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Sincerely Yours #1
Sincerely, Carter
Just friends.
We’re just friends.
No, really. She’s just my best friend...
Arizona Turner has been my best friend since fourth grade, even when we “hated” each other. We’ve been there for one another through first kisses, first “times,” and we’ve been each other’s constant when good relationships turned bad. (We even went to colleges that were minutes away from each other…)
Throughout the years, and despite what anyone says, we’ve never crossed the line.
Never thought about it.
Never wanted to.
Until one night changed everything.
At least, it should’ve ...
Just friends.
We’re just friends.
I’m only saying this until I figure out if she’s still “just” my best friend…
We’re just friends.
No, really. She’s just my best friend...
Arizona Turner has been my best friend since fourth grade, even when we “hated” each other. We’ve been there for one another through first kisses, first “times,” and we’ve been each other’s constant when good relationships turned bad. (We even went to colleges that were minutes away from each other…)
Throughout the years, and despite what anyone says, we’ve never crossed the line.
Never thought about it.
Never wanted to.
Until one night changed everything.
At least, it should’ve ...
Just friends.
We’re just friends.
I’m only saying this until I figure out if she’s still “just” my best friend…
246 pages, ebook
First published April 29, 2015
About the author
Whitney G.
71 books13.4k followersWhitney G. is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author. Her books are currently published in over a dozen languages.
She lives deep in the Tennessee woods and spends most of her time drinking coffee while penning dirty-talking alpha males.
Find out more about her next project at www.whitneygbooks.com
(Be sure to sign up for "The F.L.Y. List" as that's the best way to receive new release updates. Link: eepurl.com/hbhVOf )
You can also connect with Whitney on Instagram and Facebook.
She lives deep in the Tennessee woods and spends most of her time drinking coffee while penning dirty-talking alpha males.
Find out more about her next project at www.whitneygbooks.com
(Be sure to sign up for "The F.L.Y. List" as that's the best way to receive new release updates. Link: eepurl.com/hbhVOf )
You can also connect with Whitney on Instagram and Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,570 reviews
May 13, 2015
5 ‘Just Friends’ Stars!
I love a good friends to lovers story. Especially when the characters are childhood best friends who have an insane connection before they fall for one another. Carter and Arizona have that. You feel their connection before the romance even begins. This was so very different from this authors past work, but I have to say I loved it just as much.
Arizona Turner and Carter James have been friends since the fourth grade- or the fifth if you’re talking to Carter. It’s who they are. It’s what they know. They are now college graduates and they still hold that position in each others lives. There is something about a life long friendship that just makes my heart happy.
So after all this time, Arizona and Carter have remained completely platonic. They tell each other everything. They are true best friends. Then it happens. Something changes. They feel a different kind of spark and act on it. Things between them will never be the same.
Things really heat up between this pair. Holy hell Carter James is one heck of a sexy man. I loved the two of them together. They are just figuring out that their friendship is changing and how to go with these changes when something big happens. Arizona gets an opportunity to follow her dreams. And Carter can’t hold her back… I’m not going to tell you this story was completely all smiles and love, there was a touch of heartbreak and angst, but these two have known each other their entire lives. If anyone can make it through, it’s them… right?
There is nothing better than reading a book that makes you fall in love equally with both the hero AND heroine. It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, it just makes the story that much better. As much as I adored Carter and fell hard for him, Arizona was so lovable to. They were both strong and likable characters.
Whitney G. wrote an fantastic story with lots of laughter, friendship love and sexy times. Carter and Arizona will hold a special place in my heart as one of my favorite friends to lovers pairs. They were both such wonderful characters and this story just kept a giant smile plastered on my face. Those letters, texts, emails etc always signed Sincerely, Carter were such a great touch to the story. It was definitely a five star read for me and just thinking of Carter, Arizona and waffles is putting me in a happy place! This is one I recommend if you’re in the mood for something that will give you some laughs, make your heart happy and leave you grinning for hours.
I love a good friends to lovers story. Especially when the characters are childhood best friends who have an insane connection before they fall for one another. Carter and Arizona have that. You feel their connection before the romance even begins. This was so very different from this authors past work, but I have to say I loved it just as much.
Arizona Turner and Carter James have been friends since the fourth grade- or the fifth if you’re talking to Carter. It’s who they are. It’s what they know. They are now college graduates and they still hold that position in each others lives. There is something about a life long friendship that just makes my heart happy.
So after all this time, Arizona and Carter have remained completely platonic. They tell each other everything. They are true best friends. Then it happens. Something changes. They feel a different kind of spark and act on it. Things between them will never be the same.
Things really heat up between this pair. Holy hell Carter James is one heck of a sexy man. I loved the two of them together. They are just figuring out that their friendship is changing and how to go with these changes when something big happens. Arizona gets an opportunity to follow her dreams. And Carter can’t hold her back… I’m not going to tell you this story was completely all smiles and love, there was a touch of heartbreak and angst, but these two have known each other their entire lives. If anyone can make it through, it’s them… right?
There is nothing better than reading a book that makes you fall in love equally with both the hero AND heroine. It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does, it just makes the story that much better. As much as I adored Carter and fell hard for him, Arizona was so lovable to. They were both strong and likable characters.
Whitney G. wrote an fantastic story with lots of laughter, friendship love and sexy times. Carter and Arizona will hold a special place in my heart as one of my favorite friends to lovers pairs. They were both such wonderful characters and this story just kept a giant smile plastered on my face. Those letters, texts, emails etc always signed Sincerely, Carter were such a great touch to the story. It was definitely a five star read for me and just thinking of Carter, Arizona and waffles is putting me in a happy place! This is one I recommend if you’re in the mood for something that will give you some laughs, make your heart happy and leave you grinning for hours.
“You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again.”
October 18, 2016
Craving Waffles and Ish Now Stars
I am officially the LAST person to read this, apparently.
But whatevs.
Here'ssome mindless gibberish my review:
I have a lot going on IRL lately and have been in somewhat of a serious book funk for the last week or so on top of that.
Right boys?
*
*
*
Right.
So the other day I was perusing kindle unlimited because:
1) I had been getting some awesomely decent reads through there prior to this book fuck, e.g., Sacked and Liability.
2) If I am going to read something shitty, it should at least be "free."
3) Cause you know what they say..."Kindle Unlimited gonna give it to ya."
What that's not how it goes...
Anyfunk.
As I was perusing I saw Sincerely, Carter and thought:
And I asked myself, "Self, didn't we see this blasted the fuck (I cuss at myself, yes) all over our newsfeed earlier this year?"
Yes, Self, we did.
And, "Self don't we know better than to start sentences with 'and' and wasn't this book rated pretty decently?"
First of all, Self, don't be a grammar snob.
AND yes, yes it's rated highly.
AND it's free.
AND you shouldn't judge, being that you are fucking talking to yourself, Self.
Anypsychologicalbreak, thus was the decision made.
And boy was this just what I needed.
I LOVE childhood-friends-to-lovers stories, and this was that to the Nth degree.
Not only were Carter and Arizona friends, they were inseparable BFF BEST friends.
Like the B-eff-effest you ever saw.
But then they realized that they wanted to shag each other.
And I realized I was having a super duper time.
And we all lived happily ever after.
Well...that's kind of how it went...
Anyway.
I am way late to this party and I am sure there are some awesome reviews for this out there.
Reviews WAY better than this one.
I bet that bitch Self is going to go and check them out.
Find this and other reviews at:
I am officially the LAST person to read this, apparently.
But whatevs.
Here's
I have a lot going on IRL lately and have been in somewhat of a serious book funk for the last week or so on top of that.
Right boys?
*
*
*
Right.
So the other day I was perusing kindle unlimited because:
1) I had been getting some awesomely decent reads through there prior to this book fuck, e.g., Sacked and Liability.
2) If I am going to read something shitty, it should at least be "free."
3) Cause you know what they say..."Kindle Unlimited gonna give it to ya."
What that's not how it goes...
Anyfunk.
As I was perusing I saw Sincerely, Carter and thought:
And I asked myself, "Self, didn't we see this blasted the fuck (I cuss at myself, yes) all over our newsfeed earlier this year?"
Yes, Self, we did.
And, "Self don't we know better than to start sentences with 'and' and wasn't this book rated pretty decently?"
First of all, Self, don't be a grammar snob.
AND yes, yes it's rated highly.
AND it's free.
AND you shouldn't judge, being that you are fucking talking to yourself, Self.
Anypsychologicalbreak, thus was the decision made.
And boy was this just what I needed.
I LOVE childhood-friends-to-lovers stories, and this was that to the Nth degree.
Not only were Carter and Arizona friends, they were inseparable BFF BEST friends.
Like the B-eff-effest you ever saw.
But then they realized that they wanted to shag each other.
And I realized I was having a super duper time.
And we all lived happily ever after.
Well...that's kind of how it went...
Anyway.
I am way late to this party and I am sure there are some awesome reviews for this out there.
Reviews WAY better than this one.
I bet that bitch Self is going to go and check them out.
Find this and other reviews at:
May 22, 2015
FIVE CARTER STARS.
Dear reader,
I'm in love with carter James.
sincerely, Lisa Jayne.
To say that I thought that this book was insanely gorgeous would be a huge understatement. I'm so happy right now I just want everybody to love this book just as much as I have. 'Sincerely, Carter' was everything I expected it could be and more, with a cherry on top. Whitney G is an author whom I have the biggest girl crush on, and I've been more than ready to read this book ever since I saw the cover reveal, (total cover lust) and I'm happy to announce that I loved what was inside this book even more (Total bonus). I think I may have to make the firm decision and crown Whitney G as the queen of the dirty talking heroes, because let's face it anyone who has enjoyed this authors writing is well aware that she loves to create a cheeky hero, and I for one can't help but fall in love with them all. Carter James is not an exception to this rule and I'm glad to confess that I fell madly in lust with zero regrets. But don't be fooled into thinking that Carter was the only star of the show because thankfully there's more than enough room for a stunning heroine to complete the picture. *sigh*
What did I love?
This book was sweetness and sexiness all put together with the fantastic writing skills of the superb Whitney G. I seriously could go a little overboard with my love for this book and talk for days about how much I loved the writing style, the characters, the witty plot and hilarious one liners but what grabbed me the most about this book was how it made me 'feel'. I was so wrapped up in a loved up bubble that I wanted to squeeze everyone and everything in sight (yes, I understand that this review is slowly making me sound like a crazed reader and I totally own that status). Nothing and no one could have torn me away from this stunning novel and I'd gladly name this novel as one of the best reading escapes of 2015.
Final thoughts ...
Don't take my overly enthusiastic word for it, what are you waiting for? If you love a book that will make you smile, laugh, horny, a little love struck and a whole lot of happy then you must, must, must read this treasure of a novel. I'm a huge fan of Whitney G and I'm pleased as punch that she smashed my expectations up and in it's place gave me this marvellous three plus hours of pure romantic entertainment. I've fallen hook, line and sinker for this fabulous literary couple and I'm happily giving the biggest five stars I own to this outstanding author. Bravo Whitney G on this day you've owned my romance reading heart. Go grab it readers, if you don't you'll be missing out. Enjoy ... Kisses.
Dear reader,
I'm in love with carter James.
sincerely, Lisa Jayne.
To say that I thought that this book was insanely gorgeous would be a huge understatement. I'm so happy right now I just want everybody to love this book just as much as I have. 'Sincerely, Carter' was everything I expected it could be and more, with a cherry on top. Whitney G is an author whom I have the biggest girl crush on, and I've been more than ready to read this book ever since I saw the cover reveal, (total cover lust) and I'm happy to announce that I loved what was inside this book even more (Total bonus). I think I may have to make the firm decision and crown Whitney G as the queen of the dirty talking heroes, because let's face it anyone who has enjoyed this authors writing is well aware that she loves to create a cheeky hero, and I for one can't help but fall in love with them all. Carter James is not an exception to this rule and I'm glad to confess that I fell madly in lust with zero regrets. But don't be fooled into thinking that Carter was the only star of the show because thankfully there's more than enough room for a stunning heroine to complete the picture. *sigh*
What did I love?
This book was sweetness and sexiness all put together with the fantastic writing skills of the superb Whitney G. I seriously could go a little overboard with my love for this book and talk for days about how much I loved the writing style, the characters, the witty plot and hilarious one liners but what grabbed me the most about this book was how it made me 'feel'. I was so wrapped up in a loved up bubble that I wanted to squeeze everyone and everything in sight (yes, I understand that this review is slowly making me sound like a crazed reader and I totally own that status). Nothing and no one could have torn me away from this stunning novel and I'd gladly name this novel as one of the best reading escapes of 2015.
Final thoughts ...
Don't take my overly enthusiastic word for it, what are you waiting for? If you love a book that will make you smile, laugh, horny, a little love struck and a whole lot of happy then you must, must, must read this treasure of a novel. I'm a huge fan of Whitney G and I'm pleased as punch that she smashed my expectations up and in it's place gave me this marvellous three plus hours of pure romantic entertainment. I've fallen hook, line and sinker for this fabulous literary couple and I'm happily giving the biggest five stars I own to this outstanding author. Bravo Whitney G on this day you've owned my romance reading heart. Go grab it readers, if you don't you'll be missing out. Enjoy ... Kisses.
January 12, 2016
4 Stars!!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (like me apparently), you’ve probably read this entertaining little gem. If you didn’t, you should...like immediately. “Sincerely, Carter” (btw, I love the title - very fitting, just perfect) was hands down the best book I have read by this author and it was one of the sweetest friends to lovers story I’ve read so far. Not only it was a sweet read, but it was also funny with two of the most endearing characters I’ve read about in a long time.
Arizona and Carter have been best friends since fourth or five grade (they are still debating). They know everything about each other and they are always there for each other. Their relationship is easy, they are even talking about their hookups. So, they are like brothers, until something changes between them and each one of them starts to see the other in another light.
Some important lines are being crossed and as much as they try to forget about their new feelings for each other, they simply can’t. It’s a little too late to be friends, but maybe it’s not too late to become something more.
I really enjoyed this one! It was a great mix of humor and sexiness. The pace of the story was simply perfect and all the emails, letters and messages between them made this story very entertaining. I really enjoyed every single one of them. Both Arizona and Carter were likeable characters and I have to say I loved their personalities. They are caring and protective towards each other, strong and they are full of life. Their connection was palpable, very well done and from the beginning believable. I loved these two together. Their friendship, their trust, how they communicate with each other…everything was really well portrayed.
Even if I believe the transition from friends to lovers was a little bit rushed, I enjoyed their romantic relationship. I loved these two together and I couldn’t get enough of them. Their chemistry was explosive!
The humor was great, the steamy sex scenes really hot and the dialogue delightful!
Overall, an great solid read with just a bit of angst and drama!
"Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some for a lifetime.”
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (like me apparently), you’ve probably read this entertaining little gem. If you didn’t, you should...like immediately. “Sincerely, Carter” (btw, I love the title - very fitting, just perfect) was hands down the best book I have read by this author and it was one of the sweetest friends to lovers story I’ve read so far. Not only it was a sweet read, but it was also funny with two of the most endearing characters I’ve read about in a long time.
“I’m Arizona. His best friend.”
“Since fifth grade,” I said.
“Fourth grade, Carter.” Ari countered. “It was fourth grade.”
Arizona and Carter have been best friends since fourth or five grade (they are still debating). They know everything about each other and they are always there for each other. Their relationship is easy, they are even talking about their hookups. So, they are like brothers, until something changes between them and each one of them starts to see the other in another light.
”I’d seen him shirtless a million times before, seen his blue eyes gleam in the sunlight many times more, but I’d never felt the slightest bit of attraction. Until now…
And at that moment, it wasn’t “slight” at all…
Some important lines are being crossed and as much as they try to forget about their new feelings for each other, they simply can’t. It’s a little too late to be friends, but maybe it’s not too late to become something more.
I really enjoyed this one! It was a great mix of humor and sexiness. The pace of the story was simply perfect and all the emails, letters and messages between them made this story very entertaining. I really enjoyed every single one of them. Both Arizona and Carter were likeable characters and I have to say I loved their personalities. They are caring and protective towards each other, strong and they are full of life. Their connection was palpable, very well done and from the beginning believable. I loved these two together. Their friendship, their trust, how they communicate with each other…everything was really well portrayed.
"You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again."
Even if I believe the transition from friends to lovers was a little bit rushed, I enjoyed their romantic relationship. I loved these two together and I couldn’t get enough of them. Their chemistry was explosive!
The humor was great, the steamy sex scenes really hot and the dialogue delightful!
Overall, an great solid read with just a bit of angst and drama!
May 20, 2023
”Just friends…Just friends…”
”Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some for a lifetime.”
I’m super excited to recommend this story because I absolutely loved everything about it! Arizona and Carter have been friends since fourth/fifth grade and simply put, this story clicked all the qualities I look for in a book. Their friendship was well portrayed and totally believable. I absolutely loved both characters in this story along with fantastic humor, hot steamy scenes that made this story flow seemingly effortlessly.
Arizona and Carter’s friendship was amazing and their startling fall into more was HOTTT!!
The two best friends try to say it was a one-time thing but they can’t get enough of one another. They have dates and time together that most authors completely leave out of stories and give sex scenes but this author gave them waffles, boat rides, parties and supporting characters that gave this story that added level that many authors forget.
When Arizona is offered a chance to study in France with a full scholarship, she says goodbye to Carter and lays it all out for him. This scene was crushing as was his response and the months that follow were heartbreaking.
Carter’s emails and letters were a wonderful addition to the story as was that ending! I just loved the ending and I’m a smiling fool writing this review. Humor, steam, heartbreak, and true love made this a 5 Star favorite for me.
”You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again. Sincerely (in love with you) Carter”
”Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some for a lifetime.”
I’m super excited to recommend this story because I absolutely loved everything about it! Arizona and Carter have been friends since fourth/fifth grade and simply put, this story clicked all the qualities I look for in a book. Their friendship was well portrayed and totally believable. I absolutely loved both characters in this story along with fantastic humor, hot steamy scenes that made this story flow seemingly effortlessly.
Arizona and Carter’s friendship was amazing and their startling fall into more was HOTTT!!
The two best friends try to say it was a one-time thing but they can’t get enough of one another. They have dates and time together that most authors completely leave out of stories and give sex scenes but this author gave them waffles, boat rides, parties and supporting characters that gave this story that added level that many authors forget.
When Arizona is offered a chance to study in France with a full scholarship, she says goodbye to Carter and lays it all out for him. This scene was crushing as was his response and the months that follow were heartbreaking.
Carter’s emails and letters were a wonderful addition to the story as was that ending! I just loved the ending and I’m a smiling fool writing this review. Humor, steam, heartbreak, and true love made this a 5 Star favorite for me.
”You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again. Sincerely (in love with you) Carter”
5 ‘Epic with a Capital E’ Stars
July 5, 2015
*****FOUR NOM NOM STARS*****
"I'm pretty sure it's been you since the fourth grade, because now more than ever, I know that I'm supposed to be with you, and you're supposed to be with me. You belong to me, Ari, and you always will... You're more than 'just' my best friend, and I never want to be 'just friends' again."
Arizona and Carter have been friends since early childhood. It was a rocky start at first. In the fourth grade they pretty much hated each other, or so they thought. Somehow things change rather quickly and they become the best of friends. I really enjoyed their letters to each other in the beginning. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments.
Then we jump to present day, where both are graduating college and are headed towards their future. Carter, will be going off to Law School and Ari is deciding on which culinary school to attend. They're still the best of friends and always there for each other. It seems like neither have had luck in the relationship department. Carter is supposedly happy with his strictly physical hookups with random women and Ari keeps meeting one loser after another.
One day it's like a light bulb goes off in both of their brains. They're both finally noticing each other in a sexual way. This was one of the reasons I didn't rate this a five. The attraction between them came out of nowhere. One day they're Besties and the next day they're both hot for each other. When they have sex, Carter is a little bit of a Dom, and Ari is his willing submissive. At first I found it a little odd, but the sexy time was pretty amazing so I got over it quickly!
My little issues aside, I really did enjoy this one quite a bit! It made me laugh and there were times I shed a tear. The angst towards the end just wrapped this one up in a pretty little package for me. This story had just about all the elements I love in a good book and I would highly recommend it to any of you who haven't read it yet.
"I'm pretty sure it's been you since the fourth grade, because now more than ever, I know that I'm supposed to be with you, and you're supposed to be with me. You belong to me, Ari, and you always will... You're more than 'just' my best friend, and I never want to be 'just friends' again."
Arizona and Carter have been friends since early childhood. It was a rocky start at first. In the fourth grade they pretty much hated each other, or so they thought. Somehow things change rather quickly and they become the best of friends. I really enjoyed their letters to each other in the beginning. I had quite a few laugh out loud moments.
Then we jump to present day, where both are graduating college and are headed towards their future. Carter, will be going off to Law School and Ari is deciding on which culinary school to attend. They're still the best of friends and always there for each other. It seems like neither have had luck in the relationship department. Carter is supposedly happy with his strictly physical hookups with random women and Ari keeps meeting one loser after another.
One day it's like a light bulb goes off in both of their brains. They're both finally noticing each other in a sexual way. This was one of the reasons I didn't rate this a five. The attraction between them came out of nowhere. One day they're Besties and the next day they're both hot for each other. When they have sex, Carter is a little bit of a Dom, and Ari is his willing submissive. At first I found it a little odd, but the sexy time was pretty amazing so I got over it quickly!
My little issues aside, I really did enjoy this one quite a bit! It made me laugh and there were times I shed a tear. The angst towards the end just wrapped this one up in a pretty little package for me. This story had just about all the elements I love in a good book and I would highly recommend it to any of you who haven't read it yet.
April 29, 2015
Carter and Arizona had been best friends since fourth grade. They exchanged notes , hateful at first, friendly afterwards. They stood for each other and had each other's backs. Holding on a friendship for so long without anything sexual going between them, many wondered how they managed to hold such a friendship for so many years.
They claim that they feel like brother and sister but suddenly one day things change and the line is being crossed. But can they really pretend that it didn't happen and keep the friendship that they were holding onto all these years or things are about to change? And what happens when Arizona decides to follow her dreams? How is this going to change things between them?
"How the boy with itchy hair and gangly height from fourth grade had grown into the dominant and sexy man sitting next to me, I'd never know..."
God, I loved this book so much!! Even if I found a few flaws in the way, I totally dismissed them because I enjoyed reading this story so much that I devoured it in just a few hours.
Flashbacks from their early years, showing to us how their relationship developed since fourth grade, how they were always there for each other, how they never thought the possibility that what they had was special.
I love friends to lovers stories and sadly rarely I find good ones. This was one of my favorite friends to lovers stories and I can't express how cute and sweet and sexy at the same time this book was! I even laughed out loud a couple of times! I think you should experience it to know what I'm talking about.
Arc kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2020
***4 STARS***
I have been on a friends-to-lovers kick lately and I found this little gem while searching.
Carter and Arizona have been friends since the fourth grade. Well actually, they hated each other and constantly fought and had to apologize to one another but eventually they became best friends. Now they have both graduated from undergraduate school and it is the summer before Carter attends law school and Arizona attends culinary school. Suddenly the idea of being with each other no longer is gross. Carter starts to realize that Arizona is beautiful and vice versa. They hook up and then the drama starts.
I thought this was a cute romance. I don't really read college romances, but technically they graduated. lol. I loved Carter. He was pretty mature for his age and he genuinely cared about Arizona. He took care of her and she came first among his other friends and responsibilities. Arizona was sweet and funny...they actually both were very funny. I had some definite laugh out loud moments (nom, nom, nom...you have to read it to find out what). The story vacillates between their younger years, though high school to present.
The only problem I had with the story was how fast their feelings changed. It was so fast and then they became lovers when before they only saw each other as best friends. It is a typical college romance with kegger and beach parties but it wasn't silly, just funny. If you are looking for a quick and funny read I recommend this book. It was very well written and the pace was fast and kept me interested.
I was also pretty upset that there was not an epilogue but I realize that there is another novella called Sincerely, Arizona which is the continuation of their story.
P.S. I am pissed because the epilogue Sincerely Arizona is no longer in print and available on Amazon. I need to know what happened! If you are reading this Ms. Whitney G please reprint the epilogue. Some of us want to read the ending of Carter and Arizona's story. Thank you.
I have been on a friends-to-lovers kick lately and I found this little gem while searching.
Carter and Arizona have been friends since the fourth grade. Well actually, they hated each other and constantly fought and had to apologize to one another but eventually they became best friends. Now they have both graduated from undergraduate school and it is the summer before Carter attends law school and Arizona attends culinary school. Suddenly the idea of being with each other no longer is gross. Carter starts to realize that Arizona is beautiful and vice versa. They hook up and then the drama starts.
I thought this was a cute romance. I don't really read college romances, but technically they graduated. lol. I loved Carter. He was pretty mature for his age and he genuinely cared about Arizona. He took care of her and she came first among his other friends and responsibilities. Arizona was sweet and funny...they actually both were very funny. I had some definite laugh out loud moments (nom, nom, nom...you have to read it to find out what). The story vacillates between their younger years, though high school to present.
The only problem I had with the story was how fast their feelings changed. It was so fast and then they became lovers when before they only saw each other as best friends. It is a typical college romance with kegger and beach parties but it wasn't silly, just funny. If you are looking for a quick and funny read I recommend this book. It was very well written and the pace was fast and kept me interested.
I was also pretty upset that there was not an epilogue but I realize that there is another novella called Sincerely, Arizona which is the continuation of their story.
P.S. I am pissed because the epilogue Sincerely Arizona is no longer in print and available on Amazon. I need to know what happened! If you are reading this Ms. Whitney G please reprint the epilogue. Some of us want to read the ending of Carter and Arizona's story. Thank you.
May 10, 2015
4 solid stars!
This book had my name written all over it. Carter and Arizona have been friends since the4th5th grade and have remained just friends. They never felt an attraction towards each other. And even though every single one of their friends have speculated about the nature of their relationship, they were never tempted to cross that line. Until now...
One of the things which made this friends-to-lovers tale stood out for me was the fact that both Arizona and Carter never had feelings for each other, other than friends. Most of the time, with this trope, usually one of them always has feelings for the other but tries to deny it in the fear of losing their friendship. This wasn't the case here. Arizona never looked at Carter that way and vice versa.
It wasn't until Carter saw Arizona the way his buddies saw her that the blinder fell off and then it was on. And oh boy, was it ever on. And Whitney G handled the transition brilliantly. The chemistry between them is suddenly explosive. Don't get me wrong, Carter and Arizona had this fantastic banter going on from the very beginning. But since they weren't in any way attracted to each other, the sexual tension was sort of in the background until it wasn't, and I was taken in for a ride and I loved it.
I also appreciated the bit of angst in their relationship. It made my inner angst whore happy.
So why not 5? Well, there were some parts of the writing that felt awkward to me. Also, there were some technical issues with the conversation tags that annoyed me because it took me a while to understand what the characters were saying or doing. I don't know if I was the only one having issues with it. It wasn't jarring but yeah, it made some parts harder to read.
But overall, this was a wonderful read. The humor, the angst, their emails...all of it came together wonderfully.
This book had my name written all over it. Carter and Arizona have been friends since the
One of the things which made this friends-to-lovers tale stood out for me was the fact that both Arizona and Carter never had feelings for each other, other than friends. Most of the time, with this trope, usually one of them always has feelings for the other but tries to deny it in the fear of losing their friendship. This wasn't the case here. Arizona never looked at Carter that way and vice versa.
It wasn't until Carter saw Arizona the way his buddies saw her that the blinder fell off and then it was on. And oh boy, was it ever on. And Whitney G handled the transition brilliantly. The chemistry between them is suddenly explosive. Don't get me wrong, Carter and Arizona had this fantastic banter going on from the very beginning. But since they weren't in any way attracted to each other, the sexual tension was sort of in the background until it wasn't, and I was taken in for a ride and I loved it.
I also appreciated the bit of angst in their relationship. It made my inner angst whore happy.
So why not 5? Well, there were some parts of the writing that felt awkward to me. Also, there were some technical issues with the conversation tags that annoyed me because it took me a while to understand what the characters were saying or doing. I don't know if I was the only one having issues with it. It wasn't jarring but yeah, it made some parts harder to read.
But overall, this was a wonderful read. The humor, the angst, their emails...all of it came together wonderfully.
May 7, 2015
4 “Sincerely” Stars.
Carter and Ari were friends since childhood but despite being the most important person in each other’s lives and knowing all each other secrets, they never thought of having anything together.
Until the night and the kiss the changes everything an as much as both want, neither of them can go back to what they were before and things aren’t the same.
But change isn’t always bad… sometimes we just have to learn to adjust to a new reality.
I love friends-to-lovers stories and especially those when they meet when they’re kids, which means this book checks all the boxes for me. Add the steamy factor that Whitney got us used to, and it’s a win.
This was a hilarious, sweet and heartwarming book that I simply loved to read. There was some events towards the end that I really didn’t like and that what keeps from rating 5 starts, I was feeling so mad during those pages that I can’t bring myself to rate I higher.
Still, if you want to read a well written, engaging, funny and steamy standalone, this is a great reading.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Both of them annoyed me at some moments, but overall I really liked both Carter and Ari. I love how they were together, how strong their friendship was and how that made their relationship so beautiful and real. I enjoyed them as separate couples, but they together were great.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Carter and Ari were friends since childhood but despite being the most important person in each other’s lives and knowing all each other secrets, they never thought of having anything together.
Until the night and the kiss the changes everything an as much as both want, neither of them can go back to what they were before and things aren’t the same.
But change isn’t always bad… sometimes we just have to learn to adjust to a new reality.
I love friends-to-lovers stories and especially those when they meet when they’re kids, which means this book checks all the boxes for me. Add the steamy factor that Whitney got us used to, and it’s a win.
This was a hilarious, sweet and heartwarming book that I simply loved to read. There was some events towards the end that I really didn’t like and that what keeps from rating 5 starts, I was feeling so mad during those pages that I can’t bring myself to rate I higher.
Still, if you want to read a well written, engaging, funny and steamy standalone, this is a great reading.
Rating: 4 Stars.
Characters Development: Both of them annoyed me at some moments, but overall I really liked both Carter and Ari. I love how they were together, how strong their friendship was and how that made their relationship so beautiful and real. I enjoyed them as separate couples, but they together were great.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
November 6, 2015
**** 4,5 stars ****
I liked this book, not "loved" liked but "liked" liked. It was quick, cute and light reading. I love friends to lovers trope and it was very well executed here.
Arizona and Carter have been best friends sincefifth fourth grade. They are great friends, they know everything about each other, they talk about everything, even to the point of discussing sexual encounters with others. They are grown up now and somehow can't settle down with anyone else, always something standing in their way of lasting in a relationship with other people. What they don't expect is the reason they can't make it work with others.
And don't you just love the moment, when they suddenly notice their best friend in a completely different light. Once they do, things get interesting and totally hot. They start having sex and feelings get into the mix, feelings that were always there, they were just to blind to acknowledge them. At certain point my heart was breaking for poor Arizona but once I found out the reason Carter did what he did, I was a happy reader. The man completely swooned me. Great ending to a really nice story.
Overall, good, sweet reading.
"Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime."
I liked this book, not "loved" liked but "liked" liked. It was quick, cute and light reading. I love friends to lovers trope and it was very well executed here.
Arizona and Carter have been best friends since
And don't you just love the moment, when they suddenly notice their best friend in a completely different light. Once they do, things get interesting and totally hot. They start having sex and feelings get into the mix, feelings that were always there, they were just to blind to acknowledge them. At certain point my heart was breaking for poor Arizona but once I found out the reason Carter did what he did, I was a happy reader. The man completely swooned me. Great ending to a really nice story.
Overall, good, sweet reading.
March 4, 2016
I
SINCERELY
LOVED THIS BOOK!
How can I not? This is one of those books that have the ability to completely swoon me not just because of the characters but also because of the whole story. It's my first time reading a book written by Whitney Gracia Williams, and my verdict? She has a very beautiful and exemplary writing style and it's such a pleasure to read her work. She had me completely unable to put this book down also because she laced it with humor.
Sincerely, Carter is a very enjoyable read. Its theme is about best-friends-turn-to-lovers. You might think it's a little bit cliché, but it's actually an enemy-to-best-friends-to-lovers kind of story, and I totally find it cute and adorable.
Carter James and Arizona Turner have been best friends since fourth grade. Over the years, their friendship remained strong, and even when they dated several persons around them, they still remained best friends and their relationships and hook-ups to others didn't affect the way they treat each other. But what happens when all of a sudden, the attraction for each other will just naturally develop between them? Would they break their friendship and give in to their more-than-just-friends feelings?
This book is perfectly done. I totally adored the characters. Carter is one helluvah sexy and admirable man. He always makes Arizona his number one priority. Imagine a guy who ditches his date just to be around his best friend because his presence is needed? I WANT A GUY BEST FRIEND LIKE CARTER. As for Arizona, she is a very likeable character. She is funny and witty and I find her very amusing, especially her very high standards in a guy.
The romance in this book is absolutely so good. Carter and Arizona's relationship is sweet and raw and was developed naturally. The book is also fast-paced and a total page-turner. I enjoyed every part of it, especially whenever Carter and Arizona argue over the specific grade when they became best friends. And oh, I loved how every chapter-title of this book has a Taylor Swift song. I think the author is a huge fan of Taylor Swift. We'll definitely get along well! Haha!
The best part of this book was the exchange of letters and emails. It was so sweet and delightful to read. All in all, this book is one great romance book. Another title that is now added in my 'favorites' shelf. :) If you love to read romance books that are quick, light, and easy, I highly recommend this one. :)
Rating:
How can I not? This is one of those books that have the ability to completely swoon me not just because of the characters but also because of the whole story. It's my first time reading a book written by Whitney Gracia Williams, and my verdict? She has a very beautiful and exemplary writing style and it's such a pleasure to read her work. She had me completely unable to put this book down also because she laced it with humor.
Sincerely, Carter is a very enjoyable read. Its theme is about best-friends-turn-to-lovers. You might think it's a little bit cliché, but it's actually an enemy-to-best-friends-to-lovers kind of story, and I totally find it cute and adorable.
Carter James and Arizona Turner have been best friends since fourth grade. Over the years, their friendship remained strong, and even when they dated several persons around them, they still remained best friends and their relationships and hook-ups to others didn't affect the way they treat each other. But what happens when all of a sudden, the attraction for each other will just naturally develop between them? Would they break their friendship and give in to their more-than-just-friends feelings?
This book is perfectly done. I totally adored the characters. Carter is one helluvah sexy and admirable man. He always makes Arizona his number one priority. Imagine a guy who ditches his date just to be around his best friend because his presence is needed? I WANT A GUY BEST FRIEND LIKE CARTER. As for Arizona, she is a very likeable character. She is funny and witty and I find her very amusing, especially her very high standards in a guy.
The romance in this book is absolutely so good. Carter and Arizona's relationship is sweet and raw and was developed naturally. The book is also fast-paced and a total page-turner. I enjoyed every part of it, especially whenever Carter and Arizona argue over the specific grade when they became best friends. And oh, I loved how every chapter-title of this book has a Taylor Swift song. I think the author is a huge fan of Taylor Swift. We'll definitely get along well! Haha!
The best part of this book was the exchange of letters and emails. It was so sweet and delightful to read. All in all, this book is one great romance book. Another title that is now added in my 'favorites' shelf. :) If you love to read romance books that are quick, light, and easy, I highly recommend this one. :)
Rating:
April 30, 2015
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
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When I heard that Whitney G was writing a stand alone, friends to lovers book I was so excited!! I love this trope and she didn't disappoint me, it was so much fun to read.
Carter James has been writing notes to Arizona Turner since the fourth grade. It was hate at first sight, but ever since she stood up to him in fifth grade they became best friends and have been by each other's side through thick and thin.
Now 23, Carter has never had a girlfriend for longer than 6 months and Arizona is looking for the perfect boyfriend, using her trusty spreadsheets to measure risks and returns when considering potential relationships.
Nobody can understand how they are friends, but have never considered crossing the line. They see each other as brother and sister, never once seeing the other as anything remotely sexual.
However, all of a sudden BOOM - something shifts and they are starting to feel things that they don't understand, but they can't ignore either.
It's the summer before they go their separate ways, Arizona to culinary school, and Carter to study Law, and what starts off as Carter trying to help Ari get casually laid as opposed to her usual MO of over-thinking and analysing everything, turns into the two of them exploring each other instead.
They are both scared of losing their close bond and friendship, and so are pretty much in denial of what is happening on the surface, but deep down they feel how their relationship is evolving.
When Ari gets the chance to pursue her dreams at one of the top culinary schools in the world, Carter does what he thinks he needs to do in order for her to realise that dream, but Arizona doesn't necessarily agree.
_ _ _ _
I devoured it, and yeah I thought it was a bit cheesy how they suddenly realised the other was a total hottie, but I DIDN'T CARE. It was a great story with the perfect Whitney G steamy factor and two very likeable characters. How could I not love Arizona, she loves spreadsheets and I am a sucker for Excel. What can I say?
Did Carter pull a douche move towards the end? Yeah maybe, but his heart was in the right place and you gotta have a little bit of angsty drama otherwise it'd be boring. I knew I should have trusted him because he loved her and you could see that right from the start.
I really bloody loved it, and it was nice reading some of the notes from their school days, a nice touch to show us their past.
This is a standalone, told in dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
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Amazon - http://amzn.to/1Q1KNHC
Amazon UK - http://amzn.to/1GIfm0N
When I heard that Whitney G was writing a stand alone, friends to lovers book I was so excited!! I love this trope and she didn't disappoint me, it was so much fun to read.
Carter James has been writing notes to Arizona Turner since the fourth grade. It was hate at first sight, but ever since she stood up to him in fifth grade they became best friends and have been by each other's side through thick and thin.
Now 23, Carter has never had a girlfriend for longer than 6 months and Arizona is looking for the perfect boyfriend, using her trusty spreadsheets to measure risks and returns when considering potential relationships.
Nobody can understand how they are friends, but have never considered crossing the line. They see each other as brother and sister, never once seeing the other as anything remotely sexual.
However, all of a sudden BOOM - something shifts and they are starting to feel things that they don't understand, but they can't ignore either.
"You look really fucking beautiful today."
I cut her off, looking at her and wondering why I'd never seen just how stunning she was before.
"Really fucking beautiful..."
It's the summer before they go their separate ways, Arizona to culinary school, and Carter to study Law, and what starts off as Carter trying to help Ari get casually laid as opposed to her usual MO of over-thinking and analysing everything, turns into the two of them exploring each other instead.
They are both scared of losing their close bond and friendship, and so are pretty much in denial of what is happening on the surface, but deep down they feel how their relationship is evolving.
"I was pretty sure I loved him, and not in the way I loved him before."
When Ari gets the chance to pursue her dreams at one of the top culinary schools in the world, Carter does what he thinks he needs to do in order for her to realise that dream, but Arizona doesn't necessarily agree.
_ _ _ _
I devoured it, and yeah I thought it was a bit cheesy how they suddenly realised the other was a total hottie, but I DIDN'T CARE. It was a great story with the perfect Whitney G steamy factor and two very likeable characters. How could I not love Arizona, she loves spreadsheets and I am a sucker for Excel. What can I say?
Did Carter pull a douche move towards the end? Yeah maybe, but his heart was in the right place and you gotta have a little bit of angsty drama otherwise it'd be boring. I knew I should have trusted him because he loved her and you could see that right from the start.
I really bloody loved it, and it was nice reading some of the notes from their school days, a nice touch to show us their past.
This is a standalone, told in dual POV.
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest review
June 4, 2015
A cute, friends to lovers romance, with hilarious banter, steam and low angst. Carter and Arizona have been friends since 4th/5th grade, they are constantly disagreeing with the actual time this friendship started, but regardless they have formed an unbreakable bond. Through high school, first kisses, relationships, and breakups, these two are inseparable. Now with college graduation around the corner, they are still best friends. No one can understand how they have managed, but they've never been tempted. Until now. The lines between friendship and 'more' begin to blur for these two when they finally 'notice' each other.
How could I have not noticed this?
Is crossing the friendship line worth the risk? College is ending and with new beginnings on the horizon, Carter and Arizona have a lot of choices to make. Is it just sex, or does it mean more?
"I'm in love with you, and I need you to know that...I think I've loved you for most of my life."
The convenience of their attraction finally being noticed was a bit much, , and the ending felt a bit rush, but I still enjoyed their story.
“Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime.”
May 2, 2015
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Sincerely, Carter" is a book I’ll definitely file under my "feel good" shelf.
I love friends to lovers tropes and this new story by Whitney Gracia Williams did not disappoint!
I’ve read most of the books this author wrote and I can say that I always had a good time. She’s good at creating great chemistry between her characters and she nailed it again with this new story!
Whitney G. handcrafted here the perfect tale, introducing Carter and Arizona as kids, hating each other first —classic— to become best friends and this for the many years to come.
I love the fact that she used secret correspondence between the two of them when they were kid and throughout their friendship. It described perfectly how deep their friendship was and how close Carter and Arizona became year after year.
Carter has been writing notes to Arizona and vice-versa since their fourth grade—oops, sorry fifth grade. It first started because they hated each other so much they kept fighting. Carter’s mom making him write out excuses note to his teacher.
What Carter didn’t know is how similar this little devil of a girl was to him, they became friends the very next day.
Present day, Carter and Arizona are both of age to graduate and are about to go their respective way, Carter chasing after his lawyer career, while Arizona pursues her dream to become a chef.
She’s passionate about food, and went so far as unlawfully infiltrate a culinary school to satisfy her enthusiasm.
Carter has always been a ladies’ man. He’s charming, sexy as fuck and is going from crazy girlfriends to one night stands without ever finding the perfect woman.
Arizona struggles to find someone as well but from a different angle. She seeks the perfect boyfriend, being a tiny bit OCD about it. (We’re talking spreadsheets here. lol)
What I loved until this point is the genuine feel of their true friendship. Nothing was amiss. And I really liked how overtly sharing they both were. Talking and teasing about their love interests, sharing about their insecurities. An honest and legitimate friendship.
Until the day everything changes.
Carter suddenly becomes aware of Arizona sexual appeal.
And Arizona finally sees why all her ladies friends were auditioning to be Carter’s girl.
And they both definitely like what they see.
Yes, this part has an insta-lust alert to it, but I didn’t mind it one bit. The banter between those two and the easy writing of Whitney Gracia Williams just made me overlook this.
The inevitable happens and over one kiss Carter and Arizona become hungry for each other. They’re craving every touch and moments, but keeping their new silent arrangement secret from their entourage. And this feeling of secrecy, of forbidden, definitely adds to the story. To the sex scenes!
It shouldn’t surprise me, Whitney G.—author of the now self-advertising "Hungry Cock", knows how to write a great sex scene, but here she cleverly mixed hotness in the bedroom and playful friendly banter. I loved that.
As usual, not going to spoil all the fun for you, so if you want to know what happens after the inevitable change of turns in "Sincerely, Carter", you’ll eventually have to read it. But I’m guaranteeing you a real good time!
I loved it! It had all I’m looking for in a romance book— friendly bickering, hilarious banter, sweet times, just a little touch of angst and the inevitable steam. This book was really fun and sexy!
-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*
(Arc generously offered by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
More reviews and book talk at :
"Sincerely, Carter" is a book I’ll definitely file under my "feel good" shelf.
I love friends to lovers tropes and this new story by Whitney Gracia Williams did not disappoint!
I’ve read most of the books this author wrote and I can say that I always had a good time. She’s good at creating great chemistry between her characters and she nailed it again with this new story!
Whitney G. handcrafted here the perfect tale, introducing Carter and Arizona as kids, hating each other first —classic— to become best friends and this for the many years to come.
I love the fact that she used secret correspondence between the two of them when they were kid and throughout their friendship. It described perfectly how deep their friendship was and how close Carter and Arizona became year after year.
Carter has been writing notes to Arizona and vice-versa since their fourth grade—oops, sorry fifth grade. It first started because they hated each other so much they kept fighting. Carter’s mom making him write out excuses note to his teacher.
“Dear Miss Carpenter,
I am sorry that I was bad in class yesterday, but I am not sorry that I HATE Arizona Turner.
She is ugly and she talks way too much. She deserves to be punish too, and I hope she dies tomorrow so I won’t have to see her and her ugly metal mouth anymore.
Sincerely,
Carter.”
What Carter didn’t know is how similar this little devil of a girl was to him, they became friends the very next day.
“Dear Carter, I am sorry that I made you act bad and break Miss Carptenter’s pens yesterday. But I am not sorry that I HATE you.
You are ugly and talk way too much.
I really wish you’ll get hit by a bus one day soon because you suck. You suck A LOT.
Not Sincerely,
Arizona.”
Present day, Carter and Arizona are both of age to graduate and are about to go their respective way, Carter chasing after his lawyer career, while Arizona pursues her dream to become a chef.
She’s passionate about food, and went so far as unlawfully infiltrate a culinary school to satisfy her enthusiasm.
“It would be nice to have some amazing sex before I leave for culinary school.”
“Then have some, I can help you with that.”
“What?Not with you with you. Are you out of your mind?”
“ I'm definitely not talking about sex with me. You wouldn’t be able to handle me…”
“Please!”
Carter has always been a ladies’ man. He’s charming, sexy as fuck and is going from crazy girlfriends to one night stands without ever finding the perfect woman.
Arizona struggles to find someone as well but from a different angle. She seeks the perfect boyfriend, being a tiny bit OCD about it. (We’re talking spreadsheets here. lol)
What I loved until this point is the genuine feel of their true friendship. Nothing was amiss. And I really liked how overtly sharing they both were. Talking and teasing about their love interests, sharing about their insecurities. An honest and legitimate friendship.
“Really, though? Have I ever told you how deep you are?”
“No. But that’s because you and I have never fucked.”
Until the day everything changes.
Carter suddenly becomes aware of Arizona sexual appeal.
And Arizona finally sees why all her ladies friends were auditioning to be Carter’s girl.
And they both definitely like what they see.
Yes, this part has an insta-lust alert to it, but I didn’t mind it one bit. The banter between those two and the easy writing of Whitney Gracia Williams just made me overlook this.
The inevitable happens and over one kiss Carter and Arizona become hungry for each other. They’re craving every touch and moments, but keeping their new silent arrangement secret from their entourage. And this feeling of secrecy, of forbidden, definitely adds to the story. To the sex scenes!
“If you scream like that…” he whispered into my ear, “everyone in this house will hear me fucking you.” He pounded into me again. “Is that what you want?”
It shouldn’t surprise me, Whitney G.—author of the now self-advertising "Hungry Cock", knows how to write a great sex scene, but here she cleverly mixed hotness in the bedroom and playful friendly banter. I loved that.
As usual, not going to spoil all the fun for you, so if you want to know what happens after the inevitable change of turns in "Sincerely, Carter", you’ll eventually have to read it. But I’m guaranteeing you a real good time!
I loved it! It had all I’m looking for in a romance book— friendly bickering, hilarious banter, sweet times, just a little touch of angst and the inevitable steam. This book was really fun and sexy!
-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*
(Arc generously offered by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
More reviews and book talk at :
May 2, 2015
4.5 EPIC and Awesome Stars
Dear Miss Carpenter,
I am sorry that I was bad in class yesterday. I did not mean to cause a dissrupshun, and I am sorry that I broke your best pens, but I am not sorry that I HATE Arizona Turner. She is ugly and she talks way too much. I don’t know why you never send her to the office like you send me. She deserves to be punish too, and I hope she dies tomorrow so I won’t have to see her or her ugly metal mouth anymore.
Sincerely, Carter
*********************
Dear Carter,
I am sorry that I made you act bad and break Miss Carpenter’s pens yesterday, but I am not sorry that I HATE you. You are ugly and you talk way too much. That’s why I always get you in trouble because you can’t shut up and you think you know everything BUT YOU DON’T! I really wish you will get hit by a bus one day soon because you suck. You suck A LOT.
Not Sincerely, Arizona
Can't you just feel the fourth grade love from these two? And so the story of Carter and Arizona begins and let me let you in on a little secret…I freaking LOVED IT! I realize the friends to lovers trope is an overused one, but when it’s done well it’s still my favorite. Normally with a friends to lovers storyline one of the characters has been harboring feelings while the other has no idea. Luckily that wasn’t the case with this one. Both Carter and Arizona are feeling the strictly platonic vibes and are truly the best of friends. Their friends and family all wonder how they’ve avoided the hook up/morning after/let’s try and act like everything’s normal situation, but they have. As to be expected their close relationship causes problems with the significant others that happen to be in their lives at the time but neither is willing to give up the friendship. The build up to feelings that are more was so well done and it gave me a true sense of who these characters were without the drama that can come from a romantic relationship.
"...some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime."
When the more starts to happen, things get steamy right away and watching these two simultaneously come to terms with new and awkward feelings of attraction was beautiful. Unlike the majority of NA books I’ve read, the drama level was kept fairly low but when it finally hit, my cold black heart cracked just a little. Getting the chance to read an NA book that didn’t feel the need to overload me with angst and seemingly insurmountable “issues” was completely refreshing.
If I have any complaints (and you know I do. I’m an unapologetic bitch most of the time) it was the blushing. So very much blushing by every female in the vicinity whenever Carter so much as sneezed in their direction. Little girls blushed, horny college chicks blushed and then, just for good measure, every future born female blushed. That might be a slight exaggeration but not by much. Still, if that’s my biggest complaint I’ll gladly take it and say thank you to Whitney G for bringing a smile to my face for a few hours.
Dear Miss Carpenter,
I am sorry that I was bad in class yesterday. I did not mean to cause a dissrupshun, and I am sorry that I broke your best pens, but I am not sorry that I HATE Arizona Turner. She is ugly and she talks way too much. I don’t know why you never send her to the office like you send me. She deserves to be punish too, and I hope she dies tomorrow so I won’t have to see her or her ugly metal mouth anymore.
Sincerely, Carter
*********************
Dear Carter,
I am sorry that I made you act bad and break Miss Carpenter’s pens yesterday, but I am not sorry that I HATE you. You are ugly and you talk way too much. That’s why I always get you in trouble because you can’t shut up and you think you know everything BUT YOU DON’T! I really wish you will get hit by a bus one day soon because you suck. You suck A LOT.
Not Sincerely, Arizona
Can't you just feel the fourth grade love from these two? And so the story of Carter and Arizona begins and let me let you in on a little secret…I freaking LOVED IT! I realize the friends to lovers trope is an overused one, but when it’s done well it’s still my favorite. Normally with a friends to lovers storyline one of the characters has been harboring feelings while the other has no idea. Luckily that wasn’t the case with this one. Both Carter and Arizona are feeling the strictly platonic vibes and are truly the best of friends. Their friends and family all wonder how they’ve avoided the hook up/morning after/let’s try and act like everything’s normal situation, but they have. As to be expected their close relationship causes problems with the significant others that happen to be in their lives at the time but neither is willing to give up the friendship. The build up to feelings that are more was so well done and it gave me a true sense of who these characters were without the drama that can come from a romantic relationship.
"...some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime."
When the more starts to happen, things get steamy right away and watching these two simultaneously come to terms with new and awkward feelings of attraction was beautiful. Unlike the majority of NA books I’ve read, the drama level was kept fairly low but when it finally hit, my cold black heart cracked just a little. Getting the chance to read an NA book that didn’t feel the need to overload me with angst and seemingly insurmountable “issues” was completely refreshing.
If I have any complaints (and you know I do. I’m an unapologetic bitch most of the time) it was the blushing. So very much blushing by every female in the vicinity whenever Carter so much as sneezed in their direction. Little girls blushed, horny college chicks blushed and then, just for good measure, every future born female blushed. That might be a slight exaggeration but not by much. Still, if that’s my biggest complaint I’ll gladly take it and say thank you to Whitney G for bringing a smile to my face for a few hours.
May 3, 2015
I liked it. Just didn't love it. Why? Not sure why. Just finished THE MISTAKE which I loved.... so, in all honesty, cannot give this book 4 or 5 stars comparing it to The Mistake.
It lulled a bit in the middle. But, overall, an enjoyable read.
No time to review properly. JAMIE to watch and all that ....
May 4, 2015
3 STARS! ★★★
"Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime."
With all the hype surrounding this book recently and having enjoyed this author's work in the past, I think I went into this book with high expectations but was feeling rather bummed after I finished. Don't get me wrong, I still felt that it was a nice decent story for a quick weekend read but for everything that I liked in it, I found other parts that weren't to my liking. Weighing all of that together, I find myself settling for a mediocre rating.
The story revolves around Arizona and Carter, best friends sinceforth fifth grade, they hated each other's guts at first but one day after exchanging their love hate letters, they became the best of friends. Ever since then, they've continued their friendship in a very strictly friends manner without either of them having any sexual thoughts about each other...until now.
I found it adorable that the author incorporated the exchange of letters from their early days and even in the present, the exchange of texts make up for some hilarious banters. What I thought was done well about this read was that the author didn't downplay the friendship that Ari & Carter shared over the years, it was genuine and you can tell that they really did care for each other especially after all of their fluked dates with other people.
What I did struggle was the sudden realization of their attraction to each other. It was like they both got hit by some magical fairy dust because out of nowhere (and within the same day), they saw each other differently and by different, I mean they finally realized that they're both very attractive people. Cue in the sexual thoughts thereafter. The randomness just threw me off and part of me wished that I could've seen something more in-depth or a build-up that would have provoked them to take it to the next level. Like I said earlier, I genuinely loved their friendship but the sudden sexual chemistry between these two? Not so much.
The read was filled with a lot of light-hearted moments, some really LOL-worthy banters and unabashed dialogues between Ari & Carter that goes as far to discussing their sexual encounters. For the most parts, I really enjoyed these scenes but at times I found some to be rather juvenile. At first they were bearable but later I started to eye-roll at the constant question of "How big do you think his(Carter) cock is?" uttered by almost every girl in this book. I'm starting to think it's meant to be a running joke throughout the entire read but it was overdone to the point that I couldn't care less.
I also struggled with her writing style in this one as compared to her RD series which I really enjoyed. I felt that the story and dialogue didn't flow as smoothly, with some scenes jumping around quickly and overall, it felt a little rushed at times while trying to cram the entire timeline in one whole book. Don't even get me started on the ending there because I can't believe it just ended like that, GAH!! I felt like someone just ripped off the epilogue from my copy because I refuse to believe there isn't a proper closure by the end of it.
Despite all that I've mentioned above, I still found it to be a quick enjoyable read if you're looking for a cute, sexy friends-to-lovers story. I really loved the last 30% of the book because that's when the angst kicked in and it wasn't stretched out too long, just the right amount to hit everyone in the feels. Me not loving this book in its entirety is most likely another case of "it's not you, it's me" situation, I have friends who love this one so I'm just being an oddball here :)
Sincerely, Carter is a standalone NA contemporary romance read and recommended for those who enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope.
"Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime."
With all the hype surrounding this book recently and having enjoyed this author's work in the past, I think I went into this book with high expectations but was feeling rather bummed after I finished. Don't get me wrong, I still felt that it was a nice decent story for a quick weekend read but for everything that I liked in it, I found other parts that weren't to my liking. Weighing all of that together, I find myself settling for a mediocre rating.
The story revolves around Arizona and Carter, best friends since
I found it adorable that the author incorporated the exchange of letters from their early days and even in the present, the exchange of texts make up for some hilarious banters. What I thought was done well about this read was that the author didn't downplay the friendship that Ari & Carter shared over the years, it was genuine and you can tell that they really did care for each other especially after all of their fluked dates with other people.
What I did struggle was the sudden realization of their attraction to each other. It was like they both got hit by some magical fairy dust because out of nowhere (and within the same day), they saw each other differently and by different, I mean they finally realized that they're both very attractive people. Cue in the sexual thoughts thereafter. The randomness just threw me off and part of me wished that I could've seen something more in-depth or a build-up that would have provoked them to take it to the next level. Like I said earlier, I genuinely loved their friendship but the sudden sexual chemistry between these two? Not so much.
The read was filled with a lot of light-hearted moments, some really LOL-worthy banters and unabashed dialogues between Ari & Carter that goes as far to discussing their sexual encounters. For the most parts, I really enjoyed these scenes but at times I found some to be rather juvenile. At first they were bearable but later I started to eye-roll at the constant question of "How big do you think his(Carter) cock is?" uttered by almost every girl in this book. I'm starting to think it's meant to be a running joke throughout the entire read but it was overdone to the point that I couldn't care less.
I also struggled with her writing style in this one as compared to her RD series which I really enjoyed. I felt that the story and dialogue didn't flow as smoothly, with some scenes jumping around quickly and overall, it felt a little rushed at times while trying to cram the entire timeline in one whole book. Don't even get me started on the ending there because I can't believe it just ended like that, GAH!! I felt like someone just ripped off the epilogue from my copy because I refuse to believe there isn't a proper closure by the end of it.
Despite all that I've mentioned above, I still found it to be a quick enjoyable read if you're looking for a cute, sexy friends-to-lovers story. I really loved the last 30% of the book because that's when the angst kicked in and it wasn't stretched out too long, just the right amount to hit everyone in the feels. Me not loving this book in its entirety is most likely another case of "it's not you, it's me" situation, I have friends who love this one so I'm just being an oddball here :)
Sincerely, Carter is a standalone NA contemporary romance read and recommended for those who enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope.
July 7, 2016
4 stars!
“Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime.”
Carter and Arizona have been best friends since the fourth grade, and have remained besties all through college. Despite many people making suggestions that they are more, the two deny any romantic feelings for the other. And then one day, something changes. The two wake up and realize they find each other attractive and they embark on a secretive sexual affair. As time goes by they both recognize that the attraction goes deeper, it could be love. But can both of them admit it?
“I recently had sex with someone who might’ve ruined me for all others.”
Friends to lovers trope really isn't my thing, mostly because I am a firm believer that men and women CAN be friends without romance involved. BUT I do realize this is just a trope, and it's fiction so I let my reservations on the subject go and enjoyed the ride. This is a book that many of my friends loved and has been sitting on my kindle forever, so I am glad that I took a chance and read it (much later than most) and really liked this gem of a story.
The actual romance took a little bit longer to start than I expected but once it did, it was hot! Whitney G didn't write no vanilla romance, and it was that little bit extra in those scenes that really sets this book apart from other friends to lovers romances. Reading this makes me want to read lots more by Whitney G in the future! Friendship, love, sex and angst all made for a book you don't want to miss out on.
PS: I loved that all of the chapter titles were Taylor Swift songs, was a nice little touch.
“You belong to me, Ari, and you always will…
You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again.”
“Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime.”
Carter and Arizona have been best friends since the fourth grade, and have remained besties all through college. Despite many people making suggestions that they are more, the two deny any romantic feelings for the other. And then one day, something changes. The two wake up and realize they find each other attractive and they embark on a secretive sexual affair. As time goes by they both recognize that the attraction goes deeper, it could be love. But can both of them admit it?
“I recently had sex with someone who might’ve ruined me for all others.”
Friends to lovers trope really isn't my thing, mostly because I am a firm believer that men and women CAN be friends without romance involved. BUT I do realize this is just a trope, and it's fiction so I let my reservations on the subject go and enjoyed the ride. This is a book that many of my friends loved and has been sitting on my kindle forever, so I am glad that I took a chance and read it (much later than most) and really liked this gem of a story.
The actual romance took a little bit longer to start than I expected but once it did, it was hot! Whitney G didn't write no vanilla romance, and it was that little bit extra in those scenes that really sets this book apart from other friends to lovers romances. Reading this makes me want to read lots more by Whitney G in the future! Friendship, love, sex and angst all made for a book you don't want to miss out on.
PS: I loved that all of the chapter titles were Taylor Swift songs, was a nice little touch.
“You belong to me, Ari, and you always will…
You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again.”
May 2, 2015
Title: Sincerely, Carter
Series: Standalone
Author: Whitney Gracia Williams
Release date: 30th April, 2015
Rating: 3.5-4 "just friends" stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Sincerely, Carter is a story that spans, hate, friendship, lust and love.
Depending on which one them you ask Carter and Arizona meet in the
The deliciously, vicious notes these two send to each other are not only so extremely entertaining but the beginning of a friendship that confuses and perplexes those around them in their adulthood, as it's purely planktonic. Girlfriends and boyfriends come and go but there is always Carter and Ari, each other's constant.
It's the summer before they go their separate to pursue their careers, Carter in his education in Law and Ari culinary school in France. It should be like any other summer except for no significant reason at all Carter and Ari start crushing on each other.
He ran his hands through his jet black hair and I suddenly envisioned myself helping him with that, envisioned myself running my hands across his abs and lower-down to his perfectly defined "V" that trailed down to-
Oh. My. God...
I immediately looked away.
But then I looked at him again. I couldn't help myself.
How could I not have noticed this?
It's both unexpected and unwelcomed for them. But not me! The anticipation alone was electrifying and when they slid into the next phase of their relationship it's nothing but scintillating. Notice I say "Slid into the next phase," I say that because to me there is no significant conversation or real acknowledgement of it. It just happens and continues to just happen, until it's happening. And of course this brings confusion and conflict when the summer is over.
I've read the 'Reasonable Doubt" series by Whitney G and loved it. It would be incredibly tempting replicate that success and make Carter Andrew 2.0. Thankfully Whitney did not give into that temptation. What I did notice with reading this is Whitney's character and humor comes through in her books. No, I've never met her before but Carter and Ari are so much fun it's hard to believe they didn't get it from their creator.
The reasoning for my lack of a 5 star rating is like always I like to see my couple be a couple. The ending felt a tad rushed and I'm hoping that could mean there is more to come from them in the future. (Even if it's a novella, I'll take that!) Also because the connection between these two is so genuine and unique when they admit their true feelings it didn't have the fireworks I expected. Nonetheless, Sincerely Carter cements Whitney G's place on my auto buy list and I'm looking forward to more from her.
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April 30, 2015
Signed Paperback Giveaway on my Facebook Page - HERE
5 Sincerely Stars
Sincerely, Carter is a standalone novel, written by the fabulous Whitney G.
Whit did it again. She created a funny, witty, delicious, could-not-stop-reading book! I loved Sincerely, Carter from start to finish. It was so FUNNY!!!! I couldn’t stop smiling. My face is sore from the laughter.
Carter and Arizona are best friends, since the fourth grade, or fifth grade, the date is yet to be determined. Regardless, they are inseparable. The beginning starts with Carter writing to Arizona in elementary school. He basically tells her he hates her.
From there, they forge this crazy friendship. Years later, during the last years of college, they are still best friends. With no *gasp* lingering feelings. I really loved this. I loved how pure and innocent the relationship between the two of them were. They truly didn’t see each other more than what they saw, just pals, buddies, amigos and it was perfect for them.
No one understood the relationship, especially the boyfriend and girlfriends. Carter and Arizona do not have the best of luck with romantic relationships, probably because they drop everything for each other. Carter and Arizona do have other friends and I loved reading about them too. I love getting the other “friends” perspective. It added a nice dynamic to the book and it made it really comical.
Throughout the book, we read letters between Arizona and Carter during their childhood and I loved that too. I found those moments really cute and super adorable. You got a really good insight into the relationship.
The book shifts and it just kicks everything up a notch. Somehow the lines start to blur and “friends” slowly become more. Neither one wants to destroy the perfect relationship, but with school ending and both moving on the next part of their lives, things start to change.
Even in fourth grade (metal mouth included), I’d always thought she was cute – pretty even, but the woman walking toward us was more than that. Much more than that…
Sincerely, Carter reminds me a lot of Rachel Van Dyken lighter books. It’s just really face-paced, smart and SUPER light-hearted. These are the types of reads that always put me in a good mood. I also love love love best friends getting together. There was hardly any angst in this book. It’s just all around a sweet and fun read.
If you are a fan of Whit or just like happy books, then I recommend!
An ARC was provided
AMAZON $2.99
June 14, 2015
4.5 Nom Nom Nom Stars!
I really enjoyed this! This was one of those fun, hot reads with fabulous dialogue and a brief moment of WTF that had me speeding to the end so that my heart would calm down! Let's just say that this read will not disappoint anyone. It is a bit cheeky, quite steamy, and just flat out good.
You see, Carter and Arizona are friends, best friends. They are the type of "couple" that everyone else is jealous of. Connected since the 4th grade and so in perfect sync with one another that no one could really compete. Too bad for them that they do not see that! NOPE! Instead Ari and Carter just continue failing every relationship, even at finding good sex...until one night..
What happens when Ari and Carter finally open their eyes and actually see one another? The picture and the potential are quite staggering! But no...this isn't right...is it?
Oh but damn if the action isn't so good, so perfect, so everything...
Shhhh...this never happened. Ari and Carter WILL NOT discuss the events that occurred. Nothing will change...
Or maybe everything will. Maybe everything is finally as it should be...
NOOOOO...it is so not that simple! It is never easy when friends turn to lovers. I applaud the story start to finish that this author put out. I loved how well Carter and Ari knew one another. I loved the "sincerely" communication and the heartbreaking sacrifice and declarations. I mostly loved the depth and connection of Ari and Carter was a constant from the early childhood flashbacks to the present reason for it all! This was a truly awesome story that will leave everyone smiling!
I really enjoyed this! This was one of those fun, hot reads with fabulous dialogue and a brief moment of WTF that had me speeding to the end so that my heart would calm down! Let's just say that this read will not disappoint anyone. It is a bit cheeky, quite steamy, and just flat out good.
You see, Carter and Arizona are friends, best friends. They are the type of "couple" that everyone else is jealous of. Connected since the 4th grade and so in perfect sync with one another that no one could really compete. Too bad for them that they do not see that! NOPE! Instead Ari and Carter just continue failing every relationship, even at finding good sex...until one night..
What happens when Ari and Carter finally open their eyes and actually see one another? The picture and the potential are quite staggering! But no...this isn't right...is it?
Oh but damn if the action isn't so good, so perfect, so everything...
Shhhh...this never happened. Ari and Carter WILL NOT discuss the events that occurred. Nothing will change...
Or maybe everything will. Maybe everything is finally as it should be...
NOOOOO...it is so not that simple! It is never easy when friends turn to lovers. I applaud the story start to finish that this author put out. I loved how well Carter and Ari knew one another. I loved the "sincerely" communication and the heartbreaking sacrifice and declarations. I mostly loved the depth and connection of Ari and Carter was a constant from the early childhood flashbacks to the present reason for it all! This was a truly awesome story that will leave everyone smiling!
May 2, 2015
4.5 Stars
Carter and Arizona were sworn enemies. Their hatred for each other festered and built throughout the fourth grade. Carter lost count of how many “sorry Arizona” notes he wrote that year. Towards the end they found a common bond, from then forward they were best friends.
After meeting the cute and snarky Carter and Arizona the story picks up years later. They are both adults about to embark on the next chapter of their lives: culinary school and law school. They have this one last summer to spend together. Carter is the serial dater going from one relationship to the next, while Ari is always holding out looking for the real deal: love.
Carter convinces Ari that she needs to quit taking life so seriously and just have fun this summer. After years of never seeing each other as more than friends, they both realize this intense attraction.
One night everything changes for these two, what happens when you sleep with your best friend who is ultimately leaving soon?
I loved watching these two navigate this new territory. Carter is the perfect hero, he is funny and yes full of himself, but it only adds to his charm. Arizona is independent, loyal and easy going. I loved how even after sleeping together they didn’t change who they were. Their were friends first and still wanted the best for each other. I loved how things progressed and built on their already strong foundation.
I am so happy Whitney released this fun, secret book. Sincerely Carter, is a quick, sexy read about falling in love with your best friend. I love how there wasn’t any unrequited love or hidden feelings. They were both open and honest making this a very refreshing read. I loved Ari’s mother, Josh and even Nicole in the end. I highly recommend Sincerely Carter, it is the perfect summer beach read!
Before closing I have to brag on Whitney. Your writing continues to impress me, whether it’s a forty year old woman struggling with being a divorced, single mother; a twenty-something hot shot attorney afraid of commitment or two people about to go out into the real world, your writing is always engaging, realistic, and unique.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
He said some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime.
Carter and Arizona were sworn enemies. Their hatred for each other festered and built throughout the fourth grade. Carter lost count of how many “sorry Arizona” notes he wrote that year. Towards the end they found a common bond, from then forward they were best friends.
After meeting the cute and snarky Carter and Arizona the story picks up years later. They are both adults about to embark on the next chapter of their lives: culinary school and law school. They have this one last summer to spend together. Carter is the serial dater going from one relationship to the next, while Ari is always holding out looking for the real deal: love.
Carter convinces Ari that she needs to quit taking life so seriously and just have fun this summer. After years of never seeing each other as more than friends, they both realize this intense attraction.
One night everything changes for these two, what happens when you sleep with your best friend who is ultimately leaving soon?
I loved watching these two navigate this new territory. Carter is the perfect hero, he is funny and yes full of himself, but it only adds to his charm. Arizona is independent, loyal and easy going. I loved how even after sleeping together they didn’t change who they were. Their were friends first and still wanted the best for each other. I loved how things progressed and built on their already strong foundation.
I am so happy Whitney released this fun, secret book. Sincerely Carter, is a quick, sexy read about falling in love with your best friend. I love how there wasn’t any unrequited love or hidden feelings. They were both open and honest making this a very refreshing read. I loved Ari’s mother, Josh and even Nicole in the end. I highly recommend Sincerely Carter, it is the perfect summer beach read!
"Fourth grade, Carter. It was fourth grade.”
"No I couldn’t stand you in fourth grade.”
Before closing I have to brag on Whitney. Your writing continues to impress me, whether it’s a forty year old woman struggling with being a divorced, single mother; a twenty-something hot shot attorney afraid of commitment or two people about to go out into the real world, your writing is always engaging, realistic, and unique.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
October 29, 2015DNF 20% – The writing style didn't work for me. That said, I think most will enjoy this one.
January 6, 2019
Disclaimer: My views and opinion on this book do not reflect my opinion on the author or the publishing company. Furthermore, this rant review just expresses my honest opinion and feelings towards this particular book. Nothing more, nothing less.
Have you ever cried while laughing after finishing a book out of sheer frustration? And bang your head against a table afterward because it was so bad? Then proceeded to bang your head again, against your bed's headboard this time, because hurting yourself is the only way to release your irritation?
AAAAAHHH, I SWEAR. FUCK. THIS. BOOK.
THIS IS THE WORST NOVEL I READ THIS YEAR AND IT'S ONLY MARCH, MY GOODNESS.
*calms down* Okay. Now on to the review a.k.a. Why I Hated This Book:
Sincerely, Carter is a best friends-to-lovers type of romance. Carter James and Arizona Turner had been best friends since fifth grade. Or fourth. Whatever. Idk. Can you believe that the main characters argued over this a couple of times in the book like annoying children? Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Carter realized that "damn, my best friend is hot! I wanna fuck her!" And vice-versa. Surprise. Yay. *throws confetti halfheartedly*
My disappointment and irritation over this book is fighting over themselves and are barely keeping me from continuing this review.
I think the prologue is the only chapter I truly liked. After that, this book went downhill and I temporarily had my cringe face on throughout the book. I didn't like the build-up of the main characters' friendship, at all. It was through letters and emails from middle school to college and what I notice is that I can't really differentiate their middle school selves from their high school, college, and post-college selves. It feels like they don't mature and often times I can't tell if they're fifteen or 20+ old. Sigh.
I usually find friends to lovers trope kinda cute, especially because of the friendship and that familiarity that comes with knowing someone for a long time, hence why I chose to read this novel. But with this one…ugh. I find Carter and Arizona boring, and their friendship kinda tiring. They don't even feel like best friends to me. Sorry.
I've read books out there who are 99.9% smut and only .01% logical plot and to be honest, I prefer those than this book. At least the erotic scenes there were steamy and you get a little something-something, you know what I mean? Unlike this book. The sex scenes here feel fucking bland or whatever. I don't read romance novels just solely for the written porn if that's what you're thinking. But that is a nice bonus for me if there is even a tiny but tastefully written steamy scene in the book I'm reading.
There's also a lot of cringe-worthy scenes and statements in this book. Oh, have I mentioned there's a love triangle here? *screams internally* That has got to be one of the most frustrating love triangles I've ever encountered. God. That triangle thingy was short but it was able to make irritation, anger, and a lot of fuck-this-shit seep out of my pores. I swear.
I don't care if this is a spoiler, but there's a scene in this book wherein another man (can't remember the poor guy's name) basically declare his undying love for Arizona in front of her friends and family and offered her a promise ring. The bitch took it and then Carter tried to convince her again that she should not be with that other guy and instead should be with him, blah blah blah. And Arizona answered with, “It’s a little too late for that now, isn’t it? My boyfriend just made a speech.”
If you have read that whole scene, you'd be pulling your hair out as I did. I'm not exaggerating, you guys. It was the final nail to my coffin.
The writing style was okay, but there were a lot of typos and missing exclamation points in this book. It was fast-paced too, no plodding moments where you can ponder if you wanna DNF this book or not. It was kinda gripping in a weird way, actually, where I can't put it down because it's so ridiculous and I really want to voice out my frustrations on this book. Come to think of it, I was even in a slump while reading this, and it somehow made it disappear? Weird. I also feel like I owe it to the author to finish this book because I'm about to give it a halfhearted 1-star rating.
Moreover, what's with the Taylor Swift songs titled with each chapter? For example, track 1. blank space (3:47), track 2. wildest dreams (3:54), track 3. all too well (3:42), and so on. I love singing to her songs so I was a bit excited to see the chapter titles. I thought they had something to do with what the chapter is all about but I keep on looking back to each song title/chapter and tried to connect the song with the events in the book. Guess they were there just for display.
I got this Kindle edition for free on Amazon (and the sequel, Sincerely, Arizona which you guessed it, I'm not going to read anymore) and I guess that's enough to soften the disappointment I have over this book and probably forget this happened in a month. Or a year.
Okay, maybe I'm overreacting on how I despise this book because my time of the month is coming. (too much info?) And also, I'm kinda baffled if the other reviewers had read a different book from what I've read because, wtf. But ultimately, I stand with my opinion on this book.
Have you ever cried while laughing after finishing a book out of sheer frustration? And bang your head against a table afterward because it was so bad? Then proceeded to bang your head again, against your bed's headboard this time, because hurting yourself is the only way to release your irritation?
AAAAAHHH, I SWEAR. FUCK. THIS. BOOK.
THIS IS THE WORST NOVEL I READ THIS YEAR AND IT'S ONLY MARCH, MY GOODNESS.
*calms down* Okay. Now on to the review a.k.a. Why I Hated This Book:
Sincerely, Carter is a best friends-to-lovers type of romance. Carter James and Arizona Turner had been best friends since fifth grade. Or fourth. Whatever. Idk. Can you believe that the main characters argued over this a couple of times in the book like annoying children? Then suddenly, out of nowhere, Carter realized that "damn, my best friend is hot! I wanna fuck her!" And vice-versa. Surprise. Yay. *throws confetti halfheartedly*
I think the prologue is the only chapter I truly liked. After that, this book went downhill and I temporarily had my cringe face on throughout the book. I didn't like the build-up of the main characters' friendship, at all. It was through letters and emails from middle school to college and what I notice is that I can't really differentiate their middle school selves from their high school, college, and post-college selves. It feels like they don't mature and often times I can't tell if they're fifteen or 20+ old. Sigh.
I usually find friends to lovers trope kinda cute, especially because of the friendship and that familiarity that comes with knowing someone for a long time, hence why I chose to read this novel. But with this one…ugh. I find Carter and Arizona boring, and their friendship kinda tiring. They don't even feel like best friends to me. Sorry.
I've read books out there who are 99.9% smut and only .01% logical plot and to be honest, I prefer those than this book. At least the erotic scenes there were steamy and you get a little something-something, you know what I mean? Unlike this book. The sex scenes here feel fucking bland or whatever. I don't read romance novels just solely for the written porn if that's what you're thinking. But that is a nice bonus for me if there is even a tiny but tastefully written steamy scene in the book I'm reading.
There's also a lot of cringe-worthy scenes and statements in this book. Oh, have I mentioned there's a love triangle here? *screams internally* That has got to be one of the most frustrating love triangles I've ever encountered. God. That triangle thingy was short but it was able to make irritation, anger, and a lot of fuck-this-shit seep out of my pores. I swear.
I don't care if this is a spoiler, but there's a scene in this book wherein another man (can't remember the poor guy's name) basically declare his undying love for Arizona in front of her friends and family and offered her a promise ring. The bitch took it and then Carter tried to convince her again that she should not be with that other guy and instead should be with him, blah blah blah. And Arizona answered with, “It’s a little too late for that now, isn’t it? My boyfriend just made a speech.”
If you have read that whole scene, you'd be pulling your hair out as I did. I'm not exaggerating, you guys. It was the final nail to my coffin.
The writing style was okay, but there were a lot of typos and missing exclamation points in this book. It was fast-paced too, no plodding moments where you can ponder if you wanna DNF this book or not. It was kinda gripping in a weird way, actually, where I can't put it down because it's so ridiculous and I really want to voice out my frustrations on this book. Come to think of it, I was even in a slump while reading this, and it somehow made it disappear? Weird. I also feel like I owe it to the author to finish this book because I'm about to give it a halfhearted 1-star rating.
Moreover, what's with the Taylor Swift songs titled with each chapter? For example, track 1. blank space (3:47), track 2. wildest dreams (3:54), track 3. all too well (3:42), and so on. I love singing to her songs so I was a bit excited to see the chapter titles. I thought they had something to do with what the chapter is all about but I keep on looking back to each song title/chapter and tried to connect the song with the events in the book. Guess they were there just for display.
I got this Kindle edition for free on Amazon (and the sequel, Sincerely, Arizona which you guessed it, I'm not going to read anymore) and I guess that's enough to soften the disappointment I have over this book and probably forget this happened in a month. Or a year.
Okay, maybe I'm overreacting on how I despise this book because my time of the month is coming. (too much info?) And also, I'm kinda baffled if the other reviewers had read a different book from what I've read because, wtf. But ultimately, I stand with my opinion on this book.
December 27, 2015
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Carter James was every girl’s wet dream. The former star athlete and future lawyer had no problem hooking up, but at the end of the day, his priority always came back to his strictly platonic best friends.
Arizona Turner has been friends with him since they were in fourth grade. They shared everything with each other, until one day when their innocent friendship veered into different direction, putting their long held friendship on the line.
I haven’t read a lot of friends to lover stories and most of them were the angsty kind. This one was light, fun and adorable – yes, adorable and I didn’t even cringed haha! :p
Carter was fun and confident, but not at all cocky. He used his popularity and did his things with the ladies, but I love how loyal he was to his (just) best friend Arizona and how she was always his top priority.
I really love how easy Arizona and Carter’s friendship was. I love seeing how she subtly changed as their relationship evolved and I love how open she was with her feelings.
They both had good chemistry together and I love how they behaved among their family and friends, before and after. I like the part when their relationship in conflict and how they coped with it. It added a different dimension to the story.
Sincerely, Carter was a fast paced, feel good read that would make you smile and wish you had a hot (not just) best friend in your life.
★ Copy won during #ShhIndieSTARchat September ★
Chat thread: https://goo.gl/1CD4SH
DICKtation & ReCap: https://goo.gl/3zVaJi
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Dual
Rating:
Carter James was every girl’s wet dream. The former star athlete and future lawyer had no problem hooking up, but at the end of the day, his priority always came back to his strictly platonic best friends.
Arizona Turner has been friends with him since they were in fourth grade. They shared everything with each other, until one day when their innocent friendship veered into different direction, putting their long held friendship on the line.
I haven’t read a lot of friends to lover stories and most of them were the angsty kind. This one was light, fun and adorable – yes, adorable and I didn’t even cringed haha! :p
Carter was fun and confident, but not at all cocky. He used his popularity and did his things with the ladies, but I love how loyal he was to his (just) best friend Arizona and how she was always his top priority.
You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again.
I really love how easy Arizona and Carter’s friendship was. I love seeing how she subtly changed as their relationship evolved and I love how open she was with her feelings.
I loved her enough to want what was best, and I didn’t want her to do that again…
They both had good chemistry together and I love how they behaved among their family and friends, before and after. I like the part when their relationship in conflict and how they coped with it. It added a different dimension to the story.
Sincerely, Carter was a fast paced, feel good read that would make you smile and wish you had a hot (not just) best friend in your life.
★ Copy won during #ShhIndieSTARchat September ★
Chat thread: https://goo.gl/1CD4SH
DICKtation & ReCap: https://goo.gl/3zVaJi
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
September 4, 2015
It was hate at first sight…until they became best friends…until it was MORE.
Boy and girl meet in fifth grade.
Boy and girl become best friends.
Boy and girl grow up and have sex...what happens now?
Sincerely, Carter is the story of Carter and his best friend Arizona, who have been friends since fifth grade (though Arizona will say it was FOURTH grade). Never having an attraction toward one another, these two friends go through their teens and early adulthood dating others, sharing their dating horror stories (with every sordid detail) along the way, all the while ignoring almost everyone around them questioning why haven't they hooked up already.
And if you were to ask either one, they would simply say "We're just friends. Best friends."
That is, until one fateful day they both notice being "just friends" isn't how it seems to be anymore. One drunken night and an eventful kiss later, they find themselves in a situation they haven't been in before.
A situation where, let's just say, Arizona can't think about anything other than ripping off Carter's clothes, and Carter...well he isn't fairing that well either. A situation that leads to sex. Lots of sex.
“Do you want me to take you home?”
If you do take me home, do you promise to have sex with me? I think I’d like to do that with you…Right now…
The summer before they go their separate ways (Arizona to culinary school and Carter to law school) they both silently agree they can’t ignore this attraction anymore and start a sort of friends with benefits/maybe sort of boyfriend/girlfriend – type relationship.
Even though they both are terrified to lose the friendship they have, the pull toward one another is too much to ignore.
Their friendship was insanely adorable (especially the flashbacks to when they were younger. The notes they wrote to each other had me cracking up). Arizona was so sweet and you couldn’t help but love her. And Carter is some serious book boyfriend material.
I LOVED how it wasn’t awkward between them at all, and the move from friends to more was so smooth and easy. No stupid drama, no games, just them. It’s like they were meant to be all along. SWWWOOONN. My favorite thing about a book is when the characters have great and funny banter/dialogue. And this was FULL of it. I devoured this is one day!
Fun Fact: Each chapter is inspired/dedicated to a Taylor Swift song. So fan's of the singer will get that added bonus while reading
Sincerely, Carter is out now! ---> http://amzn.to/1JCXUhS
ARC gratefully received from the author in exchange for an honest rev
August 21, 2020
4.25 heart-warming stars 🌟
“I’m Arizona. His best friend.”
“Since fifth grade,” I said.
“Fourth grade, Carter.” Ari countered. “It was fourth grade.”
They've been by each other's side through thick and thin. Their friendship and connection has been portrayed beautifully in this book.
Both characters were easy to love and their banter had me laughing out loud at times!
“Have I ever told you how deep you are?”
“No”, he smiled “but that’s only because you and I have never fucked.”
Over the years their friendship has remained strictly platonic and they've always been each other's go-to person. However, it all changes after they graduate and both of them start being attracted to each other.
I loved the way this author incorporated their interactions via emails and letters in the book, and also how she selected Taylor Swift songs as the chapter names. 💕
“I’m pretty sure it’s been you since fourth grade, because I know that I’m supposed to be with you, and you’re supposed to be with me.”
There was quite a bit of drama and angst in this one, which I wasn't expecting but enjoyed nonetheless.
“You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again.”
Carter was simply adorable. The way he always put Arizona first had me smiling like a dork. No matter when or where, if she needed him, he'd be there.
“You’ve been there for every moment of my life and I’ve been there for yours, too. I do love you. I am in love with you.”
I just wish the moment when they realized they were attracted to each other was portrayed a little better. Other than that, this was a sweet, quick and fun read.
“Some people come into your life for a reason, some a season, and some a lifetime.”Carter and Arizona have been best friends since the fourth or fifth grade (the jury's still out on that).
“I’m Arizona. His best friend.”
“Since fifth grade,” I said.
“Fourth grade, Carter.” Ari countered. “It was fourth grade.”
They've been by each other's side through thick and thin. Their friendship and connection has been portrayed beautifully in this book.
Both characters were easy to love and their banter had me laughing out loud at times!
“Have I ever told you how deep you are?”
“No”, he smiled “but that’s only because you and I have never fucked.”
Over the years their friendship has remained strictly platonic and they've always been each other's go-to person. However, it all changes after they graduate and both of them start being attracted to each other.
I loved the way this author incorporated their interactions via emails and letters in the book, and also how she selected Taylor Swift songs as the chapter names. 💕
“I’m pretty sure it’s been you since fourth grade, because I know that I’m supposed to be with you, and you’re supposed to be with me.”
There was quite a bit of drama and angst in this one, which I wasn't expecting but enjoyed nonetheless.
“You’re more than ‘just’ my best friend, and I never want to be ‘just friends’ again.”
Carter was simply adorable. The way he always put Arizona first had me smiling like a dork. No matter when or where, if she needed him, he'd be there.
“You’ve been there for every moment of my life and I’ve been there for yours, too. I do love you. I am in love with you.”
I just wish the moment when they realized they were attracted to each other was portrayed a little better. Other than that, this was a sweet, quick and fun read.
“You belong to me, Ari, and you always will.”
May 5, 2015
3.5 stars xx
July 20, 2022
A friends to lovers story with the perfect blend of sweetness, sass and sexiness bound by a romance that will make you swoon.
Carter James was the little boy who pulled on Arizona Turner’s pigtails in fourth grade. But she pushed back and after what started as ‘I hate you’, ‘I want you to die’ notes between them, they became best friends that stood loyally beside each other for the best and worst of times.
No one really understands their relationship. They've always been strictly platonic. But Carter can’t keep a girlfriend longer than six months. And Arizona hides behind spreadsheets and statistics to find her perfect boyfriend.
During the summer after their college graduation, before Carter starts his post graduate studies and Arizona pursues her culinary goals, Carter volunteers to find Ari a fling. But what started as one BFF helping out the other, alters their friendship irrevocably.
What will happen to their years of friendship? What will happen when Ari’s dreams lead her to the other side of the world?
Being a book addict, I have several drugs of choice (a.k.a. favorite authors). I’ve been hooked on Whitney G. crack since the first volume in Reasonable Doubt came out. So there was no other choice for me than to want to read this book. And once I opened it I didn’t stop until I hit “The End” and wanted more.
I loved the cute, funny and sultry storyline that was told from both points of view and that moved forward with a perfect pace and seamlessly intertwined their past and present.
I was absorbed with every aspect. From the soundtracks that started each chapter, to every note, message, email and penned letter they exchanged.
Their friendship was incredible. I enjoyed every smile, laugh and tear they shared. They had the most intimate connection two people could have without being physically intimate.
Once they acknowledge their attraction, it was an irresistible combination of scorching hot infused with witty dialogue.
But even though banter was easy and fun, and their kinship and attraction beautiful and electric, there were some things they had to figure out during their transition from friends to lovers. And I loved every minute.
Sincerely, Carter is a standalone, contemporary romance novel. Told from both points of view with a happy ending I’m sure any romance enthusiast will enjoy.
Whitney Gracia Williams' Pinteres Board -> https://www.pinterest.com/whitgracia/...
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/2pvYgQx
* I was graciously given an ARC of this book by the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
Carter James was the little boy who pulled on Arizona Turner’s pigtails in fourth grade. But she pushed back and after what started as ‘I hate you’, ‘I want you to die’ notes between them, they became best friends that stood loyally beside each other for the best and worst of times.
No one really understands their relationship. They've always been strictly platonic. But Carter can’t keep a girlfriend longer than six months. And Arizona hides behind spreadsheets and statistics to find her perfect boyfriend.
"How the boy with itchy hair and gangly height from fourth grade had grown into the dominant and sexy man sitting next to me, I'd never know..."
During the summer after their college graduation, before Carter starts his post graduate studies and Arizona pursues her culinary goals, Carter volunteers to find Ari a fling. But what started as one BFF helping out the other, alters their friendship irrevocably.
"I was pretty sure I loved him, and not in the way I loved him before."
What will happen to their years of friendship? What will happen when Ari’s dreams lead her to the other side of the world?
Being a book addict, I have several drugs of choice (a.k.a. favorite authors). I’ve been hooked on Whitney G. crack since the first volume in Reasonable Doubt came out. So there was no other choice for me than to want to read this book. And once I opened it I didn’t stop until I hit “The End” and wanted more.
I loved the cute, funny and sultry storyline that was told from both points of view and that moved forward with a perfect pace and seamlessly intertwined their past and present.
I was absorbed with every aspect. From the soundtracks that started each chapter, to every note, message, email and penned letter they exchanged.
Their friendship was incredible. I enjoyed every smile, laugh and tear they shared. They had the most intimate connection two people could have without being physically intimate.
Once they acknowledge their attraction, it was an irresistible combination of scorching hot infused with witty dialogue.
“My mind immediately attempted to process what the hell had happened last night in a series of frames: Movie. Laughter. Uninterrupted kiss. Sex. Sex with Arizona. Sex again with Arizona. Sex with my best friend for as long as I could f*cking remember. Arizona…”
But even though banter was easy and fun, and their kinship and attraction beautiful and electric, there were some things they had to figure out during their transition from friends to lovers. And I loved every minute.
Sincerely, Carter is a standalone, contemporary romance novel. Told from both points of view with a happy ending I’m sure any romance enthusiast will enjoy.
Whitney Gracia Williams' Pinteres Board -> https://www.pinterest.com/whitgracia/...
Amazon US -> http://amzn.to/2pvYgQx
* I was graciously given an ARC of this book by the author. The excerpts are from that copy. *
More reviews * Stalk us on FaceBook * As well as Twitter * Pinterest Board for Book Teasers
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