A Bookish Escape: Blog Tour: Best of Me by LK Farlow

Best of Me
By: LK Farlow

Published:
Sept. 5, 2019

Source:
eARC from Author in exchange for a honest review

Add to: Goodreads

Book Synopsis:

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the dark to my sister’s light—the awkward loner to her social butterfly. Growing up, she had it all: our parent’s unyielding approval, perfect grades, a permanent spot at the popular table, and the attention of the hottest guy ever—Duke Kincaid.

After eighteen years of living in her shadow, I couldn’t wait to escape—to finally be my own person. Yet here I am, I’m back in my hometown, once again in Valorie’s shadow. Only now, it’s eternal.

I had life all planned out: join the force, marry Valorie Parsons, and start a family of our own. I have the job, but the girl and all my dreams died before my very eyes.

Finally ready to move on, I agree to a blind date. Imagine my shock when I arrive and find, Valorie’s twin sister, waiting across the table from me. Mallory should be a reminder of all that I’ve lost, but instead she feels like my redemption . . . like maybe life’s giving me a second chance.

But, how can I be enough for her when I’ve already given her sister the best of me?

My Thoughts:

Best of Me was the first book I've read by LK Farlow. While it is not a part of a series per say, I noticed on Goodreads that Best Laid Plans and Best of Intentions feature secondary characters that are prominent in this story.

Mallory Parsons was treated horribly by her parents, while her identical twin, Valerie, was treated like she was utter perfection. At school, Mallory kept to herself, and had a low self-esteem due to always being told by her mother how worthless she was. This created a major rift in her relationship with her sister. Valerie had it all; friends, popularity, a fairytale like love, success in all of her endeavors, and their parents unconditional love. So it came as no surprise that the moment Mallory turned eighteen, she moved far away from her family to attend college.

Duke Kincaid found his soulmate as a sophomore in high school. He took one look at Valerie, and knew that she was the girl he was going to marry. After Duke is situated as a police officer, and Valerie has gotten her first job as a lawyer, he plans to propose, and move in to their dream home. However, life has other plans, and on the day that the proposal is planned to take place, Valerie dies in a car accident. Duke's life is forever changed, and he knows that there will never be another woman for him.

Mallory has put in applications all over for teaching, but the only call back she gets is in the town right next to where her parents live. She doesn't want to be anywhere near them, but is excited to get her career started. Mallory ends up befriending her landlord, Jenny, who is the fiancee of Duke's police partner, Nate. She finds herself growing close to Jenny's best friend, Natalie as well. Through her new friendships, she encounters Duke, who she is shocked to come face to face with. As these two are repeatedly forced to interact, there is much to be discussed, unwanted attraction and chemistry on both ends, and a second chance at love. However, will the guilt they both feel over Valerie's passing and moving on, hold them back?

Best of Me was an effortless story. I read it fairly quickly and enjoyed the push-pull dynamic that took place between Mallory and Duke. Mallory was a sweet character, and I especially enjoyed page time as she interacted with her new friends Jenny and Natalie, as well as her day to day life conversations with her Kindergarten students.

Duke frustrated me at the beginning of the story, because he let his feelings of guilt and anger, steer him in his interactions with Mallory. His poor treatment of her frustrated me, and made me angry. However, once misconceptions and misunderstandings were ironed out, we saw the good side of Duke. He was able to admit when he messed up, and he was very romantic in showing and not just telling Mallory how much she meant to him.

I really loved the secondary characters, and want to go back and read both Jenny's and Natalie's stories. If you enjoy a fast paced romance, and are a big fan of stories that feature a second chance at love, you should check out, Best of Me.

Book Excerpt:

Nate follows my line of sight and smirks. He may be my best friend and partner, but damn if I don’t want to knock that smarmy-ass look right off his face. And when he opens his mouth, the feeling intensifies. “It’s okay to—”

I shoot him a withering glare before stomping off toward Mallory.

I don’t stop until I’m close enough to feel the heat of her body. She has to tilt her head back to see me, and when our eyes meet, my name topples from her lips on a breathy sigh. “We need to talk.” My tone is all business—my cop voice, as Nate calls it—as I wrap my fingers around her forearm, prepared to drag her along behind me if necessary. Luckily, she comes all too willingly—so why am I still holding on to her?

The feeling of her soft, sun-warmed skin beneath my palm sends little zaps of electricity under my skin, into my muscle. Her nearness has me strung taut like a drawn bow. Here’s to hoping like hell I don’t snap.

Deep down, like really fucking deep, I know I’m acting like a colossal asshole, but much like a prepubescent boy picking on his schoolyard crush, it’s the only way I know how to deal with all of the conflicting feelings she stirs in me.

Purchase At:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

About the Author:

LK Farlow (A.K.A Kate) is a small town girl with a love for words. She's been writing stories for as long she can remember. A Southern girl through and through, Kate resides in beautiful, sunny LA--that's Lower Alabama, y'all--with her amazing husband and three rambunctious children. When she's not writing, you can find her snuggled up on the couch watching car shows while she crochets or with her nose in a book.