Reviews

Instead of You by Anie Michaels

nasaje's review against another edition

5.0

This was a heartbreaking story. It was nice to see how Hayes and McKenzie found each other and helped each other through grief, hurt, and guilty consciences. The separation broke me all over again. I wasn't a huge fan of the time jump, but the rest was good enough to still leave it at five stars.

kara_hildebrand's review against another edition

5.0

Anie Michaels is one of those authors we just happened to discover and what a gem she is. Her books are always at the top of my list to read. Or devour. Her writing is perfect. Sexy, but not graphic, sweet but not silly. The words just sing off the page and wrap around you. Instead of You is an emotional, beautiful story about falling in love with the person your heart wants. It's not always who you think though. McKenzie has been best friends with Cory her entire life. Their families are as close as family. When they are given permission to finally date at sixteen, an unexpected kiss from Cory's older brother Hayes changes Kenzie forever. She's happy with Cory for two years, never seeing Hayes, but when tragedy strikes and Cory is lost forever, she ends up in the arms of his brother. Hayes has always been drawn to Kenzie, but she was his brother's girl. It's not grief that brings them together, it's real. It's strong. It's perfect. But, having to hide it from their families and friends takes a toll on their new relationship. Will the pressure be too much for Hayes and Kenzie? Does love really conquer all? I loved this story. So. Much. Hayes is the perfect man. Strong, sexy, smart, driven and has no problem expressing his feelings for Kenzie. She's strong, smart, beautiful and goes after what she wants! This is a heartbreaking, heartwarming story about love and loss. It's about following your heart no matter where it takes you and trusting that happiness will follow. (There is no cheating in this book!)

And here she was putting me back together again with her lips.

I was whole, for the first time in my entire life. I hasn't realized I'd been walking around with a part of myself missing, but I had. Being with her was like beginning again.

inteamanda's review against another edition

1.0

I really try not to be mean when I write a review because on the off the chance the author sees it I don't want to hurt his or hers feelings.

But this was not a good book. I really struggled through it and I'm usually not very picky.

linathebookaddict's review against another edition

4.0

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.



Title: Instead of You
Author: Anie Michaels
Series or Standalone: Standalone
Category: Romance
POV: Dual
Plot: 3.75
Characters:4
Scorching Level: 4
HEA: Not telling



Anie Michaels always delivers great romance and this book is no exception!
Two brothers. One girl. One big heartache.
McKenzie always had a crush on her best friend's brother, Hayes. Hayes always seemed like a farway dream for her and so when Cory, her best friend since forever, asks her to be his girlfriend, she cannot find it in her heart to reject him.
Kenzie loves Cory but can she love him like a girlfriend should?
Years later and when a tragic accident tears them apart forever, Kenzie is there to pick up the pieces of Cory's life.
A painful twist makes Hayes her new history teacher and her entire world falls apart. Getting involved in a forbidden relationship with her teacher is the last thing McKenzie needs but the heart doesn't always make the right decisions. Can their relationship ever lead to a happy ending when it is built on tears and pain? Read to find out!
I enjoyed the book. It was easy to read and the romance was sweet. It's a fast paced book and I think readers of the genre will thoroughly enjoyed it.
Personally, I wanted a little more push and pull between Hayes and Kenzie. I do think that the heroine made some mistakes with Cory, but the young of her age explains it.
Overall, I recommend it.

3.75-4 Stars