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The Sullivan Family #2
One Touch
Falling hard for my ex-boyfriend’s rugged older brother was never in the plan.
Beckett Miller may be my brother’s best friend, but he’s also the last person on earth I want to ask for help. He’s stubborn, demanding, and doesn’t care at all what people think of him—everything his little brother wasn’t, and definitely everything I should not want.
Thanks to my own stubbornness and my three infuriating siblings, he is the only one who can help me renovate my beloved aunt’s farmhouse.
Beckett thinks I’m a doormat, and I know he’s an arrogant prick, but toss in one late-night game of tipsy strip poker, and before long, endless summer days turn into scorching nights.
Every stolen touch—every kiss—is wrong in the best ways.
I can fix everything around me: my friends’ problems, my brothers’ love lives, maybe even the decades-old rivalry that divides our cozy coastal town. So Beckett’s snarl and heavy sighs are no match for me.
The only thing I can’t seem to fix is the way my body reacts when he swings a hammer. I built walls to protect my heart after what his brother did to me, but I’m finding it could all come crumbling down with just one touch.
Beckett Miller may be my brother’s best friend, but he’s also the last person on earth I want to ask for help. He’s stubborn, demanding, and doesn’t care at all what people think of him—everything his little brother wasn’t, and definitely everything I should not want.
Thanks to my own stubbornness and my three infuriating siblings, he is the only one who can help me renovate my beloved aunt’s farmhouse.
Beckett thinks I’m a doormat, and I know he’s an arrogant prick, but toss in one late-night game of tipsy strip poker, and before long, endless summer days turn into scorching nights.
Every stolen touch—every kiss—is wrong in the best ways.
I can fix everything around me: my friends’ problems, my brothers’ love lives, maybe even the decades-old rivalry that divides our cozy coastal town. So Beckett’s snarl and heavy sighs are no match for me.
The only thing I can’t seem to fix is the way my body reacts when he swings a hammer. I built walls to protect my heart after what his brother did to me, but I’m finding it could all come crumbling down with just one touch.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2023
About the author
Lena Hendrix
21 books2,655 followersLena Hendrix is an Amazon Top 20 bestselling contemporary romance author living in the Midwest. Her love for romance started with sneaking racy Harlequin paperbacks as a teenager and now she writes her own hot-as-sin small town romance novels. Lena has a soft spot for strong alphas with marshmallow insides, heroines who clap back, and sizzling tension. Her novels pack in small town heart with a whole lotta heat.
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
When she's not writing or devouring new novels, you can find her hiking, camping, fishing, and sipping a spicy margarita!
Want to hang out? Find Lena on FB, Tiktok or IG!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,155 reviews
June 27, 2023
This book is absolutely my new favorite Lena Hendrix book! The forced proximity?? The hate to love?? The undeniable attraction??? I love a good sibling's ex romance, so I loved how this was the hero's brother's ex, so they already knew each other. AND it's his best friend's sister??? All of the tropes I love. Kate is living with her aunt and they need help renovating the place, which is where Beckett comes in. Beckett's family resents him for not having a high-power job, even though he has a really successful construction/renovation business on his own. Kate is definitely not the quiet girl she was when she was dating his brother, and she's fiery when she's around Beckett. They are forced to be around each other while Beckett works on the house and they even have to take a road trip together, which was everything. There's a really fun element in here where Kate is documenting the process on social media and starts to gain a following. She's finally finding a passion when she was in a place where she didn't know what to do with her life. Oh, and she's falling for her ex's older brother. This was just so fun and I loved the whole atmosphere of the romance. You definitely have to pick this up when it releases!
June 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Are you kidding me right now?? I legit finished this in one sitting because I COULD NOT put it down.
This was freaking amazing.. most likely going to be in my top 10 books this year. Beckett is freaking GOALS. 🔥
✨small town
✨ex boyfriends older brother
✨brothers best friend
✨forbidden
✨grumpy sunshine
✨renovating a home
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Are you kidding me right now?? I legit finished this in one sitting because I COULD NOT put it down.
This was freaking amazing.. most likely going to be in my top 10 books this year. Beckett is freaking GOALS. 🔥
✨small town
✨ex boyfriends older brother
✨brothers best friend
✨forbidden
✨grumpy sunshine
✨renovating a home
June 20, 2023
"You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars."
Everyone knows how much of a fan of Wyatt (from book 1 of the series, One Look) I was. But Beckett… he stole my heart. Move aside, Wyatt.
Also, you guys know any single, grumpy contractors?
"I imagined the tiny little smirk that flashed when I really pissed her off. I wanted to get her riled up and then keep her quiet by putting her on her knees and slipping my dick between those plush lips of hers."
I had to love Katie. It’s interesting how so many people see her as a pushover, when she’s not. She may have been a people-pleaser, and she may have been misled in the past, but there’s fire in this girl. And after her asshole of an ex? Yeah, she’s not about to take things the way anyone else wants.
"I cannot sit around watching him grunt and sweat all day. But god, what would it be like for him to put those rough hands on me? To bicker only to have him shut me up with his kiss?"
Beckett absolutely did me in. His gruff, rough exterior is no match for the man he is inside, and damn it, it pisses me off that these guys are not real. Plus, he is sexy as sin, even when he’s not even trying to be. Even his growls had me wanting to hug him. He has layers.
"Care Bears?"
"Grumpy Bear. I thought it was perfect for you."
"Which one do you have? Pain in My Ass Bear?"
"I always liked the grumpy one."
The thing is that Beckett is Katie’s ex’s older brother, and she’s done with the whole family, so she doesn’t take it kindly when he’s the one who’s coming over to remodel her family home. Well—that’s actually an understatement. She doesn’t want him there, she doesn’t accept his shit, and she gives him hell. But he’s also her brother’s best friend, and he knows what he’s doing.
In the end, bickering and banter make for good foreplay. Trust me.
"Duke didn’t want me riding Beckett’s ass, but I was pretty sure riding his dick wasn’t an option either."
This is close proximity on steroids—after all, he is remodeling her family’s home, and she’s not leaving. So things start getting interesting, and they approach enemies-to-lovers territory for sure. However, they really shouldn’t act on whatever is happening between them. She’s a small-town girl, and he has his life in Chicago. But… it’s not that easy.
"You like to push my buttons. If you’re not careful, I’ll show you exactly what happens when you push me too far."
Another form of foreplay? Poker. Can someone PLEASE teach me how to play? And also… bearing in mind that specific scene, I wouldn’t even mind losing.
Lena builds up the tension between them so perfectly that when it finally happens? They’re fire. And even that first kiss… Damn.
"You’re the worst!"
"I know, baby. But if anyone could bring out the best in me, it just might be you."
You get the characters from the first book and the small-town feel, which I always crave in these books. You also get another rooster, and their interactions had me giggling.
More importantly, you have a big brother who is not an overbearing ass, like it happens many times in this trope, and I appreciated it. It felt different.
"Beckett, somehow you’ve managed to have all of me. How many pieces of you do I get?"
When the house is finished, they know it’s time to face the real world, away from the bubble they built. They fit so seamlessly that it’s hard to see them struggling. Because while Katie has created something and sort of knows where she wants to go from here, Beckett doesn’t.
"The only thing that’s forever is you and me, Katie-girl. I promise."
There’s no "traditional" third-act breakup or added drama, and that made it so much better. There’s just two people who need to work on their issues, to face life the way it is, and realize who they are and what they can have.
I saw the grand gesture coming, but it was incredible. So heartwarming and absolutely perfect for them.
"I want to dance with you in every kitchen we design together."
The hardest thing to realize about ourselves is that we’re enough. Kate and Beckett needed to see that. That they can be the destination and not just a stop along the way or a placeholder for someone else.
They are the real deal.
Everyone knows how much of a fan of Wyatt (from book 1 of the series, One Look) I was. But Beckett… he stole my heart. Move aside, Wyatt.
Also, you guys know any single, grumpy contractors?
"I imagined the tiny little smirk that flashed when I really pissed her off. I wanted to get her riled up and then keep her quiet by putting her on her knees and slipping my dick between those plush lips of hers."
I had to love Katie. It’s interesting how so many people see her as a pushover, when she’s not. She may have been a people-pleaser, and she may have been misled in the past, but there’s fire in this girl. And after her asshole of an ex? Yeah, she’s not about to take things the way anyone else wants.
"I cannot sit around watching him grunt and sweat all day. But god, what would it be like for him to put those rough hands on me? To bicker only to have him shut me up with his kiss?"
Beckett absolutely did me in. His gruff, rough exterior is no match for the man he is inside, and damn it, it pisses me off that these guys are not real. Plus, he is sexy as sin, even when he’s not even trying to be. Even his growls had me wanting to hug him. He has layers.
"Care Bears?"
"Grumpy Bear. I thought it was perfect for you."
"Which one do you have? Pain in My Ass Bear?"
"I always liked the grumpy one."
The thing is that Beckett is Katie’s ex’s older brother, and she’s done with the whole family, so she doesn’t take it kindly when he’s the one who’s coming over to remodel her family home. Well—that’s actually an understatement. She doesn’t want him there, she doesn’t accept his shit, and she gives him hell. But he’s also her brother’s best friend, and he knows what he’s doing.
In the end, bickering and banter make for good foreplay. Trust me.
"Duke didn’t want me riding Beckett’s ass, but I was pretty sure riding his dick wasn’t an option either."
This is close proximity on steroids—after all, he is remodeling her family’s home, and she’s not leaving. So things start getting interesting, and they approach enemies-to-lovers territory for sure. However, they really shouldn’t act on whatever is happening between them. She’s a small-town girl, and he has his life in Chicago. But… it’s not that easy.
"You like to push my buttons. If you’re not careful, I’ll show you exactly what happens when you push me too far."
Another form of foreplay? Poker. Can someone PLEASE teach me how to play? And also… bearing in mind that specific scene, I wouldn’t even mind losing.
Lena builds up the tension between them so perfectly that when it finally happens? They’re fire. And even that first kiss… Damn.
"You’re the worst!"
"I know, baby. But if anyone could bring out the best in me, it just might be you."
You get the characters from the first book and the small-town feel, which I always crave in these books. You also get another rooster, and their interactions had me giggling.
More importantly, you have a big brother who is not an overbearing ass, like it happens many times in this trope, and I appreciated it. It felt different.
"Beckett, somehow you’ve managed to have all of me. How many pieces of you do I get?"
When the house is finished, they know it’s time to face the real world, away from the bubble they built. They fit so seamlessly that it’s hard to see them struggling. Because while Katie has created something and sort of knows where she wants to go from here, Beckett doesn’t.
"The only thing that’s forever is you and me, Katie-girl. I promise."
There’s no "traditional" third-act breakup or added drama, and that made it so much better. There’s just two people who need to work on their issues, to face life the way it is, and realize who they are and what they can have.
I saw the grand gesture coming, but it was incredible. So heartwarming and absolutely perfect for them.
"I want to dance with you in every kitchen we design together."
The hardest thing to realize about ourselves is that we’re enough. Kate and Beckett needed to see that. That they can be the destination and not just a stop along the way or a placeholder for someone else.
They are the real deal.
June 12, 2023
ex boyfriends grumpy older brother?? Sign me up.
This was such a cute, tension filled & Spïcy small town romance! Being back in this small town was so fun and I adored Beckett and Katie’s enemies to lovers story. I feel like this was a truer enemies to lovers where they both did not like each other until they were forced to work together.
This book gave all the HGTV vibes and quirkiness I needed🫶🏼 ALSO the HUMOR!! I was cackling so hard throughout this entire book omg!!
I really liked the family dynamics in this one and felt it was more fleshed out than the first!
The *only* thing I didn’t love was the conflict/separation that happened. BUT I understood why it needed it happen and I enjoyed reading about the growth of the characters! I felt like the ex bf didn’t really have a part in this story which I was glad about but I wanted a little more back story into the h and his previous relationship.
Thanks Lena for the ARC🫶🏼🫶🏼 all my opinions are my own!
This was such a cute, tension filled & Spïcy small town romance! Being back in this small town was so fun and I adored Beckett and Katie’s enemies to lovers story. I feel like this was a truer enemies to lovers where they both did not like each other until they were forced to work together.
This book gave all the HGTV vibes and quirkiness I needed🫶🏼 ALSO the HUMOR!! I was cackling so hard throughout this entire book omg!!
I really liked the family dynamics in this one and felt it was more fleshed out than the first!
The *only* thing I didn’t love was the conflict/separation that happened. BUT I understood why it needed it happen and I enjoyed reading about the growth of the characters! I felt like the ex bf didn’t really have a part in this story which I was glad about but I wanted a little more back story into the h and his previous relationship.
Thanks Lena for the ARC🫶🏼🫶🏼 all my opinions are my own!
June 29, 2023
Reread (ALC): ugh just as good as the first time. I’m so head over heels for Beckett & Kate. They are the perfect duo & have chemistry that’s truly off the charts! The patio scene is forever engrained in my brain!!!!!
**BETA READ**
I am so beyond honored that I got a chance to beta read this amazing novel from one of my favorite authors! This was my first time doing so & I couldn't have asked for a better person to work with!!
*Slow freaking claps* I don't know how authors do it, but it blows my mind when someone can write a book (COUGH One Look COUGH) and then write a sequential story that is completely different AND BETTER SOMEHOW?!?! Lena CRUSHED THE SHIT OUT OF THIS ONE. And boy did I have the best time making comments while reading (coochie tingles are important, amirite;)?!).
And listen, you guys know how much I love daddies. BUT, EX BOYFRIEND'S OLDER BROTHER!??!?! Are you kidding me?!? This + brother's best friend, and the forbidden element it brought was just perfection. It was exactly what I never knew I needed. And set in a small town because we know I am living my best small town life (metaphorically).
I am so happy that we finally get Kate's story. Throughout the book we get to see so many of my favorite characters (Wyatt & Lark, Gemma, the brothers, Tootie, and glimpses of the famous family feud we are all dying to learn more about), and then we get a true introduction of the amazing, the sexyyyyyy, the broooody, BECKETT MILLER!!! He is so grumpy and I just LOVE IT. There is another feud that blossoms that y'all are SO not ready for it. #beakfaceFTW. I was cackling so damn hard.
At the end of the day, I think the biggest factor I appreciated seeing in the characters (besides their hot sweaty scenes of course) was the growth that happened between the two MCs, as well as individually. It was beautiful and so important. YAY FOR SELF WORTH & APPRECIATION!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Ex-Boyfriends brother
Enemies to lovers
Brother's Best friend
Forced proximity
Small town
Grumpy x sunshine
**BETA READ**
I am so beyond honored that I got a chance to beta read this amazing novel from one of my favorite authors! This was my first time doing so & I couldn't have asked for a better person to work with!!
*Slow freaking claps* I don't know how authors do it, but it blows my mind when someone can write a book (COUGH One Look COUGH) and then write a sequential story that is completely different AND BETTER SOMEHOW?!?! Lena CRUSHED THE SHIT OUT OF THIS ONE. And boy did I have the best time making comments while reading (coochie tingles are important, amirite;)?!).
And listen, you guys know how much I love daddies. BUT, EX BOYFRIEND'S OLDER BROTHER!??!?! Are you kidding me?!? This + brother's best friend, and the forbidden element it brought was just perfection. It was exactly what I never knew I needed. And set in a small town because we know I am living my best small town life (metaphorically).
I am so happy that we finally get Kate's story. Throughout the book we get to see so many of my favorite characters (Wyatt & Lark, Gemma, the brothers, Tootie, and glimpses of the famous family feud we are all dying to learn more about), and then we get a true introduction of the amazing, the sexyyyyyy, the broooody, BECKETT MILLER!!! He is so grumpy and I just LOVE IT. There is another feud that blossoms that y'all are SO not ready for it. #beakfaceFTW. I was cackling so damn hard.
At the end of the day, I think the biggest factor I appreciated seeing in the characters (besides their hot sweaty scenes of course) was the growth that happened between the two MCs, as well as individually. It was beautiful and so important. YAY FOR SELF WORTH & APPRECIATION!!!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
Ex-Boyfriends brother
Enemies to lovers
Brother's Best friend
Forced proximity
Small town
Grumpy x sunshine
July 3, 2023
2.5 ⭐
gosh I hate doing that... but this one just wasn't for me.
I am not trying to tear it down because it seems like a lot a people enjoyed it but I just didn’t.
I don’t know how or what but something was missing to solidify the story and the timeline imo.
Additionally, what started as a pure physical attraction evolved over night but I didn’t really saw any chemistry...
(wrong of me to assume that because it was a brother’s bestfriend and ex boyfriend’s brother it would involve a bit of forbidden romance - it DIDN'T).
(also, the fmc was really annoying at the beginning of the book)
There was also lots of details/stories about the other characters, I understand the author is teasing the next books and their main characters but that’s too much information (and names) I wouldn’t even remember once I am reading the next book.
gosh I hate doing that... but this one just wasn't for me.
I am not trying to tear it down because it seems like a lot a people enjoyed it but I just didn’t.
I don’t know how or what but something was missing to solidify the story and the timeline imo.
Additionally, what started as a pure physical attraction evolved over night but I didn’t really saw any chemistry...
(wrong of me to assume that because it was a brother’s bestfriend and ex boyfriend’s brother it would involve a bit of forbidden romance - it DIDN'T).
(also, the fmc was really annoying at the beginning of the book)
There was also lots of details/stories about the other characters, I understand the author is teasing the next books and their main characters but that’s too much information (and names) I wouldn’t even remember once I am reading the next book.
June 7, 2024
What a fantastic story! Outtatowner captured my heart right away. The side characters are a treat, and even the rooster adds to the fun by bothering our cranky builder. Kate and Beckett have amazing chemistry, and their love story is just beautiful. They seem like an odd pair, but they’re perfect together, and you’ll be cheering for them. And the ending? Absolutely perfect. If you’re into small-town, enemies-to-lovers romances, you should definitely give this a try!
October 4, 2023
3.5⭐️ Kinda chaotic, very hallmark. Still going to read this whole series though!
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 16, 2023DNF at 18%
This slump isn’t doing this book any favors. I just didn’t care. I felt I’ve read this premise before. Nothing could capture my interest or keep it. On to the next.
This slump isn’t doing this book any favors. I just didn’t care. I felt I’ve read this premise before. Nothing could capture my interest or keep it. On to the next.
March 5, 2024
Super cute, small town romance. The steam in this one was a bit higher with the characters preferences.
This does have a brother’s ex forbidden factor, but it didn’t really play that much into the story and didn’t seem very forbidden.
No third act break up, and I really loved how it all ended. Really fit their story and the characters.
I’ll definitely be reading more, as I really enjoy the audiobooks!
This does have a brother’s ex forbidden factor, but it didn’t really play that much into the story and didn’t seem very forbidden.
No third act break up, and I really loved how it all ended. Really fit their story and the characters.
I’ll definitely be reading more, as I really enjoy the audiobooks!
June 18, 2023
Damn it felt so good to be back in good old Outtatowner again. I read a ton of small town romances and this quirky little coastal town may be my favorite of all. Let’s talk tropes this has brothers best friend, ex boyfriends brother, (hello all the forbidden vibes) and grumpy/sunshine. Bennett is the definition of a grumpy and brooding hero and Lena really knows how to write one sexy dirty talking man 🥵 Besides all the amazing spice Kate and Beckett both undergo really amazing personal transformations where they heal from past traumas and work on themselves so they can be stronger together. On top of all of that goodness there was some home renovation madness and some more info about the rivalry between the Sullivan’s and the Kings which I’m dying to find out more about. This series is a must for small town romance fans, the spice, the characters, the setting, everything is just 🤌🏻💋
June 28, 2023
✨Two more days!✨
If you love:
🔥ex-boyfriend's brother
🔥enemies to lovers
🔥brother's best friend
🔥spicy small town
🔥found family & quirky side characters
🔥home renovations
...then you are going to DEVOUR One Touch, coming June 30th!
I'd love to know...are you a model cover lover or a discreet cover girlie? Comment below and weigh in! 👇🏻
If you love:
🔥ex-boyfriend's brother
🔥enemies to lovers
🔥brother's best friend
🔥spicy small town
🔥found family & quirky side characters
🔥home renovations
...then you are going to DEVOUR One Touch, coming June 30th!
I'd love to know...are you a model cover lover or a discreet cover girlie? Comment below and weigh in! 👇🏻
July 9, 2023
I really enjoy this next entry!
Spicy, sweet, and funny.
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
Spicy, sweet, and funny.
4 stars
4 on the spice scale
June 18, 2023
In 'One Touch,' we follow Kate as she returns to her hometown and tries to settle back in and find herself. Kate's aunt Tootie is renovating her house, and who's been hired as the contractor? None other than Beckett, her ex-boyfriend's older brother and her older brother's best friend. Let's just say they don't exactly see eye to eye, and Kate's dislike for Beckett intensifies when she discovers who her aunt has hired.
Kate takes it upon herself to lend a hand with the project, and slowly but surely, sparks start to fly between these two. The dynamic between Kate and Beckett is incredible, and their banter is both sizzling and heartwarming. They just click in a way that feels so natural, like they are what each other had been searching for without even realizing it.
I love Lena for masterfully building up the tension and storyline between Kate and Beckett. The slow burn was worth every moment, making their connection feel genuine and so satisfying. This book had so many unforgettable moments in it. One moment I couldn't stop laughing at Beckett and the chasing rooster to getting misty-eyed at Beckett, realizing what he needed to do to get his HEA. By the end, I was completely invested in their journey, rooting for their happily ever after.
One Touch will be released on 06/30, so don’t forget to add to your TBR! If you're a fan of romances with strong characters and delicious tension, 'One Touch' is a must-read! Lena Hendrix has created a beautiful love story that will leave you with a smile on your face and butterflies in your stomach. 🥰✨
Thank you for the ARC Lena Hendrix & Greys Promo!🤍
Kate takes it upon herself to lend a hand with the project, and slowly but surely, sparks start to fly between these two. The dynamic between Kate and Beckett is incredible, and their banter is both sizzling and heartwarming. They just click in a way that feels so natural, like they are what each other had been searching for without even realizing it.
I love Lena for masterfully building up the tension and storyline between Kate and Beckett. The slow burn was worth every moment, making their connection feel genuine and so satisfying. This book had so many unforgettable moments in it. One moment I couldn't stop laughing at Beckett and the chasing rooster to getting misty-eyed at Beckett, realizing what he needed to do to get his HEA. By the end, I was completely invested in their journey, rooting for their happily ever after.
One Touch will be released on 06/30, so don’t forget to add to your TBR! If you're a fan of romances with strong characters and delicious tension, 'One Touch' is a must-read! Lena Hendrix has created a beautiful love story that will leave you with a smile on your face and butterflies in your stomach. 🥰✨
Thank you for the ARC Lena Hendrix & Greys Promo!🤍
June 18, 2023
Let me just start off this review by saying that Beckett Miller went to therapy just so that he could work on himself and be worthy of the woman he loved. If that hasn't convinced you to give this book a read, I don't know what will. Beckett was someone I instantly loved (because duh a grumpy contractor? WE LOVE TO SEE IT) and the fact that he was the first one to fall hard for Kate? I melted😭 Also, as a former people pleaser, I really felt Kate and I was so proud of how she'd grown and held her own. Absolutely loved this couple and as is the case with Lena Hendrix books, the smut was fantastic. I loved how Lena made a reference to the book title...it honestly makes my heart so happy to see authors do that! I would 100% recommend One Touch if you love a small town romance with grumpy and possessive ex boyfriend's brother/brother's best friend with a healthy dose of found family and lots of swoonworthy moments - def worth the 5 stars imo🥰💗
*Thank you to Lena Hendrix and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an ARC!
*Thank you to Lena Hendrix and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an ARC!
October 25, 2023
Really cute! This series is just so fun and comforting, I love them ❤️
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July 14, 2023
2.75 - 3 stars
Kate and Beckett - enemies to lovers, ex-boyfriend's older grumpier brother, older brother's best friend.
It's hard to wrap your mind around the links between these 2 characters. Beckett is Kate's older brother's best friend and also he's the older brother to Declan, Kate's douchy ex.
Beckett is everything Declan isn't. He is grumpy, dependable, serious, harworking and all around romantic. This works because there is no love lost between the two brothers. They hate each other and their parents are awful as well. The Sullivans are Beckett's "adoptive" family.
First 25% were great. We had enemies to lovers jabs, pining, tension. It was fun and entertaining. Then the first kiss came out of the left field, in contrast with Beckett's line of thinking and it threw me a bit.
The sex scenes are awkward and recycled from the first book, down to the dirty talk. It can be annoying if you read the books back to back.
After that 25% mark there were a lot of cheezy and cliché moments that were endearing and cute although unoriginal but I didn't mind them. This whole story has a Halmark feel to it.
Overall, I'm sad to say the story seemed a bit flat to me after that promising beginning but I appreciated how the 3rd act break was handled.
I like a lot the whole background dynamic between the Sullivans and the Kings so I'll keep reading this series. Hope the next book is about Duke Sullivan and Sylvie King.
Kate and Beckett - enemies to lovers, ex-boyfriend's older grumpier brother, older brother's best friend.
It's hard to wrap your mind around the links between these 2 characters. Beckett is Kate's older brother's best friend and also he's the older brother to Declan, Kate's douchy ex.
Beckett is everything Declan isn't. He is grumpy, dependable, serious, harworking and all around romantic. This works because there is no love lost between the two brothers. They hate each other and their parents are awful as well. The Sullivans are Beckett's "adoptive" family.
First 25% were great. We had enemies to lovers jabs, pining, tension. It was fun and entertaining. Then the first kiss came out of the left field, in contrast with Beckett's line of thinking and it threw me a bit.
The sex scenes are awkward and recycled from the first book, down to the dirty talk. It can be annoying if you read the books back to back.
After that 25% mark there were a lot of cheezy and cliché moments that were endearing and cute although unoriginal but I didn't mind them. This whole story has a Halmark feel to it.
Overall, I'm sad to say the story seemed a bit flat to me after that promising beginning but I appreciated how the 3rd act break was handled.
I like a lot the whole background dynamic between the Sullivans and the Kings so I'll keep reading this series. Hope the next book is about Duke Sullivan and Sylvie King.
July 23, 2023
Favorite lines:
"She’ll get her happy ending.” And I will never love another woman again.
"I want to dance with you in every kitchen we design together. After any long day to come, I want to soak with you in the tub and let our troubles melt away. You calm me. Soothe me in a way I never knew I needed"
“The only thing that’s forever is you and me, Katie-girl. I promise.”
"You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.”
“You have given me everything. You are my home. My sanctuary.”
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This is sooo freaking good!!! The writing style, plot, characters, banter, and everything included in this story. I loooove Beckett and Kate's story, and they truly dislike each other at the beginning because of their own assumptions but they're also mutually attracted to one another which pissed them both.
She can't act on it cuz he is her ex-boyfriend's brother and he can't do anything cuz she's his best friend's sister. The banter between these two are so comical and they had me laughing so much between their antics. But when they finally acted on it, maaaan it is so 🔥 Beckett is the man! I thought Wyatt from book 1 is good but Beckett is better, waaay better and hotter (I think it's the grumpiness 😂)
Though I didn't like the third act breakup (I really dislike this when it happens in book) but I think they both needed that time. And I'm so happy when they finally got back together and that their time apart made them a better person. Overall, I love this book and I highly recommend it. ♥️
"She’ll get her happy ending.” And I will never love another woman again.
"I want to dance with you in every kitchen we design together. After any long day to come, I want to soak with you in the tub and let our troubles melt away. You calm me. Soothe me in a way I never knew I needed"
“The only thing that’s forever is you and me, Katie-girl. I promise.”
"You are my sun, my moon, and all of my stars.”
“You have given me everything. You are my home. My sanctuary.”
--------
This is sooo freaking good!!! The writing style, plot, characters, banter, and everything included in this story. I loooove Beckett and Kate's story, and they truly dislike each other at the beginning because of their own assumptions but they're also mutually attracted to one another which pissed them both.
She can't act on it cuz he is her ex-boyfriend's brother and he can't do anything cuz she's his best friend's sister. The banter between these two are so comical and they had me laughing so much between their antics. But when they finally acted on it, maaaan it is so 🔥 Beckett is the man! I thought Wyatt from book 1 is good but Beckett is better, waaay better and hotter (I think it's the grumpiness 😂)
Though I didn't like the third act breakup (I really dislike this when it happens in book) but I think they both needed that time. And I'm so happy when they finally got back together and that their time apart made them a better person. Overall, I love this book and I highly recommend it. ♥️
September 9, 2023
One Touch has so much potential. It's an ex-boyfriend’s brother who is also the brother’s best friend.
Katie is in a bad post-break-up with her ex. She moves back to her small town with her aunt. The aunt's home is in desperate need of renovations. Without Katie’s knowledge, her family hires Beckett, her ex’s brother. She is making Beckett her enemy.
What I like is the book starts with a strong foundation. The Parnk wars with another family and Katie’s antics are top-notch and quite comical. There was a significant build-up, and I felt I could connect with the characters.
My concern is that the last twenty-five percent of the narrative seemed rushed, and Some details were that important to the storyline.
Based on the banter and chemistry alone, it is a solid four stars. With my concerns, the rating is three stars. I do look forward to other books from the author.
June 3, 2024
4.5 stars. If it’s one thing I love in my small town romances, it’s a home renovation with the two main characters who are reluctant to work together but after some tension/friction they give into their secret attraction to each other….enter One Touch! This book was so good! Loved seeing Kate prove to everyone she wasn’t the same girl who left town years before and Beckett..🫠😍🥰. Excited to see where more of the King/Sullivan story goes too. This was def a winner!
September 8, 2023
So halfway through I was definitely going to give this 3 stars. It was just okay. Not bad, not great, but nothing monumental was happening. THEN the moment he admitted he was falling for her it changed. Damnit am I a sucker for the “he falls first” trope and getting his POV as it’s happening is just TOP TIER. The last half really saved this book and bumped this baby up to 4 stars. I’m not going to spoil the ending, but the way they handled the conflict was some grown ass shit. Love to see it.
July 10, 2023
Copycat?
I’m so torn writing this review because I enjoyed this book. The pacing, the family closeness, the character arcs, the quick banter, and the slow-burn, forbidden, enemies to lovers tropes. It was well written and had I not felt I was reading a copycat book of Claire Kingsley’s, I possibly would have loved it.
But there were just toooooo many similarities for this to feel like coincidence. The small town family rivalry that results in harmless pranks, the matriarch taking in the kids due to a parent’s passing, the rival family after the matriarch’s old, love-filled home, the chickens, the ongoing mystery that involves the rival family ‘somehow’, the stormy, forbidden love between a rival female and lead family male, the women’s knitting /book club that included both families , a firefighter sibling, the grumpy older brother, the protagonist being duped by the rich ex…the list just goes on and on. So much so that I was horrified and angry to think Lena Hendrix would have the gall to write something already done. Is it plagiarism or simply a copycat?
So, I certainly won’t keep reading this series. Nor anything else of this author’s. She should be ashamed.
I’m so torn writing this review because I enjoyed this book. The pacing, the family closeness, the character arcs, the quick banter, and the slow-burn, forbidden, enemies to lovers tropes. It was well written and had I not felt I was reading a copycat book of Claire Kingsley’s, I possibly would have loved it.
But there were just toooooo many similarities for this to feel like coincidence. The small town family rivalry that results in harmless pranks, the matriarch taking in the kids due to a parent’s passing, the rival family after the matriarch’s old, love-filled home, the chickens, the ongoing mystery that involves the rival family ‘somehow’, the stormy, forbidden love between a rival female and lead family male, the women’s knitting /book club that included both families , a firefighter sibling, the grumpy older brother, the protagonist being duped by the rich ex…the list just goes on and on. So much so that I was horrified and angry to think Lena Hendrix would have the gall to write something already done. Is it plagiarism or simply a copycat?
So, I certainly won’t keep reading this series. Nor anything else of this author’s. She should be ashamed.
July 1, 2023
Oh this book made my heart so freaking happy. I laughed, I cried, I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt. This book was everything I love & more.
One Touch is book #2 in the Sullivan Family series. It follows Kate Sullivan & Beckett Miller. Kate is the youngest Sullivan sibling who we met in book #1. Beckett is her ex boyfriend’s older brother, but also her oldest brother’s best friend. He is in town after the family hired him to help renovate their farmhouse. Kate & Beckett don’t get along at first, constantly at each other’s throats. Until suddenly the tension between them turns into something more & they can’t deny the chemistry anymore.
Both main characters really blew me away. I loved how strong & independence Kate was. She never backed down from a challenge. Beckett was the perfect mixture of grumpy & dominating, while also sweet & romantic. Their banter & chemistry was just so so good.
This was 100% a top read for me so far this year. Lena has quickly become an auto-buy author for me & I can’t wait to continue the series!
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Enemies to Lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
One Touch is book #2 in the Sullivan Family series. It follows Kate Sullivan & Beckett Miller. Kate is the youngest Sullivan sibling who we met in book #1. Beckett is her ex boyfriend’s older brother, but also her oldest brother’s best friend. He is in town after the family hired him to help renovate their farmhouse. Kate & Beckett don’t get along at first, constantly at each other’s throats. Until suddenly the tension between them turns into something more & they can’t deny the chemistry anymore.
Both main characters really blew me away. I loved how strong & independence Kate was. She never backed down from a challenge. Beckett was the perfect mixture of grumpy & dominating, while also sweet & romantic. Their banter & chemistry was just so so good.
This was 100% a top read for me so far this year. Lena has quickly become an auto-buy author for me & I can’t wait to continue the series!
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Ex-Boyfriend’s Brother
- Brother’s Best Friend
- Enemies to Lovers
- Grumpy x Sunshine
5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
August 1, 2023
I devoured this small town romance! It has such good tropes that add to the angst (forced proximity, hate to love, brother’s best friend, ex boyfriend’s brother). The forced proximity where he was helping renovate her grandma’s house was the best. Even when she hated him, she still appreciated his appearance and showed it off on her instagram. I love that he became known as “The Brutish Builder.”
While I still have questions about the King/Sullivan rivalry, this book helped with that a little bit more than book 1. We get hints as to what could possibly have caused this rivalry many years ago. I’m excited to see this unfold in future books.
I appreciated how believable the conflict at the end was. While it’s never fun to see our main characters separate, it was done so well and in such a realistic and believable way. I think it actually added a lot to the story.
While I still have questions about the King/Sullivan rivalry, this book helped with that a little bit more than book 1. We get hints as to what could possibly have caused this rivalry many years ago. I’m excited to see this unfold in future books.
I appreciated how believable the conflict at the end was. While it’s never fun to see our main characters separate, it was done so well and in such a realistic and believable way. I think it actually added a lot to the story.
July 22, 2023
I really enjoyed the first half of it but after that I felt like there was no particularly a plot. The couple was together and nothing extremely bold seemed to be happening except a few miscommunications.
Overall not my cup of tea.
Overall not my cup of tea.
August 25, 2023
in the beginning, for a couple of chapters, it was so good but as the story unfolded it became too repetitive and i was bored, it just wasnt for me.
July 26, 2024
Book two in the Sullivan Family series and I enjoyed it a lot more than the first book. Even though the tropes aren’t for me.
#brothersbestfriend #exboyfriendsbrother
Oddly enough, it didn’t ick me out. Most likely due to the fact that I adored both characters.
Kate Sullivan is the youngest in the family with true heartbreak. She moves back home to be with her family and to help her Aunt Tootie with the renovation of the farm house. What she didn’t count on and none of her family told her about this is Becket Miller.
Beckett Miller is the black sheep of his family he has chosen a job beneath his parents expectations whereas his brother has followed in their father’s footsteps. Beckett has a lot of baggage to deal with and if he wants to move forward with his life and be with Kate he has to deal with his demons.
These two can’t deny the chemistry that they have and it is inevitable that they don’t act on it. Oh so very filthy. Definitely some tingles going on. They belong together.
We see more of the rivalry/feud between the Sullivans and the Kings and a secret that comes to light but Kate can’t make headway as you can’t straight out ask a King something so important.
I like LH writing and the feels she can get out of me and the small town romance she has created. This wasn’t filled with drama it was more of a realistic read which I’m on the fence about. Some might find it boring but for me it was good.
#brothersbestfriend #exboyfriendsbrother
Oddly enough, it didn’t ick me out. Most likely due to the fact that I adored both characters.
Kate Sullivan is the youngest in the family with true heartbreak. She moves back home to be with her family and to help her Aunt Tootie with the renovation of the farm house. What she didn’t count on and none of her family told her about this is Becket Miller.
Beckett Miller is the black sheep of his family he has chosen a job beneath his parents expectations whereas his brother has followed in their father’s footsteps. Beckett has a lot of baggage to deal with and if he wants to move forward with his life and be with Kate he has to deal with his demons.
These two can’t deny the chemistry that they have and it is inevitable that they don’t act on it. Oh so very filthy. Definitely some tingles going on. They belong together.
We see more of the rivalry/feud between the Sullivans and the Kings and a secret that comes to light but Kate can’t make headway as you can’t straight out ask a King something so important.
I like LH writing and the feels she can get out of me and the small town romance she has created. This wasn’t filled with drama it was more of a realistic read which I’m on the fence about. Some might find it boring but for me it was good.
July 6, 2023
How fucking adorable is this!!!! Oh my gosh!!!!
Tbh I expected much more drama but this was so pretty and adorable. Katie and Beckett have crossed path when his stupid little peanut head brother was dating Katie. They had misconceptions about one another from said dumb brother and his stupid family but when Katie’s brother who (—you guessed it) is his best friend ask him to renovate his family’s place they don’t just cross path, they are set to make our little heart swoon❤️🩹
I always said there is nothing more sexier than a man who can build you something. Hunn this man can build a house. And he certainly has THE ultimate daddy vibes to own it. Beckett is all big, tall and broody with filthy mouth and hands that know how to BOTH cook and please a woman.
Leave it to Lena to make me enter again my small-town era. I absolutely love her style and I am excited to have started this series!! No dumb miscommunication, no step-in girlfriend therapist, he is a man who knows what he wants AND WORKS FOR IT 👏🏼BESTIE👏🏼
Tbh I expected much more drama but this was so pretty and adorable. Katie and Beckett have crossed path when his stupid little peanut head brother was dating Katie. They had misconceptions about one another from said dumb brother and his stupid family but when Katie’s brother who (—you guessed it) is his best friend ask him to renovate his family’s place they don’t just cross path, they are set to make our little heart swoon❤️🩹
I always said there is nothing more sexier than a man who can build you something. Hunn this man can build a house. And he certainly has THE ultimate daddy vibes to own it. Beckett is all big, tall and broody with filthy mouth and hands that know how to BOTH cook and please a woman.
Leave it to Lena to make me enter again my small-town era. I absolutely love her style and I am excited to have started this series!! No dumb miscommunication, no step-in girlfriend therapist, he is a man who knows what he wants AND WORKS FOR IT 👏🏼BESTIE👏🏼
July 8, 2023
4.5⭐
Ok... Ex boyfriend's brother AND brother's best friend. New trope love unlocked.
I loved Beckett and Kate. Beckett is a builder and I won't lie, that's a main reason I rated this book so highly. A man who can imagine the perfect library and then bring it to life? Yes please!
Beckett and Kate did not come without their challenges but they worked through them in mature, responsible, and realistic ways.
I wish Beckett had punched his brother at some point. I don't think Declan got what he deserved and I could've done without Beckett calling Kate "brat" a few times. I just really dislike that word.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and the progress of these two characters.
Ok... Ex boyfriend's brother AND brother's best friend. New trope love unlocked.
I loved Beckett and Kate. Beckett is a builder and I won't lie, that's a main reason I rated this book so highly. A man who can imagine the perfect library and then bring it to life? Yes please!
Beckett and Kate did not come without their challenges but they worked through them in mature, responsible, and realistic ways.
I wish Beckett had punched his brother at some point. I don't think Declan got what he deserved and I could've done without Beckett calling Kate "brat" a few times. I just really dislike that word.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and the progress of these two characters.
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