The Anti-Boyfriend

I thought this book was going to be a straight forward love story for two people with a baby involved but it definitely had more to it. They both had definitely been through things in their pasts and it took a while to break through that to believe they deserved happiness. In my opinion I wish that would have happened sooner and with less dramatics so they could have been happier for more of the book. I did like it and read the whole thing but definitely didn't need all the drama for their characters especially when they were just missing time with Sunny.

Carys (like Paris) has had a hell of a time since becoming a single mother at a young age. She lost her career as a ballerina because of an injury, the father of her beautiful baby Sunny is not a part of their lives, and she's living next to a hot guy whose bedroom activities are not allowing her the precious sleep she so desperately needs. But saying something to Deacon seems so rude, so she refrains. Until the day he asks her if she needs anything at the store, and the start of a beautiful friendship happens. Does she want more than friendship from Deacon? Sure. But he's the anti-boyfriend, not looking for commitment, unable to give more than friendship, by his own words, so friendship, a really great one, is all they'll ever be. Right?But one night of crossing the line and suddenly that friendship is in danger. Can these two keep their friendship intact even as they take steps to further that friendship? Can they really have it all? A beautiful friendship AND a relationship that gives them each what they crave - emotional and physical intimacy? Perhaps...if Deacon's issues don't overwhelm him, and if Carys can see her way to forgiving him for letting those issues potentially sever everything they had found with each other?The light that emerges from darkness."You know how you felt when you saw the sun that day, Carys? Pretty sure that's exactly what I felt the first time I looked into your eyes."Gah this story got me right in the heart! It's so beautifully told, and Deacon and Carys are just one of those couples you can't help but love, even when they're going through something so horrible that it hurts you as you're reading. That's how it was for me. I was hurting for these two as they were hurting too. Some of the hurt was entirely preventable, which made it harder, some not, but in the end, it was all worth it because Deacon, Carys and Sunny made for a beautiful unit of love and acceptance. Acceptance of differences, acceptance of mistakes made, and acceptance that everyone deserves love.

This was an exquisitely written heart-warming tale of acceptance and redemption, Deacon and Carys will steal your heart from the moment they first meet until the last sentence of this book. The journey that they take is written with such grace and care that you can’t help but fall in love with these beautifully broken but endearing characters.Carys is a young single mom just trying to make it. After a terrible accident took her dream away she has been forced to reevaluate what she is going to do with her life. I can’t imagine being that young and having your dreams crushed before they ever really had the chance to take off. But she conquers each battle with poise and dignity. She finds herself pregnant and alone due to the fact her ex is a deadbeat but she takes on the role of motherhood effortlessly. I loved this woman’s strength of not only character but of her soul. She could have crumbled multiple times but she doesn’t, she stands strong and makes something of herself and where she’s at in life.Deacon is Carys’s neighbor and resident manwhore, seeing as the reason they started talking to each other is due to the fact that he was banging someone next door too loud and kept her awake. I loved that Carys confronted him about it and Deacon actually look embarrassed by the situation. He could have easily wrote her off as a snob or prude but he doesn’t. Instead the strike up and unlikely friendship that will have you laughing at Deacon’s antics, but also salivating at the amount of tension coursing between them. I died for Deacon he has to be one of my favorite book boyfriends of the year no question. The way he loves not only Carys but her daughter Sunny will melt your heart into a puddle.This story is without a doubt a MUST READ of 2020, the connection that these two find is beautiful and uplifting. Deacon and Carys share something that most people never find, is it easy for them to get there, No. But it is a journey well worth reading. You’ll be rooting for them throughout even when they hit rough waters, you will always want them to be together. This book had me laughing out loud and tearing up at the same time. Penelope opens your eyes to situations you may not have ever thought of and has you evaluating the way you see life and people in it. My heart was full after I was done and honestly I can’t wait to read it again. These characters will stay with me forever.

I haven't read anything by Penelope Ward in quite a while but I found the story and romance to be quite formulaic. There are no surprises and I was able to very easily predict what would happen in the future with our hero and heroine, as well as predict what happened in our hero's past. I struggled to connect with both MCs so it was a little difficult to feel invested in their romance, but I also felt for a good chunk of their 'growth' we're told rather than shown it. That said, I didn't think they were bad characters and I actually quite liked Carys. She was fiercely determined to provide the best for her daughter and I appreciated that a lot. I was surprised when I got to a certain point and thought the story was wrapping up when it turns out I was only at 47%--I guess you can say that I felt this was longer than it needed to be. That said, this story does deliver on what it sets out to do. If you like a neighbours/friends-to-lovers romance, innocent virginal heroines, and gorgeous yet mysteriously compelling heroes, this will give you all of that. On the steamy scale, I'd say it was a 4/5.

This was such an amazing, realistic read! Loveable characters, brilliant, believable pacing and such maturity. I adored the characters' behaviour and attitude towards Sunny. That might sound weird, but once you read the book you'll understand. I think it's right that people go into it with no expectation and discover what's what for themselves as it reaffirms that the general assumptions we make about characters (and people in general!) aren't needed and don't actually matter. It's such a pleasant and realistic representation. I loved the characters and even found myself respecting one particular character later on in the book, who at first I didn't think was worth it. Again, this just added so much pleasant realness to these characters and it was beautiful! Usually, everything and everyone is about constant drama or the plot only being the way it is to fuel hate or add shock value, but this was so so enjoyable and mature. The romance and slow burn of Deacon and Carys' relationship was hot! This has definitely been one of my favourite reads of 2020 and I know for sure I'll be re-reading it many times. Penelope Ward is such a talented author and I know she'll always bring her A game to her novels. Simply amazing! 💜

Carys Kincaid and Deacon Mathers are the two lead characters in this new and exciting Penelope Wards standalone book. And be well prepared to experience a full range of emotions as you get engrossed in their story.Beautiful, graceful Carys is an ex-ballet dancer and single mother of a Down Syndrome child. And gorgeous, bachelor Deacon is an ex- footballer who had previously dreamt of playing in the NFL. But now he works from home as an interactive games designer. He lives next door to Carys and has active sex life as witness by her and a nosy neighbour.But, what brings them together? And what do they have in common? They have chemistry but will they ever commit to each other?Well, I recommend you rush to get this wonderful book and satisfy your curiosity.

I engaged instantly with Deacon and Carys and quickly became invested in them and the leading lady, the delightful Sunny. She was written perfectly.We learn early on about Carys’ past but only later is Deacon’s revealed. The story was beautifully crafted, an easy read but with some surprises. Penny certainly kept me hooked. It’s been a long time since I was so absorbed in a book that I read it in a day!

Another delightful storyline from this talented author. The subject material is sensitivity covered and beautifully described. The two main characters Deacon and Carys are so wonderfully depicted. There is tragedy, humour, drama, and romance in the easy flowing story. The description of all the individual characters are so believable. The readers appetite is constantly rewarded and fulfilled that unfortunately the ending comes far to soon. Carys is a young lady that has a wonderful daughter called Sunny. We meet them first when Sunny is 6 months old. Deacon is a guy that lives in a flat next to Carys and Sunny, and the three meet by chance. What continues is a pleasure to read. The ups and downs of everyday life portrayed through the words on the page. An excellent novel by a phenomenal author. A stand-alone well worth purchasing.