A hilarious tale of second chances between two people who barely had a first chance. After her high school crush destroyed her future, the last person she wants to see turn up in town many years later is that crush. Of course he is a successful billionaire businessman (along with his brothers,) and there's no way to avoid them. Worse yet, he's even hotter than he was back then. A fun filled ride with plenty of crazy characters and crazier blunders (too bad she can't edit the blooper reel out.) There is some angst as she tries to avoid her feelings for the man who is supposed to be the enemy, and for him as he tries to win her back. It's a primarily an upbeat book, though there are a few characters who try to be downers. The side characters bring even more laughs... and sometimes steal the scene (thankfully, we can expect more books featuring these folks.) It alternates POVs. There is some sexual content, but it's not a major component of the book. It's easy to read and the story flows smoothly. 

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

ARC copy was provided by netgalley.*•*
•I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•

Go and read this book like.... NOW! 
So many stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Anyone but RICH is so hilarious!!! 

This is Kira’s and Rich’s story and it is so funny and cute you can’t help but love them both. 
Kira is determined to keep her promise and not let her best friends down. Rich is stubborn and likes the challenge Kira is giving him. At first he tells himself he needs to apologize to her and he never expected her to blatantly refuse his I’m sorry speech. But as she continues to get in his head he can’t help but be honest with his self.... he wants her, now he just has to figure out how to get her. 

Kira’s friends are the best and Rich’s brothers are so funny. When you read this you will finish it determined to read the next book in line and also angry you can’t and you have to wait. I read this in a short period of time cause I could not put in down. I secretly wish I would have dragged it on a little bit longer cause it was just that good!!

This was a pretty good start to a series. It focuses on three brothers and three women that each brother has a past with. This is rich and Kira’s story. I look forward to reading the next.  Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

Anyone But Rich was a two-day read for me that I loved! But I was so close to giving it four stars because of the promise that Kira, Iris, and Miranda made with each other. Going into the book, I knew that the promise would be an obstacle somehow, but even when I expected that, it was still slightly frustrating in the beginning. 

The promise would always get in the way. Despite how Kira felt about Rich, she kept reminding herself over and over that she still had the promise to keep and couldn’t be with Rich. This went on for about 100 pages, but once the issue of the promise was settled between Kira and her friends, the book got SO much better! And it’s settled in the most hilarious way ever. 

I didn’t always enjoy the humor used (mostly, Cade’s), but this was a book that had me laughing so hard. *spoiler* That part when Kira punches Rich in the eye got a HUGE laugh from me! *spoiler* Rich’s parents were also pretty laughable with how hard they were pushing marriage on Rich and how much they cared about their image. 

Aside from the parents, I loved every character and the romance! Rich and Kira were sexy and amazing together. The minor characters all had their moments. Stella’s flirting *spoiler* with Kira *spoiler* and Cade and Nick’s bickering had me howling! Even Iris and Miranda, who were both so hardcore about the promise, were great when the promise wasn’t as important anymore. We don’t get the full story for the four of them, but it’s revealed that Cade and Nick and Iris and Miranda have a bit of history with each other like Rich and Kira do, and I’m dying to find out more!

The next two books in the series will be for Rich’s brothers Cade and Nick, and I’ll definitely be reading them!

This book was beyond boring.
I didn’t feel any connections with any of the characters. The writing was very uninteresting and dull. I was waiting for some spark but there wasn’t any.
Maybe I had too much expectations from this book.

*•*ARC copy was provided by netgalley.*•*
•I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.•

Go and read this book like.... NOW! 
So many stars! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Anyone but RICH is so hilarious!!! 
I literally was laughing out loud tell I had tears coming down my face! I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard with any other book and I’ve read a ton! Maybe I’m a weirdo and it wasn’t that funny to other people but it did it for me. I swear I will reread this book anytime I need a cheer me up!!! I’ve found a new favorite author I can not wait to read all the books in this series!! Penelope Bloom you nailed it!!! 

Kira and her two best friends made a promise to never ever EVER allow the three King brothers back in their life’s...no matter what!! They all had one they were crushing on but after all that happened in school they would swear to never break that promise even if one of those sexy brothers came begging on his knees. They all knew they each had a weakness to one of them and so they made a pack never thinking the Kings would make there way back to small town West Valley. Especially not after they made it big in California like BILLIONAIRE big. 

Little did they know 7 years later those men came marching into town and had everyone swooning and gossiping about them. 

This is Kira’s and Rich’s story and it is so funny and cute you can’t help but love them both. 
Kira is determined to keep her promise and not let her best friends down. Rich is stubborn and likes the challenge Kira is giving him. At first he tells himself he needs to apologize to her and he never expected her to blatantly refuse his I’m sorry speech. But as she continues to get in his head he can’t help but be honest with his self.... he wants her, now he just has to figure out how to get her. 

Kira’s friends are the best and Rich’s brothers are so funny. When you read this you will finish it determined to read the next book in line and also angry you can’t and you have to wait. I read this in a short period of time cause I could not put in down. I secretly wish I would have dragged it on a little bit longer cause it was just that good!!

Anyone But Rich is the first book I have read by author Penelope Bloom.

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

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with quick character connections. I will definitely pick up more books from this author.

Richard King humiliated Kiara in high school. After that day she made a pact with her two best friends to never give the King brothers the time of day, no matter what. Luckily for Kiara, Richard and his brothers moved out of state after graduation, unluckily, they're back, rich and as handsome as ever. Richard still caries the guilt of that day with him, all he needs to do is make a quick stop to apologize, it couldn't be simpler. What he's not expecting is Kiara to reject his apology. Now all he has to do is figure out how to get her to forgive him.

Anyone But Rich was the quick hilarious read I've come to expect and enjoy from Penelope Bloom. The conflict is light, the characters are funny, and the banter is great. While I did enjoy Rich and Kiara's relationship, I'm really looking forward to Cade's book and the mayhem he causes. This is a great book to squeeze in between heavier reads.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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