I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Penelope Bloom is an amazing author. Seriously. I've loved everything I've read by her, and Anyone But Rich is no different. She's seriously talented.

this book has a great storyline. The characters are well-developed and easy to like. The book itself was a quick, easy read for me. I'll definitely be reading more by her!

Anyone but Rich by Penelope Bloom.
3 of 5 Stars.

3 brothers. 3 bestfriends. 1 pact. A lot of man-hate. A romance. The start of a series.

Hurt by Rich in highschool, Kira swears off him. When suddenly he comes back to town to explain why he did what he did all those years ago & to apologise and eventually to tell Kira the truth. Kira doesn't want to hear it; she has moved on and the pact she has with her bestfriends (Iris & Miranda) to stay away from Rich (& the King brothers) proves difficult, but it's working to protect her heart or so she thinks.
As the story progresses Rich & Kira grow closer. His reasons now seem reasonable and their relationship & feelings haven't changed from what they were in highschool, but now as adults they recognise it is Love they feel. But will they get their HEA when her friends & their families make it clear they don't belong together. -
First off, I struggled to read this book. The synopsis had me hooked but the writing had me stalling at an infuriating pace.
I expected grit - like Meredith Wild/Sylvia Day - but the plot just seemed dragged out. The side characters were given a lot of scenes & Rich & Kira's story just felt neglected in places & I was constantly waiting for their story to start - it was staggered.
Secondly... it is very wordy. Silly as it's a book, words make a book. But again, this book was just long winded - for me. And that ending... Even now, it felt anti-climatic. If this was to be a t.v show I'd watch it. Honestly. But as a book, I would have cut a lot out that didn't make Rich & Kira shine.
Thirdly... their relationship just seemed too easy. After reading the synopsis I excepted a love hate relationship. What I got was a girl who just wanted to forgive & forget & have him. I get it, life is too short. But I felt misled by the synopsis.

I haven't read anything from this author before. She is very descriptive. So with this been a first read, my opinion the author has tried, REALLY HARD, to give us everything. But she gave too much to this book and it drowned it.
Positives. RICH'S P.O.V.. I do want more from the series. I look forward to Cade's book - OH BOY! But I am a Michael fan.
This book should come with a warning for a lot of one liners that are LOL.

3.5 stars! Almost 4. Hahaha. Enjoyed this book way more than the last 2 (or 3?) books of Penelope Bloom.

3 friends. 1 promise: to stay away from the 3 brothers. But then, Rich makes it really hard for Kira to keep her promise. Kira is sweet and funny and can definitely handle Rich. Rich, who has come to realize why he’s back, is sweet too. And earnest. And they fit.

I’m loving all the rest of the cast: Miranda, Iris, Cade and Nick. This is all classic Penelope Bloom! Have to admit, I almost didn’t ask for this book, after going over the last 2... Thank you Montlake Romance for the review copy of this book! It was a nice read.

Anyone But Rich is a kind of spin-off to Penelope's other series "Her" although you do not have to read that series that one is fantastic. Now about this book.

You have three King brothers who are, for some reason, messed around emotionally with three best friends. Kira, Miranda, and Iris. When the friends find out that Rich and Kira have an issue the three girls make a pack there is to be NOTHING to do with them whats so ever.

When the King brothers come back into town, will the girls be able to keep away from the boys now that everyone is older and suppose to be wiser?

I enjoyed this story. Can't wait for the next brother's story!

Kira and her friends vowed never to date any of the King brothers. Seven years later, Richard King is back in town and ends up being Kira's boss. He never forgot the woman he really wanted from years ago. He and his brothers are building their company in their hometown. Kira tries to stick to her promises to her friends but Richard is so handsome and charming. A wonderful read and recommend.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Another fantastic story with a humorous vibe. I thought their agreement was amusing and I loved their convictions. Fast forward and we have the makings of a hilarious romp that kept me entertained from the very first page. The subtle nuances that the author places within the story kept me glued to the pages wondering just what they might get up to next. The characters are attention grabbing due to their interactions and the attraction between them are steam-worthy. Great story and a great new series from an amazing author.

**Thank you to NetGalley, Penelope Bloom, and Montlake Romance for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

This was a bit of a mixed read for me, which is why I decided to not rate it 4/5 stars. Even though the back cover was spot on with what to expect, I still felt a little empty when I finished this; like I was still expecting more that I didn't get.

The first installment in this series follows Rich and Kira (hehe, get it?) who already have some history together when we first really meet them. Seven years ago, back in high school, a pact was made between Kira and her best friends. Never, under any circumstances, fall for a King brother. Easy enough when they all live in a small town and the brother's are off become millionaires...until they return.

(view spoiler)

No matter the pact, as soon as Kira lays eyes on Rich, all thoughts of resisting his charm fly right out her classroom window. Immediately swooning, Kira dives head first into Rich.

During this whole book, I kept going back and forth between, "this is way too cheesey," and, "it's not TOO too cheesy." There were some great moments, and those moments are really what kept me powering through the story. The rest of it just didn't do it for me.

Kira and her friends seem super immature; as does Rich and his brothers. There were really odd random things thrown into it that I didn't feel were flushed out enough and the story line didn't make me want to dive into the rest of the series, which is a real bummer. 😐 / 😩🙁😐😀😍

Such a wonderful romance with a woman full of gumption and a man willing to let it all go for her. Loved the characters in this book and how they all come together very concise in this story of frenemies to lovers.
Highly Recommended!

Funny and irreverent, Anyone But Rich is an excellent opener to Penelope Bloom's new series, which is clearly intended to pair each of the King brothers with the women who swore off of them.

Kira and Rich's story has some witty banter, some trying-too-hard-and-not-so-witty-but-still-funny banter, and some interesting plot twists, while keeping everything fairly surface-level. It's a fun read rather than one that'll get you super emotionally involved with the characters, but I enjoyed it just the same.

3.5 stars--ANYONE BUT RICH is the first instalment in Penelope Bloom’s contemporary, adult ANYONE BUT romance series focusing on the King brothers: twins Rich and Cade, and younger brother Nick. This is twenty-four year old billionaire tech businessman Rich King, and high school drama teacher Kira Summerland’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Rich and Kira) ANYONE BUT RICH follows the enemies to lovers/ second chance romance, of a sorts, between former high school friends twenty four year old Richard ‘Rich’ King and Kira Summerland. Seven years earlier Kira Summerland’s plans for the future were all but destroyed when Richard King interfered in Kira’s hopes and dreams. Fast forward to present day wherein Richard and his brothers Cade and Nick, have returned to their hometown of West Valley, North Carolina in an effort to upstart a new division in their billion dollar high tech industry. But first, Rich is desperate to make amends to the girl that stole his heart years before, a woman whose life, once again, is about to implode at the hands of the family King. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship and romance between Rich and Kira, and the potential fall-out as the political machine, and old money ways begin to interfere in the lives of our story line couple.

Seven years earlier, Kira Summerland and her two best friends Miranda and Iris made a pact to never date or fall in love with one of the Kings but promises made in anger and defeat are meant to be broken when the heart longs for something it should now want. Kira’s attraction to Richard is immediate and intense, and she finds herself easily forgiving our hero for past transgressions while desperately trying to avoid her best friends’ promises. Richard King and his brothers struggle with their place in the family-always about money and prestige, the King parental units will do anything to keep appearances including destroying their own children in the process.

The relationship between Rich and Kira is an enemies to lovers forbidden affair, an affair that threatens family and friendships, and promises made in the heat of the moment. The $ex scenes are passionate but mostly implied but I struggled to feel any real palpable love between our leading couple perhaps due in part to outside interference from friends, family and small-minded individuals.

We are introduced to Rich’s twin Cadwick aka Cade, and their younger brother Nick, as well as their parents Harper and Edna King; Kira’s father Mayor Summerland, and her best friends Miranda and Iris who both have a history with one of the King brothers; and Rich’s friend Stella, who has a secret of her own.

ANYONE BUT RICH is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, forgiveness and love. The back and forth frenetic energy between the friends, and the brothers is flirty and fun; all of the parents’ attitudes need a major adjustment in maturity level, behavior and personality- slightly reminiscent of most YA story lines. The premise is entertaining; the romance is tender; the characters are spirited. ANYONE BUT RICH is a charming and delightful introduction to ANYONE BUT…


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5 STARS

ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own & have not been influenced in any way.

Penelope Bloom is a new author for me & based on this awesome read I am adding her to my TBR author list.

This book had everything - awesome Fren-enemies storylines to an eventual HEA but so much more in a very engaging - at times laugh out loud story line!

Rich & Kira have a past - one where she has promised herself to NEVER get involved with him EVER again even if he is the hottest billionaire to come back to their small town. She & her friends made a pact to never get involved with any of the King brothers ...

That being said Rich & his brothers do come back to town - the attraction is still there for Rich & Kira - so much so that their chemistry is off the charts. I love that Rich brings out Kira’s playful side. No one seems happy that their relationship will work out except Rich & Kira - takes some convincing for others to get on board....

Really happy that Cade & Nick will be getting books too - Anyone but Rich however can be read as a standalone.

Penelope Bloom writes great romance - loved this !!!! Rich proved to be Kira’s “someone” for sure - they were perfect together !!

I received this book through Netgalley.Not sure on how I want to rate it. At times i felt like quitting this read to be honest. The author included so much of unoriginal things you have seen in other books. Now at times she had ne dying laughing. I think if she would have focused on making this a romantic comedy this would have been a hit. Yes I'm kind of intrigued what happens to the other characters but I'm a bit hesitant to pick the other books up.

This is the first book in a new series, and I cannot wait to read the next. Rich and Kira were a fun couple that secretly crushed on each other in HS, but hurt each other and were then separated. When Rich comes back to town years later, he wants to reconnect and write his wrong, but Kira thinks she wants none of it. Their connection is quick, and it feels genuine. Definitely recommend, and the audio is great, too!

This is one of those silly romcoms that almost everyone finds funny but me. In particular, I did not care for Cade who reminds me too much of William in the Objects of Attraction series - childish but slightly less obnoxious. Immature jokes and inane comments are par for the course from all of the characters in this book. I like Rich and Kira well enough but they also suffer from the same issues as the other characters, to a lesser degree. Their dialogue is snappy but often juvenile. There aren't many serious moments in this book which is a shame because Rich and Kira are really sweet together. Penelope Bloom has written some great books that I really loved but unfortunately I don't find this type of story appealing.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance reader copy of this book.

I received a ARC from Netgalley for a honest review.
Rich King is the first of the 3 brothers we will meet. The King brother's return to town and they have some unfinished business with the three trouble girls of town. Rich have a need to apologize to Tara, the sweet school teacher.
Tara have a high school crush with Rich and now her dreams come true?
I enjoy reading this book and recommend it.

I loved this a really addictive read, fast, fun and flirty. You go on a rollercoaster with Kira falling for Rich, but irritated with him too and Penelope writes the characters that well. You want them together but you want him to suffer a little too. Great book, look forward to the next

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I really enjoyed this book. While it wasn’t a difficult read at all, it did provide me a nice break from all of the thrillers that I’ve been reading lately.

The plot line was also very common for this type of novel.

If you’re looking for an easy read and pretty much what you’re going to get into when you pick it up, I’d definitely recommend it.

I enjoy reading this author's works. The sense of humor these characters have is amazing. I absolutely loved the straight-woman, Stella. Rich and Kira knew one another back in high school. He and his two brothers were the big men on campus, getting any girl they wanted, it seemed. Kira an her two besties were the exception. The trio hated the King boys and swore to never have anything to do with them. I'm not going to give anymore of this book away, but take it from me, grab this one and dive in. I can not wait to see what happens between Cade and Iris in the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a trilogy (at least) where three best friends who have each been burned by one of the King brothers promise to never succumb to their charms again. Obviously, that is exactly what will happen, but enjoying the journey is very much the point – and I did.

As the scene is set, the obscenely old monied Kings and the rest of the town are not expected to ever spend time together. Rich, Cade, and Nick have come back to their hometown to build their new HQ and their billions make them both old and new money. But they are back due to the three women who got away. Rich is first up and he comes back to town with a girlfriend, Stella, who is just as much in the ruse as the brothers.

But Kira, Miranda, and Iris really are still wedded to the idea of the promise of staying away, and as Kira starts to fold, there is trouble in their friendship. I wasn't entirely convinced they would behave that way now that they are adults with careers, and in fact, I was pleased with how that was resolved.

I enjoyed how the book pokes fun at the crazy behaviour of the super rich and entitled, but also shows that redemption is possible – especially for the right woman.

Kira Summerland and her friends made a vow long ago to never get involved with the King men, and now that they're back in town, their past agreement seems to be more important then ever. The Kings once almost ended their friendship, and Kira's future in one fell swoop... and learning that lesson once was more than enough.

With his return to the town where he grew up, Richard King has some unfinished business to attend to... namely finding Kira and apologizing to her for their mistakes back in high school. But Kira wants nothing to do with him, and somehow he finds that makes him want her all the more...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyone But Rich was an entertaining read which introduced a family of fascinating characters and the women they love to argue with. Kira and Rich once shared a mutual attraction that combusted long ago, but upon his return, these two former foes are about to get a whole lot closer than anyone in the vicinity approves of...

I really liked Kira, she was honest and sweet, and really tried her hardest to avoid all things Rich King. I also couldn't get enough of the banter that she always had at the ready when it came to the King family.

Rich is from a... you guessed it... super rich family. But, the trappings of having all the money in the world have started to interest Rich less and less. When he is reunited with Kira, he can see a woman who is exactly what he needs, and desperately wants. 

This book was seriously funny! I loved the plot and (for the most part) the characters. I did feel like the story had a tendency to move slowly and focus on more of the mundane aspects of the relationship, but all in all this was a very enjoyable read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.