love her.
She's a one woman army (with her wrench, that she doesn't hesitate to use ;-)) with hilarious behavior and no filter and stubborn is her second name.
She loves do give, but hates to take, what makes her even more lovable.

Cooper Lexington is one of the best baseball player, but his life is very different from his teammates.
His only goal in life is to take care of his grandfather and play baseball.
No time for other activities whatever, because his Pops is not a very cooperative person and a trouble maker, that hates all his caretakers on principle.

Two people from completely different worlds that met on a abandoned street at night.
Yes, sometimes the best love stories begins in a very strange way.

This book is a beautiful, emotional and exciting story with a huge amount of humor.
A story about mourning what could be and hope for the unknown future.
A must-read page-turner for all romance lovers.
Profile Image for Lindsey.
409 reviews11 followers
July 24, 2022
IOU-

It’s not often I find a book that gets me from the very first page. This book starts with a bang, it also makes you fall in love with Ainsley the main character from the moment you start reading. She is all of our spirit animals. She is so bada$& and tough. She knows her value from the start. I think that is my favorite part about her. What you see is what you get. Their is no fake Ainsley.
And let’s not forget Maverick. Oh maverick. You are so beyond swoony. He also takes sexual tension and dirty talk to an epic level. Everyone knows dirty talk is my catnip. Plus his entire family is the best. The relationship and the dynamic is gold. This book made me so happy. I had never read a single one of this authors books, but I’m about to do a deep dive. Loved this book and can’t wait to see what else I have in store.

The Pretender-

I have been waiting for this book to come out. After reading the first book in the series IOU all I wanted was more from this author. I really liked this book. It was a little longer than I anticipated and took me longer to finish than I thought it would. I adore the premise of this story. In a day when everything revolves around social media and how to become famous it made sense for there to be a story based on that. Vee (Valentina) is Sebastian’s (bash) neighbor. They have a prank war that they record for their version of YouTube. Something happens that you don’t find out about till almost the very end of the book that makes them enemies. But the sexual tension and attraction is still there. They decide to work together to win a competition for this fake social media world in order to get more “subscribers.”
Bash is the fun care free player who is super funny. Vee is the Tom boy hard girl. She takes care of herself and plays by her own rules. They fake being a couple in order to win the competition. Obviously sparks fly. The sex scenes and sexual chemistry were lava panty worthy.
I will say I was not expecting the ending at all. I love that it wasn’t predictable. I loved that they grew together and learned from each other. I adore each characters little quirks. Also if you are a fan of Kristy Marie’s earlier series starting with Commander you get a lot of their kids in this with little views of the grown ups. You also get more build up for the future Aspen and Bennett book. I can’t wait for that one.

The Closer-
I adored this book. I thought I would hate a fake relationship/baby book. Those are not my tropes. But this was done so well, and so quirky that I forgot how irritating those tropes are.

You can’t help but fall in love with grumpy AF cooper. He is the best kind of grump with a heart of gold who doesn’t take no for an answer.

Mack is stubborn and a weirdo but you just love her antics. She is just so unique. I love the way she talks with Cooper. I love her f-ing wrench. I love her crazy yelling.

Cooper takes her and lives every part of her. Connor Crais literally plays the best dad in everything. The way he talks about kids and babies makes even my wore out uterus quiver. He is so good in this. heather firth is spectacular in all.

This was exactly what I needed in my life. So much fun and so many big feels.
Profile Image for Denise Hoover.
640 reviews
June 23, 2022
IOU

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

IOU... and raise you a 5 ⭐️ read!

First of all, their banter was amazeballs!!! It never got old, but just kept getting better! It’s always playful and has me laughing out loud.

When Ainsley finds herself in need of a place to stay, she makes a deal with a devil. She has no clue what she was fully getting into when she knocked on Maverick Lexington’s door. This alpha male kicked butt and took names and spares no expense for anyone. So why would Ainsley be any different? Oh that’s right because she is wholly herself. I loved watching their love bloom for one another once Ainsley cracked his rough exterior.

It was those little things he would do for her that made me swoon for this guy. Can we say new book boyfriend?! Yes please! Mav! *heart eyes*

These two are so perfect for each other, I couldn’t get enough. I had to keep devouring! This college romance wasn’t one of those immature college romance books either but an amazing love story. It’s slow starting out but once it pulls you in.... you best be ready to be a goner!!

The Pretender

3.5 ⭐️

Kristy Marie always has a unique way of capturing her readers and Subscriber Wars is no different. And boy does the end have some surprises in store for you! But you’ll have to read it to find out. Lips. Are. Sealed.

This story is an enemies to lovers stand-alone novel but we see characters linked in from KM’s previous books, such as Tim from her CiB series and Maverick from IOU along with a few others. Not necessary to read those prior, but why not!?

Vee was the youngest of her friends, so she learned from the beginning to be a strong willed stubborn girl. She had to stand up for herself, and that has Sebastian just absolutely crazy!

While this book has a unique way of being wrote, there were a few times that I found myself confused as I tried to figure out the intricate puzzle that the author was telling us. Alas, things were wrapped up and clarified at the end, which may just blow your mind when you subscribe yourself to reading about these wars.

The Closer

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Easily in the top 5 of my favorite books for the year.

This story is real. It’s heartwarming. It’s one of those books you can’t put down but you don’t want to finish because it’s that good.

McKinley Parks is pure spitfire. Shes sarcastic. She’s learned to be independent - she didn’t get where she is today without putting a little elbow grease into it and the help of her wrench!

Cooper Lexington, what a sweetheart. My heart melted over the pure selflessness of this man. He just wants to take care of those around him, and he will stop at nothing until that happens. Even if that means giving up something you love because you love something else more.

I loved the untraditional climax, I loved the build up and growth between McKinley and Cooper, I loved that the author makes me feel how the characters are feeling. I beyond enjoyed watching McKinley blossom.

If you haven’t grabbed this yet, you should. It’s beyond perfect for these two! And we get some cameos from Mav & Ainsley and Aspen! Not sure when it’s reasonable to re read this amazing heartfelt story but I’m thinking right now!
Profile Image for Melena.
2,822 reviews71 followers
June 27, 2022
A fabulous collection of three of Kristy Marie's books. I read and loved each of them!

IOU:

Kristy Marie is a pro at creating characters that are interesting, relatable, and fun. Her heroines are girls I'd love to be friends with and her heroes are all prime book boyfriend material. I was a little sad this wasn't another book in the Commander in Briefs series, but this story is set in the same book world.

Ainsley was equal parts sweet, sassy, and hilarious. She had me laughing from the very beginning and I loved her perspective/narration. Even when she needs Maverick's help, I liked that she would still stand up to him. Their banter was entertaining as Ainsley worked her way past all of Maverick's walls.

The story moves at a fast pace, but is not rushed at all. I really like Kristy's writing style and can't wait to see who the next book is about.

If you have read any of Kristy's other books there are a few fun character appearances. However, you do not need to read anything else before this book.


The Pretender:

Kristy Marie knows how to write fun, sassy, and unique characters that draw you into the story from the beginning.

In this case it's Sebastian and Valentina who were one-time friends but now don't get along after pranking each other. To win a competition, though, they have to team up and fake date. Of course, things don't stay fake for very long.

I am a big fan of the Commander in Briefs series and I love that her newest books feature their kids all grown up. Valentina's dad was one of the heroes in the Commander in Briefs series and Sebastian was introduced in the book IOU - which I also highly recommend.

Both Valentina and Sebastian were entertaining characters to read about, especially during the interview scenes that started each chapter.

This is a great read and I really enjoyed the story and characters. Future couples/books were teased here, too, and I cannot wait to read more!


The Closer:

This book is hands down one of the best romances I have ever read. Kristy Marie is a master at writing stories and characters with so much heart and emotion.

Cooper was so sweet, kind, and he had the biggest heart. I loved how much he cared about his grandfather Pops and brother Maverick. He genuinely cared for McKinley and wanted the best for her. His relationship with her may have started as a marriage of convenience, but honestly I think he was all in from the moment he found out she was best friends with Pops.

McKinley had been through a lot in her life, but she wanted to pull herself up and be independent and strong - sometimes to a fault. As the story progressed I understood her reasons and my heart broke for what she had experienced. She and Cooper had amazing chemistry and banter and I loved the two of them together.

I don't really use this phase often, but this book gave me all the feels. It made me smile, laugh, and swoon. Also, if you've read Kristy's other books you'll see a few familiar faces. It was especially fun to catch up with Maverick and Ainsley!
June 28, 2022
I always devour Kristy Marie books and these three books right here are even more reason why I will always 1-Click her books!

Review for IOU -
I loved this story!! This story was so funny I was in tears! Maverick and Ainsley, where do I even begin. These two are hilarious together. Ainsley is thrown for a loop when her douche of a boyfriend screwed her over. A fire, a candle and a firemen later turned Ainsley's life for a loop. But after her new guardian angel helps her out she now has an IOU in her pocket to the one person she wanted to stay invisible to. Maverick may be a college student, but he carries a heavy secret on his shoulders that makes it hard for him to breath. I was laughing, swooning and ready to punch a fictional character while reading this story (you know why Taylor)! Kristy wrote another amazing story that captivated me from the very beginning and I couldn't get enough of. The banter, the sexual chemistry and the hate flirting between Ainsley and Maverick kept me on my toes and I wish there was more. This book is so worth the read.

Review for The Pretender -
Hands down one of the funniest romcoms I've read this year, Kristy Marie has done it again!! I literally was struggling for a few days and couldn't get into any books and then Subscriber Wars landed on my kindle app and the slump was lifted. Kristy Marie's books are funny as hell and had me in tears and smiling from ear to ear throughout the whole story.

Sebastian "Bash" is waiting to finish school and head out West to start new beginnings. The earth saving Latina temptress next door was the last person he expected to cross paths with. What started as a joke turned into an epic prank war. Valentina "Vee" is a sassy one of the boys girl that stands her ground. When Bash started a live stream video without Vee knowing he didn't know what he started. These two and their banter was so much fun to read. I loved how you see Sebastian's character unfolds with each page and I loved Valentina's relationship with Aspen. Those two besties are ride or die for each other.

This roller coaster or chaos and destruction is one for the books! When a book can make me laugh out loud and cheesing throughout the whole story it means I'll be rereading this book over and over. This is a must read!!!

Review for The Closer -
The Closer is an amazing story that makes me want to find my own Cooper!! Can we say swoon! The Closer is laugh out loud funny from the very beginning. I couldn't put this book down. The witty banter between Mac and Pops had me laughing so hard I was in tears. Cooper is a one of a kind gentleman that loves his pops and will do anything for him, including marrying the crazy woman that carries a wrench for protection and for Lu. This story warmed my heart brought me to tears and rooting for their HEA!! I cannot wait to read what Kristy thinks of next!
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,469 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2022
IOU
Fave book lately. So much so after reading on unlimited I’m buying it to have on hand all the time to re-read whenever the mood strikes. The story starts rocky for Ainsley. She catches her sick of a boyfriend who she uprooted her whole life for plowing her roommate. Then this leads to an incident where she is kicked out of her apartment she shared with said whore of a roommate. Mutual friends and IOUs lead to her meeting Maverick. Who has her stay with him. Through many hours and so many IOUs I lost count they develop a friendship, despite his rebuffs and arguments. Her backbone and spice intrigued him and turns him on to no end and he cares for her well being. I love their relationship. He hates being vulnerable and tries his hardest to be In control of every situation and control the rumor mill that is their school so he is always on top on his favor business. He is a kick ass book boyfriend. Nerd, hot, tattooed bad boy wrapping a soft teddy loving center.

The Pretender
This is a 2020 fave. Previously titled Subscriber Wars. I loved it then and still love it now. The Pretender by Kristy Marie has ALL THE THINGS!! Funny, laugh out loud moments that being an enemies to lovers story to life. Sebastian and Valentina are complicatedly entwined. She is sassy and doesn’t take anything lying down. And Bash and her are the perfect match for each other. Previously ensnared in a prank war that shot their social media status to the moon. Both had previously been friends. So this takes on another level. Bash wants to enter a contest and thinks their banter and frenemies status would help catapult them to winning this competition if they pretend to be romantically involved. But he soon realizes that he has missed his friend. Loved the story and the progression. Plot twist in the end was ..wow.

I loved IOU and this just cements my love the author. CANT wait for Rowan’s story!! Counting down until more books of this amazing world are out.

The Closer

Wow. Hooked from the beginning. This book has it all and the swoonworthy cooper takes it to a whole other level. Gave me some Pippa grant vibes with a knight in shining baseball gear and feisty mess of a heroine. Lol. At first he was saving her while getting his pops the help he needed. But in the end they saved each other. Her life has been hard, but she is a survivor and has always kept going. He has the need to protect and save those he cares about. This story tugs at your hearts strings and makes you yearn for more. Love the KM world we have always wanted more of with all the side characters coming out to play. Can’t wait for more. And to see some of our faves.

Definitely one of my new faves added to my reread pile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
1,639 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2022
I’m so excited for this box set. Three of my favorite Kristy Marie books all in one set? Sign me up. All three of these books will always be re-read for me.

IOU
I loved this book. It was funny, witty, hot and emotional. Maverick and Ainsley are both firecrackers who keep each other in line.

When you're in college and need a favor, you seek out Maverick. In turn, an IOU is issued to you and when Maverick wants it redeemed, you redeem it. He is the unofficial king of campus. His IOUs are infamous. Ainsley is a fun chick who is used to being on her own but ends up needing Maverick's help. However, she seems to be the only one immune to his charms and reputation. The two develop an interesting friendship.

This book had me laughing out loud so many times and I could not put this book down. I seriously want more from Maverick and Ainsley.

The Pretender
This story was so much fun and I didn’t want it to end. “The Pretender” is fun, flirty and Kristy Marie turned up the banter and tension with Sebastian and Valentina’s story.

Oh my gosh, these two are so witty and I loved reading their story. The banter was top notch and had me cracking up. They were truly enemies and seeing them give into the attraction they felt for each other had me turning the pages to see what would happen. They have a history and some secrets that they shared and that just added to the tension. Their prank war that started it all was the cherry on top. And Valentina is the daughter of my favorite from the “Commander in Briefs” series, Timaeus Lambros. I’m so glad we’re getting the stories of the kids from the series.

The Closer
“The Closer” was everything I hoped it would be and more. We had gotten a little sneak peek of Cooper in “IOU” and I was so excited to see that he was getting his own story. This was a heartfelt and spicy marriage of convenience sprinkled with friends to lovers story that I read in one sitting. You’ll laugh, cry and swoon so much..

I loved every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter of this book. Cooper won me over from the very beginning. He comes off as a complete hardass but is a sweet guy who has a heart of gold and wants the best for his family. One of my favorite things is how possessive he gets of McKinley. It’s not super crazy, call the cops she has a stalker. It’s a “He can’t keep his hands off of her and wants her to know she’s the center of his universe” vibe. And I related to McKinley on a personal level because I’m just as stubborn and independent as her. Pops is such a great character and brought so much fun and humor to the story. I laughed so much through the story and cried lots of happy tears at the end.
Profile Image for Nicole Ortiz.
1,523 reviews54 followers
June 28, 2022
IOU

4.5*
Another great book by Kristy. Right from the beginning I was hooked on Ainsley and Maverick's story. Maverick is a broody, mysterious and total alpha male. Ainsley is a sassy, quirky spitfire. Maverick is well known and feared guy, he gives out favors for IOU's. Ainsley finds herself in a desperate situation after finding her boyfriend cheating on her with her roommate and an accidental fire leaves her homeless and nowhere to go. She finds herself at Maverick's door needing a favor. I love the banter between these two. An entertaining and funny story. An excellent start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

I listened and loved the audio. Heather and Jacob did an excellent job giving a voice to these characters and bringing this story to life.

Subscriber Wars
5*

I love Sebastian and Valentina's story. This story sucks you right in from the prologue that had me dying to know what she did that she was apologizing for. Then we are introduced to Valentina and her friends who if you read Kristy's Commander in Briefs Series know these are their kids (Super excited and hope they all get a story). I love the banter between these two. I enjoyed reading as these two struggle between their hate relationship and the lines they cross in their fake relationship. Great story and wonderful characters. As always leaves me wanting more. Can't wait to read whatever Kristy writes next.
I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

I listen and loved the audio book.

The Closer
5*

I'm in love. This is Cooper's story. If you have read IOU you get a glimpse of him when him and Maverick banter. You don't need to read it to read this. Cooper is just so swoon worthy. Cooper meets Mac on the side of the road. Turns out she knows his Pops. When a situation presents its self these two enter into an agreement Cooper asks Mac to marry him so she can use his insurance and she in return will help take care of Pops. I loved this story, another one of Kristy's story that is my favorite. Loved the storyline and the characters. I am a huge fan of when characters banter and this story is full of it. This story made me laugh, cry and swoon because the things that came out of Cooper's mouth OMG! I want a man like him. I definitely would put this as a must read.

I received an ARC and volunteered to leave a review.

I also listened to the audio and OMG. Ten times better when hearing the narrators speak Cooper's words, the reading it. Listening to the story amped up the emotions when giving the characters a voice. I cannot tell you how much I love Mac and her wrench.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
1,912 reviews889 followers
January 15, 2024
An amazing compilation of all that makes Kristy Marie one of my favorites! The Closer is by far my fav, and IOU is a classic, and I enjoyed a re-read of Subscriber Wars (liked it more than the first time, which was a bit of a lukewarm read).

The Closer: 5 stars
Reading a Kristy Marie story is always such a breath of fresh air! She’s a storyteller equal parts refreshingly unique and emotionally compelling. And the Closer is everything I love about her writing. Fun, flirty, snarky, and epically swoony, the Closer is eccentrically charming and heartwarmingly sincere from the first word to the last. Try not to fall in love with Cooper and McKinley’s sweet story-but I guarantee you, they’ll close the deal, and you’ll leave with a full heart and a cheesy grin.

I adored the most recent book from Kristy, and Closer brings the same sentimental and heartwarming tenderness, but with a much lighter, less angsty spin- and I just adored it. Cooper is the swooniest book boyfriend I’ve read in a while- and I’m so glad we got his story. Not only is he charming in his devotion and affection for his beloved grandfather Pops. Which is why he finds himself doing just about anything to care for him. Fortunately those aspirations combine with his magnetic pull, and desperate desire to help, the sassy hot dog vendor Mckinley, who is both friendly with Pops and in need of some assistance. The perfect solution? A fake marriage.

I loved the fake marriage trope, but I love how fresh and easy Kristy made this one. These two fall into natural feelings. The dash of angst comes, of course, from the fact that both of these endearing characters have some real familial baggage. Mckinley is such a lovable character, but also an admirable one. She’s a bit quirky (par for the KM course), sassy and feisty, but also incredibly vulnerable and gentle at times. She’s been through some really challenging things- and her loneliness was so visceral. But that makes her hesitant to trust and invest in others- both because she doubts her self-worth and because she’s learned the hard way to not trust. But Cooper is like an emotional puppy dog- he’s patient, adoring, devoted, and exceptionally loving. His generosity and kindness start to prove to be real for her, but she constantly second guesses, and Cooper starts falling but can’t figure out how to get on the same page with her without spooking her. A few unexpected and impactful moments catalyze their connection, and also force them both to confront their baggage. And Cooper proves to be every bit as dreamy as I expected- and y’all, SEXY AF. He’s a charmer, that’s for sure. And the slower burn of this story proves to be well worth the wait.

As always, KM ends the story with an unexpected but impactful bang- one that reinforces the themes she writes so authentically, and so compellingly. The importance and love of family, and the power of finding your “one”- your magic love, even if you find it in the most unusual of places, or circumstances.

Subscriber Wars: 3.5 stars, least favorite of the trio
Kristy Marie is always such a fun author to read- no only does she keep finding clever and unexpected story frames through which to shine her sweet and sexy humor, but she also writes such strong and feisty heroines- and Subscribers Wars has all of the KM strengths. The premise here felt especially resonant- social media stars at odds. That was original and interesting, so I was excited to dive into this story.

Unfriendly neighbors, Sebastian and Valentina have been in an epic prank war for months. The stakes of said war have become the subject of a social media craze since both Valentina and Bash are social media famous - their popularity only taking hold after the world became infatuated by their kooky antics. But something changed in the game, someone crossed a line, and since then they’re no longer frenemies turned friends- they’re alienated , no longer producing the videos that scored all the likes and follows. Which is a bit of a problem, since they both have decided to vy for a hefty prize hosted by the site that made them famous. A chance encounter and a stroke of genius, or insanity, leads Sebastian to propose the two team up to defeat their biggest competition. The idea? The world went nuts when they were punking each other, just imagine what will happen if they think their prank war leads to true love. Fake dating for the win. But, of course, that puts them squarely back in each other’s orbit, and their past friendship’s connection comes back, with a new dimension.

This story is light-hearted and fun- ample hijinks and some witty banter as these two bicker and navigate their love-hate, unlikely allies situation. Their chemistry is definitely the best part of the story- these two have a magnetic force between them- and whether they are sparring or loving, they have a spunk, a sexy sass, a light and playful energy that permeates their connection. Even their much awaited sexy time has a humorous tilt. They were charming together- and well matched.

In terms of the narrative, the beginning of the story felt...well...odd. I felt like I’d missed the punchline - literally and metaphorically. Was there a whole book before this? Did I skip over the exposition? I spent the whole first third feeling a bit disoriented in our story. And, then I realized I was supposed to be befuddled- the aspects of their story I don’t know about matter as much as the parts that I do- and the dual timelines (although conceptually there are three) are meant to unfold at different paces, with me piecing together information much more easily from the present than the past/near future. The book eventually clicked for me. This is also a slow burn- we stay firmly in the frenemies phase for much of the book, even though you can see the shift from hostile antagonizing to good natured and affectionate ribbing- and back quarter in particular really hooked. And there is a surprise that caught me completely off guard but explained a lot.

I really loved the characters- Vee’s spunk and sass, Bash’s humor and swagger. I liked them so much that I wanted to dig a bit deeper with them, connect with them a bit more. This is a rom-com- so I know the tone is lighter, but we do get some baggage with Bash that felt a bit anticlimactic, and we have all these amazing Commander in Briefs kiddos swirling around that I wanted more time with- but loved getting time with Aspen. I did love that we got some time with Vee's dad (SWOON)- one of my favorite parts, one where I felt like I saw more of Vee.

Overall, quite an enjoyable and fun read. These two fun characters love to hate each other, until they realize that hate is actually just a manifestation of their love and admiration. The plot is fast paced and the humor witty- a fun time all around.


IOU: 4 stars
This book had a lot of hype and has been one of her most loved. So, when I went into it, so I was surprised and how long it took me to warm up to it. I found the beginning, similar to Subscriber Wars, to be a bit choppy and disorienting. But, once I got into the story, I found it quite charming, and I simply adored these characters, who I'd experienced as parents in my all time favorite story of Kristy's (not in this set). Maverick is a love-to-hate but turns into a gummi bear type of hero. And Ainsley is quirky fun, full of sass and fire. I found her so humorous and endearing. I really loved them together, and all in all, in the end, their love story was quite adorable.
Profile Image for Miranda.
409 reviews5 followers
June 24, 2022
IOU 5 Stars!

IOU Forever!

I found my Book Bestie and her name is Ainsley. How can you not love her with her quirky, hilarious, take no prisoners personality who has a love of sea lions.
I'm not sure if I've ever smiled so much through a whole book as I did with this one. Laughing so much throughout.

I for one would love to owe Maverick as many IOU's as he would like. He is mysterious, cocky yet secretly sweet, caring, and just perfect.
The nonstop banter between thee two--the snarky comments, chemistry was perfect. They were perfect in their own non-perfect ways.

This is my first with the audiobook but my second time reading this and it makes me want to start it all over again. This is the book that opened me up to this author and has not disappointed me since. Where has she been all my life?


The Pretender 5 Stars!

This is my second re-read for The Pretender. First was eBook, this time Audiobook.
OMG, there is something about Connor Crais’ voice that I fall for. Love him! Heather Firth does a great job for Vee.
I have to say, I actually loved this even more this time with the audiobook than my first read. And I really loved it the first time.

I stand by my original review:
The beginning of the book made me snort out loud. Oh how I knew this was going to be filled of greatness!

I love the Dual POV and the set up for the book is unique and extremely entertaining. It gives you piece by piece of what really is this big complex puzzle that keeps the suspense going and makes you wonder what just happened.
It is different, unique, quite a bit confusing but very fun. At first I wasn’t sure what to think and where the timeline was and honestly this made me curious for more of the story to put it all together. I didn’t want to put this down. The characters of course were great (no surprise there).

I was very excited to see some of the other characters such as Tim, Theo, and Maverick. Tim my absolute favorite from the CiB series, Maverick from the prior book.
I think this can be considered a stand-alone however why miss out on the amazing back stories? I would recommend reading the others too.

Again this was different than I have ever read but it kept me captivated. I was laughing out loud, fanning myself, and swooning. A perfect ending and makes me keep thinking about the whole story long after it is done.
I feel I should read it again to pick up more clues. Enjoyable and a definite re-read in the future.

The Closer 5 Stars!

This book here? Gets you right in the feels. The most selfless, loving, and sweet sweet man Cooper had me swooning from the beginning and continued to have me falling so far in love with him, I became emotional with tears. I don’t cry over book but this killed me with happy waterworks.

McKinley is a hard headed, stubborn and tough soul that even when she is fighting her demons, she continues to be strong and take care of the ones she loves. She needed Cooper more than ever but he never allowed her to truly NEED him. He pushed her to stay independent but helped her become accepting of love and support she deserved.
They are perfect for each other and then add in the relationship between Pops and McKinley, it is absolutely awesome! The way they both can drive Cooper up the wall is epic!

This was by far the best and now one of my top favorite reads. It’s hilarious and heart warming, everything perfect in this flawed and quirky relationship. You can tell a good book easily when you highlight majority of the quotes(which is almost the full book). My favorite is…“Coop! She’s home, and she’s stabby again.”

Highly, HIGHLY recommend. You are missing out on a genuine joy in life if you don’t give this a try.
1,335 reviews12 followers
June 20, 2022
A boxset including IOU, The Pretender and the Closer and although these books have been out a while, it was my first time reading them! My only disappointment?.... I didn't read them sooner!!!

IOU:
This is Maverick and Ainsley's story... Maverick has this mysterious aura about him, he's a closed book, very secretive, can grant favours - but payback includes an IOU and he's not someone you want to owe - there's a lot going on behind the scenes and straight off I was intrigued, I had to know more!
But the real thing that me glued, was Ainsley! Read the first chapter and you'll know what to expect - that girls mind works in mysterious ways and she made me laugh!! She's sarcastic, she's honest and she takes no nonsense which are good qualities but it has left her flying solo. She's nowhere to go and no-one to help her.... Cue her meeting Maverick and let the antics begin!!!

THE PRETENDER:
Sebastian and Valentina's story of prank wars - which they excel at!
This is an enemies-to-friends-back-to-enemies-then-to-pretend-lovers-and-back-again with a pile of pranks thrown in.

When the chance of winning £1,000,000 comes about - these two realise they aren't going to succeed going solo - pretend lovers it is! Can they get past the past? Can the hose their true feelings while pretending they have feelings? Will it all blow up in their faces??....
I enjoyed it, these two have the love/hate thing between them and it works so well!

THE CLOSER:
Cooper (Mavericks brother) has made it as a professional baseball player but he still has Pops living with him and it seems things may be becoming too much. He's away a lot with games and Pops needs extra care after taking ill but any nurses Coop has hired, he hates them. And torments them so much that they quit!

In steps McKinley. Who Coop actually near crashed into, when he stops to help her, sparks fly - but more with aggression, sarcasm and tiredness!
It turns out she could be the answer to his problems, but it seems she's hiding things and when Cooper finds out, he proposes a solution....
These two definitely had chemistry, it's not all sweetness and light, there's disagreements, a lot of threats and a bucket load of sarcasm.



Overall a really good series, I could easily read more and I will definitely be reading Aspen and Bennett's story!!


*I voluntarily received an arc of this boxset and this is my honest review. 4.5
Profile Image for Brittany Pioso.
158 reviews
July 18, 2022
Thanks to Kristy Marie and Wordsmith Publicity for this audiobook copy of 21 Rumors! We’ve got three amazing stories and some great narrators so I was so excited to listen to all three books!

IOU, by Kristy Marie: 4.5/5 stars

Maverick is the King of Favors. You need something? He will provide it… as long as you now owe him a favor. Ainsley, our FMC is desperate for a place to live after "accidentally" setting her old apartment on fire after catching her now-ex cheating on her. When she turns to Mav, neither of them expect to be so drawn to each other.

This is a great book with amazing banter and spice, and the first book of Kristy Marie’s I read a while ago so getting to listen to it was a super special treat. The narrators were great, and I loved the book just as much this time around.

The Pretender (formerly Subscriber Wars), by Kristy Marie: 4/5 stars

Valentina and Sebastian (Maverick’s best friend) are rival pranksters on social media. These former friends had a falling out (just wait until you hear the reason- so amazing and unexpected and made me laugh so hard) but now must work together to win a social media competition. If you love fake dating, influencers, and great main and side characters, this book is for you. Out of the three in the 21 rumors box set, this was probably my least favorite, but I still very much enjoyed it. Kristy Marie has never let me down when it comes to banter and spice and this box set (and book) is no exception.

Last, but certainly not least…. The Closer, by Kristy Marie: 5/5 stars and MY FAVORITE OF THE THREE

I didn’t think any book would top IOU (my previous favorite) but OMG The Closer has done it. We follow Maverick from IOU’s younger brother, baseball star Cooper and his meet-cute with down-on-her-luck McKinley, or Mac). This book has some great tropes like marriage of convenience, and the friendship between Mac and Pops (Coopers grandfather), which started before Mac and Coop met, is the icing on the top of the cake.

Poor Mac has been through way too much, and I really felt for her struggles. Cooper is such a supportive fake-husband and the way they both grow together throughout the book seemed so realistic and natural. I will now be recommending this book to everyone I can because it blew me away. I can’t wait to read (and listen to) more by Kristy Marie.
Profile Image for Stacy M.
274 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2022
IOU – 4 ⭐️ – Roommates/Friends to Lovers
The Pretender – 4 ⭐️ – Rivals/Fake Dating
The Closer – 4 ⭐️ – Fake Marriage/Pregnancy

You got to love when an author puts 3 books together in one. It just makes reading easier, and with these three rom-coms you don’t want to stop anyway!!

♠️ IOU – Maverick is a resident hot shot in college and the one you go to for favors. Ainsley is definitely looking for a favor when she accidently on purpose catches her apartment on fire when she finds her boyfriend sleeping with her bestie/roommate. Yikes! So with little to no options she reaches out to Maverick…which doesn’t make him too happy. But he reluctantly gives her a place to stay and then fun and IOU cards begin….

♥️ The Pretender – The series continues with Maverick’s best friend Sebastian who happens to be a version of YouTube star. When him and his biggest rival Valentina get into a prank war he ends up losing, but when a contest for big prize money comes up him and Val team up to win. However the only way for them to enter is to fake a relationship and rekindle their prank war. These two were a lot of fun and I love fake dating tropes and the “is this real or fake” feelings. The plot twist at the end definitely had me laughing out loud, this was such a fun story.

♣️ The Closer – The final book of this series is with Maverick’s little brother Cooper. Cooper is a superstar baseball pitcher living with his grandfather Pops. McKinley is a cart vendor at the baseball park and also happens to be Pops best friend ever since he got seated in her section. Pops is quite the handful so when he gets another nurse fired Cooper has no other choice then to ask the girl that always carries a wrench in her purse to look after him. McKinley is down on her luck and just got fired so the timing for this job couldn’t be more perfect, but she isn’t one for handouts and has a little problem growing so her and Cooper come to an agreement to get fake married so she has insurance and he gets a caretaker. The banter and tension between them was so good! Cooper is such a puppy dog and the sweetest guy and exactly what Mac needs in her life. Their new found family and story was one of my faves!
Profile Image for Kylee.
2,704 reviews50 followers
June 24, 2022
A complete collection of absolutely amazing stories and characters that will have you utterly captivated.

IOU..... one hell of a review after reading Maverick and Ainsley’s story. Forget a full house because this story is nothing short of a Royal Flush. Their story owed you laughs, angst, drama, passion, secrets and a lifetime kind of love and guess what, it paid out big. No bets were required to see if their story was going to be captivating because it was a sure thing. Maverick was the guy with the hard outer shell but wave that ace under his nose by the name of Ainsley and you could see his tells. You know the ones, oh that’s right you don’t, so read the book and we will see who owes who a favour.

The Pretender has your mind working overtime from the very first chapter. Sebastian and Valentina’s story takes you on a ride of pranks, secrets, hidden desires and doubts. Theirs is a story that gives us a little of friends to lovers with a side of enemies to lovers just to make life even more interesting. The chemistry between these two was electric and one that showed just how close love and hate really are. These two made me laugh, swoon and feeling every emotion in between. Bash and Vee will keep you guessing right to the very end. They want to win the war but losing the battle of their hearts might just be more important.

The Closer is a story that has you enamoured by the words and the characters instantly. Cooper and McKinley’s story is quirky, witty, emotional and full of so much passion. A story that has you guessing as to the secrets that Mac holds close to her chest, the ones that ensures she owes people nothing. Cooper and Mac might have had an arrangement but these two have a chemistry that binds souls and hearts without even realizing it. The banter, love and push and pull holds you captivated to the pages. Two people that love hard will find they crave each other’s touch and that fate had a plan in store. This story made me laugh, left me breathless, had the tears spilling and falling hard for two people that deserved a HEA like no other. I didn’t think this author could write a character I could love more than Theo, but then she gave us Cooper and proved me wrong.
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