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"Anyone but Alex" is the third of six books about the Philadelphia-based, wildly-handsome English brothers who are all on the look-out for love.

(Sort of. Barrett and Fitz are officially off the market, Alex has sampled every piece of available ass from Rittenhouse Square to the Liberty Bell, Stratton can’t seem to see what’s right in front of him, and don't even get me started on Alex Pettyfer look-alike, Weston...)

Alex English, the well-known man whore of the country club set, has always preferred to play the field, eschewing a chance with Miss Right for a satisfying quickie with Miss Right-Now. But after seeing his two older brothers take the plunge, something has been aching inside of Alex, and no amount of casual sex seems to fill the void in his heart.

Jessica Winslow, whose older brothers are best friends with the English brothers, has returned home from a fifteen-year stay in England, only to find herself face-to-face with her childhood crush, Alex English, on her first night home. She’s heard all the rumors, but Jessie remembers the older boy who was so kind to her as a child, and can’t help reaching out to Alex in friendship.

Between disapproving brothers, scheming exes, and the biggest business deal of English & Sons' illustrious history, Alex and Jessie’s budding romance is going to be put to the test. The question is…will it be strong enough to be their happily-ever-after?


_________


*All books in The English Brothers series are approximately 200 pages. The RWA classifies this as "Mid-length Contemporary Romance."

200 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2014

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About the author

Katy Regnery

93 books4,157 followers
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery has a heart for smart romance featuring strong women and decent men. Almost exclusively self-published, Katy claims authorship of over 50 titles, including three RITA® finalists. Translated into French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish, Katy has sold over 1.8 million books worldwide.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Profile Image for Shurrn.
560 reviews891 followers
February 7, 2015
Katy Regnery does it again - This is a fabulous romance!

"...Our experiences help shape who we are, but they don't define us."
It somehow managed to be both sweeter and hotter than the previous books... I'm not sure how that happened, since all of The English Brothers books have been blissfully sweet romances with a touch of steam, but there you have it!

Maybe it's just Alex... I was told "There was something wrong with Alex English." ...but trust me, there's something very right about this particular English brother...

ALEX
This girl - this rare, exceptional woman - made him, Alex English, the manwhore, the Casanova, the womanizing playboy... helpless. So goddamned helpless.
Alex has had the dubious pleasure of watching his two older brothers get engaged to the women of their dreams. Meanwhile, he's been drowning himself in endless hookups with most of the women in Philadelphia. He's earned a reputation and a nickname: The Professor - As in, he can school anyone in how to pick up women.

He's got some deep issues with commitment, so his reputation hasn't been much of a problem - the women he hooks up with know exactly what they're going to get: A handful of orgasms, a nice brunch, and nothing more...

But there's something wrong with Alex English. Watching his brothers fall in love has him thinking he needs to make some changes in his life... maybe... but he wasn't an any hurry until one woman offered him something different: friendship...

JESSIE
She was an injection of something fresh and new when his life felt so flat and empty [...] He was bewildered by his reaction to her, stunned by the depth of his feelings, grateful to feel so alive, like maybe - just maybe - he could someday be worthy of someone as lovely as Jessica Winslow.
Jessie grew up in the same affluent neighborhood as the English Family, she and her older brothers played with (and against) the English brothers for as long as she can remember. She's spent the last twelve years living in London with her mother, but she's back in Philadelphia for the holidays.

She hasn't been back in the states for more than 24 hours before she locks eyes with this notorious playboy - and her childhood crush - in the lobby of her brother's condo building.

It's all fun and games until your man-whore friend sets his sights on your sister... Jessie hears the message from her bothers loud and clear: Their baby sister can date "Anyone but Alex English"...

For the first time Alex could remember, sex on its own wasn't enough. He wanted - no, he needed - something more.
There's a lot of steam in this story, but it's backed up by sweet romance.

Jessie & Alex have a lot of obstacles to face:
- The Winslow Brothers are vehemently against the pair,
- English & Sons has a huge business deal on the line with the Winslows,
- There are scores of jealous lovers out to warn Jessie away from Alex,
- And Jessie goes back home to London in two months...

These two have all the warmth and familiarity of childhood friends, and that's strengthened by the "getting to know you" pleasures of mature and intelligent adults who haven't seen each other in fifteen years.

And when they get together - wow - there's something to be said for unleashing a reformed Lothario who has the sexual expertise necessary to keep a woman satisfied...

I'm eagerly awaiting the last two books in this series - I think I have a little crush on Stratton English, the awkward bookworm of the family...

Check out my other reviews in the English Brothers series!
1 - Breaking Up with Barrett - Read my Review here.
2 - Falling for Fitz - Read my Review here.
3 - Anyone but Alex - You're reading it.
4 - Seduced by Stratton - Read my Review here.
5 - Wild About Weston - Read my Review here.
6 - Kiss Me Kate - Read my Review here.

Breaking Up with Barrett (The English Brothers, #1) by Katy Regnery Falling for Fitz (The English Brothers, #2) by Katy Regnery Anyone but Alex (The English Brothers, #3) by Katy Regnery Seduced by Stratton (The English Brothers, #4) by Katy Regnery Wild About Weston (The English Brothers, #5) by Katy Regnery Kiss Me Kate (The English Brothers, #6) by Katy Regnery

***The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review***
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,105 followers
May 4, 2016
**3.5 Stars**

Another book finished!! This one is book #3, and even though it isn't my favorite; I still really enjoyed it. I also like how another family with four sexy brothers is introduced! This means another series after the English brothers!!! Hooray!!!
Review to Come as it is very late right now!!
Profile Image for Margo.
2,046 reviews84 followers
December 31, 2018
I really didn't like the H, who was a sexual compulsive and probably had a mental disorder. What I thought was fantastic, though, was that we see what the actual consequences of being in love with a sexually indiscriminate man (I refuse to say manwhore anymore because it implies that by default, whores are women.). No, it's not a sexually transmitted disease (or it could be, because there is no epilogue), it's that

So 1 point for the horrific romance, 5 points for the logical consequences of H's behavior.
Profile Image for Melody Cox.
1,499 reviews163 followers
March 21, 2019
This book was just so-so for me and it was my least favorite of the English Brothers. Alex was such an awful man-whore and I hated what Jessie had to go through with all of the ex-lovers. I couldn't have done it. He would be out with the girl of his dreams and women would walk up, interrupt, and ask for a hook-up. Honestly....many, many times.

It was almost more than our heroine could bear and it was definitely more than this reader could handle. It is so bad in his hometown with his horrible reputation that the only way it can work is that they move away from all the women he has bedded. It actually made me a bit ill. I didn't care for Alex and he had no clue the way he had lived his life would some day keep the one and only woman he had ever loved away from him because of his history .

I reread this once but I won't anymore.
Profile Image for BrandyD.
530 reviews72 followers
January 22, 2019
Such a sweet, heartwarming series. 💕 Must. Read. Them. All!
Profile Image for Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ.
1,010 reviews900 followers
November 10, 2014
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars ⭐️⭐️

Not really convinced about that one... While I do usually like a bad boy reformed plot, this one seems forced and rushed in its execution. Added to that unecessary drama...

I really had high hopes for Alex's story, but the whole "let's be friend" deal rubbed me wrong from the start. It didn't make any sense at all, both parts were aware of it but still kept on with the charade. Drama felt over stretched too, I didn't understand the need the author had to remind us about the sword of Damoclès over their head, only to create this situation at the end of the book where both MCs are "surprised" to break up.
()
As much as I tried to care about Alex and Jessie, they were acting so foolishly I only wanted to slap some sense into them.



Maybe I'll have more chances with Stratton in the next book, after all I really enjoyed Barrett and Fitz in the past.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,160 reviews339 followers
February 9, 2017
So I enjoyed Breaking up with Barrett and Falling for Fitz but I loved anyone but Alex. Ms. Regnery was kind enough to gift me this book. Hey what can I say? She loves me ;-). There is one thing that I felt that wasn't mentioned so I have to take away half a point. 4.5 Anyone but Alex loving Stars.

Alex is a womanizer, a man-whore, he is the professor of love. He loves women and women love him. But lately he has been feeling empty and envious of Barrett and Fitz. Maybe sleeping around and having fun isn't what it seems to be. While picking up his "date" for the evening he meets Chris Winslow and the grown up Jessie Winslow.

Jessie Winslow moved to England when she was a child but Alex had a special relationship till then. Although there was a six year gap between them he looked after her and played with her especially after the death of her father. Jessie has always had feelings for Alex and they have only intensified. All her brothers warn her against Alex. But she sees something no one else does. Friendship is offered and Alex doesn't know how to be friends but he does try. At an event where they dance outside under the stars, Alex pulls out some of this best cheesy chat up lines.

"Are you an interior decorator?" "Because the whole room got more beautiful when you walked in."

"I wasn't staring at your breasts." he insisted. "I was staring at your heart."

"Of all my favorite curves on your body...Your smile is my favorite."

I adored Alex because deep down he was very vulnerable and knew that something was missing in his life.

Jessie knew exactly what she wanted and with meddlesome brothers she still stuck by her guns. Jessie was so good for Alex and she is beautiful, sassy and could hold her own.


There is drama in this book but it isn't dragged out and there is no overreaction on both parts. Sometimes it isn't that easy to practice what you preach. But they get there in the end. The one thing that irritated me and that is why the book didn't get the whole 5 stars is that Alex never explained to Jessie why he was a commitment phobe.

There used to be something wrong with Alex English. Until one day, he met the right girl. And all of his dreams came true.
238 reviews13 followers
August 25, 2014
Katy Regnery has been on my automatic TBR list since I first read By Proxy (Heart of Montana Book 1). I loved the Heart of Montana series but I love the English Brothers series even more and Anyone but Alex definitely did not disappoint.

I'd have to admit that I wasn't sure that I would like Alex after reading about Barrett and Fitz. How could the manwhore of the country club, a man whose nickname was "Professor" as he could teach people tricks about what to do to a woman in bed, a man who admits that he "bangs anything that moves" be compared to his brothers? But as I read the book and understood him, I realized that when the right woman comes along, a woman who really saw him and not the image he projected, the "Professor" was also capable of deep love.

I love stories about how someone can make you want to become a better person, how someone can see something in you and believe in you when others can't. Anyone but Alex is such a story. I totally loved reading about "the elusive heart of Alex English being sideswiped by a kid".

Profile Image for Maria Rose.
2,538 reviews267 followers
February 17, 2017
This fabulous romance is the story of Alex and Jessie. Alex is a well established playboy, not looking for love just a fun time and when he sees his childhood friend Jessie all grown up he is captivated - and afraid, of what she makes him feel and want for his future. When she makes her interest in him known Alex is determined that his reputation not damage her in any way but he is helpless to resist her and the affair they embark on is everything he could want in a relationship - except that an end date suddenly looms before them. Is Alex willing to open himself up fully to a future with Jessie? And will Jessie be able to ignore Alex's reputation and consider a real relationship with him?

I loved this story! From the first page you are introduced to Alex's character as a sexual, confident man, never embarking on a romantic relationship after a disastrous young love affair that taught him to be cynical and hardened his heart. He views sex as a means to an end and never lets his heart get involved. His reputation in that regard is widespread - one that has never bothered him until he meets Jessie again and realizes that everyone will warn him away from her. Jessie is portrayed as a sweet, friendly woman, one who has always had a crush on Alex but one he never really saw as anyone more than his best friend's sister. When she realizes that he is finally seeing her as a woman, and a desirable one at that she is willing to face the wrath of her older brothers and give Alex a chance. She has seen the real Alex under the facade, the one who always was kind to her as a child, included her when others didn't, and gave her solace when her mother died. She knows that she can reach the real him and is willing to take the chance on a broken heart by opening herself up to a relationship.

There are plenty of sex scenes in this book, but they are all important to the story, revealing not only Alex's character and motivations but also the tender and emotional feelings between Alex and Jessie. The sexual tension between them sizzles and their love scenes are passionate and meaningful. Their relationship is based on true feelings underneath the desire that brings them together as adults and the progress of their romance over the course of the story is wonderful to experience.

Secondary characters are key to the plot of the story. Alex has four brothers (all of whom will have their own stories) and Jessie also has four brothers (who will receive stories as well). The relationships between the siblings and their parents and the friendships they share lead to many scenes filled with witty dialogue, humour, and tension. The family relationships are key to understanding the adults that Alex and Jessie have become.

Overall, I found this story to be past paced, full of emotional moments, steamy love scenes, interesting and engaging characters and a heartwarming and delightful romance. I am thrilled that there will be more stories featuring these two families. 5 fabulous stars!
Profile Image for Julie.
4,143 reviews38.1k followers
September 15, 2014
Anyone but Alex by Katy Regnery is a Katherine Gilliam Regnery publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Perhaps the most notorious English brother of all is Alex. Since two of his brothers have fallen in love and married, Alex has been stricken with an inexplicable ache in his chest. His usual conquest leave him feeling empty inside. Something is wrong with Alex. Then she appears... Jessica Winslow, the sister of a friend and a girl he knew growing up. She was just a kid when he saw her last, but not anymore. She is drop dead gorgeous and for the first time in a long time Alex actually feels something for someone. The hitch? She is off limits. Her over protective brother has sworn if Alex so much as touches a hair on her head he will kill him....


The big question though is can Alex give up all his other women? Can he really be faithful to Jessica? Has someone come along that caught the very definition of a “man-whore”? Or will Jessica become just another notch on his belt, proving her brothers were right all along?

Trust is difficult under the best of circumstances sometimes. But, the trusting and naïve Jessica who has a sort of hero worship memory of Alex, will learn just what kind of life Alex has lead and it's pretty much as her brother's described. Alex never dreamed his past would come back to haunt him, never dreamed he would fall in love with someone like he did with Jessica and never dreamed he might actually get his heart broken. This is a great story of how love can change people, how the actions we take now can really cause us difficulties later and although Alex was a real jerk to many women in the past, he does learn the error of his ways. So, it was fun watching the ultimate playboy come down a few notches, mature into a real man with depth and purpose and learn the true meaning of love. Over a sweet and sexy contemporary romance . 3.5 stars rounded to 4.
Profile Image for DJ Sakata.
3,130 reviews1,764 followers
September 22, 2014

My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

“You’re Alex English, the person who was kind to me when I was scared, when I was left out, when my heart was breaking.” Her voice was thread with emotion, so she stopped speaking for a moment, offering him the bravest smile she could manage before finishing her little speech. “I know exactly who you are.”

“So… no one’s faking a pregnancy, stalking you, looking for compensation after buying a wedding dress, blackmailing you with compromising pictures, or sending their ex-military boyfriend to kill you over an unauthorized bedroom video?”

My Review:

I read 546 pages to write this review, as I read the first two in the series first, and I must say, I enjoyed each of them in equal measure. I didn’t expect to like Alex as much as I did since he started off as an unabashed cad, and admitted “club manwhore” - but he grew on me. Ms. Regnery’s writing is enjoyable, descriptive, and inventive. Each character is of course exceedingly good looking, successful, smart, witty, and endowed with unique personalities and endearing quirks. I found the love scenes were deliciously steamy, yet tenderly sensual. Book series tend to make me a bit nervous but I am relieved that each book could stand alone with no cliffhangers, but I also enjoy how the books and characters overlap. I am now curious to see what happens with the remaining family members.

Profile Image for Amber.
164 reviews13 followers
October 31, 2014
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, I absolutely loved the dedication from Katy to her children.

This is the third English Brothers book I have read in succession and I believe they just keep getting better. The writing style and flow seem to improve with each book, if that's even possible. The characters are more gripping and real, the emotions more potent and I just love how everything slowly comes together with the other books into the new ones.

The story itself was heartwarming and emotional. I really liked how Jessica and Alex could be open to new experiences and honest with regard to their feelings, how they could come together to make what was happening between them work in spite of all the obstacles they were faced with. I could really see Alex grow as a person, as a man, as a man in love, throughout the book and become a better version of himself for the woman he loved and for himself.

The dynamic of all five English brothers is very powerful and at times very funny. This book not only had the two previous brothers and their girls in it but it also had more secondary characters which I enjoyed very much.

Now on to Seduced by Stratton

My review of Breaking up with Barrett: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My review of Falling for Fitz: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Caz Malpas.
668 reviews52 followers
October 30, 2014
3.5 -4 SWEET STUDACULAR STARS

Hot sexy guy suffering from manwhoreitis is cured of this wicked virus, I love this trope!

Sometimes you just need a nice flowing, gentle, easy read and this one is exactly that. No major angst and unresolved issues that drag on and on, no whining heroine with major insecurities.
Oh no.
This is a simple love story that draws you in and keeps you there till the end.

Looking forward to Strattons story
Profile Image for ⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm.
2,324 reviews17 followers
August 5, 2017
I have to say, I really enjoyed this installment of the series! Granted, it seemed to follow the formula of "rich guy falls for grown-up childhood friend", but this one was definitely more poignant than the previous two books in the series. We get to know Alex English in this story, and how his relationship with Jessie Winslow blossoms into true love. I could definitely sympathize with Jessie, and loved how Alex took a leap of faith to be with her! Alex's fear of commitment was a little irrational, but again understandable. I hope the next book in the series is this great as well!
Profile Image for Tami Talbert.
448 reviews17 followers
September 1, 2014
Anyone but Alex is another amazing story from Katy Regnery's English Brothers series, and dare I say my favorite to date as Alex English has burrowed his way right into my heart. As the story began, I was somewhat concerned that Alex's womanizing tendencies were going make it difficult and challenging for me to like him. But in typical Katy Regnery style, by the end of the chapter I discovered I had nothing to worry about, and I knew I was going to fall for Alex.

Alex English has spent the last 14 years as the quintessential man-slut being completely unaffected by women doing no more than spending night after night, year after year using them only to satisfy the needs of his body. But of late, while witnessing the affection and love his two older brothers now have in their lives, Alex has begun to feel a different type of ache, one which the myriad of women traipsing through his life and through his bed do not satisfy. When he unexpectedly runs into Jessie, the baby sister of his neighbors with whom he and his brothers have been friends since they were children, something seems to have shifted inside of Alex. From the moment he gazes into Jessie's beautiful, sweet and innocent green eyes, the memories and feelings from their childhood of wanting to protect her and be there for her almost immediately return making him realize something in his life has been missing. But deep down he knows there can never be anything more between them other than simply friendship. But as they continue to spend time together, Jessie begins to soothe the ache in his heart and in his soul making Alex want to be a better man. The roadblock, however, is going to be Jessie's four older brothers as they have made it abundantly clear and in no uncertain terms that what they want for their baby sister is Anyone but Alex.

It had been 14 years since Jessica Winslow has seen Alex, but since they were children he had always made her feel safe and cared for and seeing him again after so many years has brought back all of those childhood memories. So despite Alex’s insistence that it is not good for her reputation for them to be seen together, Jessie convinces him that they can spend time together as friends. But the time they begin to share brings forth Jessie’s feelings of the past realizing that Alex had taken possession of a sliver of her heart many years ago, and she is now ready to open it up completely and give the rest of it to him. Jessie continues her efforts to try to push her way into Alex's heart hoping to make him finally admit they have always had a special connection. But when Alex's past begins to have an effect on Jessie as well as the continuous disapproval of her brothers, will she be able to overcome those obstacles to find a future together or must they learn to accept that their lives simply were never meant to be shared.

Well I really didn't think it was going to be possible for Katy to wow me more than she has already but with Anyone but Alex she has done just that. This is an outstanding story of a man who has spent his entire adult life on the wrong path and is suddenly "rescued" by the girl next door who fills his heart with a love he never knew he could find nor did he feel he would ever deserve. I know for me it has been a bit difficult in the past to have feelings for a character that has simply treated women as nothing more than playthings. But Alex English has absolutely won me over with the undying devotion he has exhibited towards Jessie. I love the instantaneous transformation he makes when his heart finally connects with its match, and I was completely bowled over by the magical bond he shares with Jessie as well as the oh-so-sexy and steamy intimate moments they share. Bravo to you Ms. Regnery. Alex is definitely my new favorite book boyfriend.
Profile Image for Summer.
19 reviews
September 3, 2014
Alex is the third English brother I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and I have to say, each brother just gets hotter! Alex is the typical man about town, never settle down, tends to get around playboy. (At least he takes them to brunch on Sunday and never promises a future.)

But like everything in life – all good things must come to an end. When Alex comes face to face with childhood friend Jessica Winslow, who has grown into a stunningly beautiful young woman, Alex realizes he’s been living his life all wrong…and that his heart has just been “sideswiped by a kid”.

Of course given Alex’s history with the ladies, creating a relationship of any kind with Jessica proves difficult, even one they've agreed will only last five weeks. Women love a challenge, and women are lining up to challenge Alex’s new found “one woman” attitude. Jess quickly realizes Alex’s past is more than she bargained for and longs to get back to her home in London after Christmas. But the thought of leaving Alex is also more than she can bear leaving her to make a heart wrenching decision.

Is Alex really done with his womanizing ways? Can Jess look past the jealous women of Alex’s past? When Jess’ five week visit is over, will the two find a way to continue their relationship?

Like the two brothers Regnery has brought to life before him, Alex is so imperfectly perfect it’s impossible not to fall for him. Jessica is the epitome of “guys love her, girls want to be her” (I mean, she dresses like Kate Middelton for pete sake!) and the two fit together perfectly…trust me, you’ll want to read all about how well they “fit” together…

As always, Regnery does a wonderful job of not only laying out a perfectly sweet love story, but also giving her characters depth and charm in a way few other authors can. We peek into their lives as children and young adults and see how those relationships shaped their futures, all while falling in love right along with the characters.

The best part about the English Brothers series? The couple you feel in love with during your last “English Brother Binge Session” appears in the next book so you can swoon over and over again! Rengery also does an excellent job of slowly introducing us to other families who I’m sure readers will love just as much as the English clan (actually, I’m not sure I can love anyone more than the English brothers…but I’m sure Katy will find a way).

As we wind down the last of summer, Anyone But Alex is a MUST read for anyone who loves accomplished men, awesome women, amazing sex and a happy ending {wink, wink}
Profile Image for Jaime Fiction Fangirls.
1,626 reviews154 followers
September 18, 2014
If I'm being totally honest here I have to tell you that I was looking forward to Alex's story the least out of all of the English Brothers. I was sure that he was going to be quite un-redeemable. I'm extremely happy to report that this was not the case at all.
I certainly cringed when Alex described his sex life in the beginning, and then when he said that not everything that was said about him was true, all I could think was, "If the truth is this cringe-worthy, what exactly is being said about him?" Luckily the "more" wasn't worse, just bad because it was untrue an made him look like a complete jerk rather than just a complete man-whore.
Anyways...I think Katy did a great job of showing the softer, more real side of Alex and he was redeemed in my eyes during the scene at the gala. So pretty early on, and he only became more lovable as the story progressed.
I think there couldn't have been a better match for Alex than Jessica. It was like she knew exactly the right things to say in the moment and, let's face it, she was the first woman to ever give Alex a reason to show her respect, because she gave it to him first as a person rather than an object. I mean, as easy as it was to be angry and judgmental of Alex for his womanizing ways, wasn't it just as easy to point out that the women were somewhat at fault for only looking to Alex for his "Professor" status and for not trying to point out that he was worth more than that?
I love that by the end Katy had me cheering for Alex and not just understanding his behavior but feeling a little sorry for him reducing himself to it.
On a happier note, this book highlighted the things I've fallen so hard for in this series. Mainly how awesome Barrett is and how maybe my husband might soon ban me from reading Katy's books because she sort of ruins it for the real guys who could never live up to the English Brothers. I just love reading the banter between all of the brothers, it makes me all warm inside. You can feel the love between them but they aren't afraid to call each other out on their crap. I love that they are all brilliant, accomplished and extremely wealthy, but that not one of them come across as arrogant or entitled. I'm so looking forward to more from all of the brothers, but I'd be lying if I said that I haven't been waiting for Stratton's story from the moment we first met him.

*I received an ARC from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Kathy.
406 reviews57 followers
September 23, 2014
Anyone but Alex is the third book in The English Brothers series and is another hit for author Katy Regnery!

I have to admit I wasn’t sure if I would like Alex. I don’t like players in stories but Alex changed my mind. What made a difference was jumping right into the story with Alex’s point-of-view. Instead of hearing his satisfaction for his latest conquest we hear the struggles he is having. He is trying to ignore this empty feeling he is suddenly having. This feeling started when his older brothers, Barrett and Fitz, fall in love and become engaged. The engagements is great news for the English family but it triggers an emotion that Alex never knew he would experience – a longing for something more in his life. He has avoided being in a committed relationship for so long he can’t imagine himself being in one. Alex tries to ignore this new feeling until he reunites with Jessica Winslow, an old childhood friend. Sparks fly (or actually ignite into a 5 alarm fire) between Alex and Jessica but his promiscuous past haunts him. Will Alex and Jessica find true love? I don’t like to put spoilers in my reviews so you are just going to have to read the book!!

What stands out in this book is the character building. Alex is a character you want to hate but you find yourself cheering him on. Besides writing a great story with romance and heat, author Katy Regnery shines in creating characters that literally come to life. Alex’s charm and sex appeal makes your heart beat fast and have a huge grin on your face (because as much as you don’t want to admit it but Alex is turning you on). And then there is his vulnerable side that breaks your heart and you want to tell him he is worthy of being loved. Sweet Jessica is someone everyone can identify with. Her hopes and fears are true to what we would all feel in this situation. She wants to love Alex but his past is a lot to deal with.

Anyone but Alex is only 200 pages but their story is complete. I would love to see these characters in another book, but with Anyone but Alex it is written so well that their love story wasn’t rushed. Their relationship builds up at just the right pace and with the right amount of sexy scenes, sweet moments, and intense drama.

Anyone but Alex is a must read for all fans of romance, the taming of bad boys and love overcoming great odds.
Profile Image for Isabelle MBTL .
749 reviews58 followers
September 18, 2014
Title: Anyone but Alex
Series: English Brothers #3
Author: Katy Regnery
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Heat: 3 stars
Source: ARC provided by Bewitching Book Tours

 photo review_zps386fca52.jpg
Cover: 3 stars
Characters: 5 stars
Plot: 5 stars
Heat: 3 stars
Freshness: 4 stars
Addictiveness: 4 stars
Total: 4 stars



Intense characters, great plot, perfect villains... this English brother is even better!

Alex is my favorite brother so far. Wow, he is gorgeous. Ms. Regnery just keep making them better. I love the duality of Alex's personality. Alex is more human, he is not so good, but he is not all bad, he is people like us all.

Alex is lost until the right person comes around, and then he is found. Like with all English brothers, his fall is fantastic. He doesn't just fall in love, he jumps from a skyscraper. He tries to protect Jessie from himself, he makes all the chivalrous choices, but deep down he still is Alex, this skillful lover that is hotter than a volcano.

Jessie, she is amazing! She is young, but very mature, she knows what she wants, she may have some fears of the road along her way, but she doesn't let fear paralyze her. It's a tough road, Alex's past will hit her in the face several times, but only a very capable, strong person could take a man like Alex. This person is Jessie. Oh, Ms. Regnery, I love the song "Jessie's girl"!

What really has me amazed with this book is the ending. Ms. Regnery has shown a skillful comprehension of the human being, and there could be no future for them, if it wasn't this way. They need time to heal, to grow, to shine, and that's what they get with the perfect ending.

On my last review, I mentioned that I felt that Alex's book would be intense. That's it! Wonderfully, masterfully, intensely created.

Oh, I'm almost in love with Alex, I just haven't taken the plunge yet, because my heart belongs to Stratton. Bring him on Ms. Regnery, and do him justice!

This series is for those that love deeply, and are not afraid of showing! Cute, sweet, deep!

"For the first time in his life, Alex knew... If anyone was going to get hurt, it would be him."
Profile Image for VampireRomanceBooks ThatsErotica.
385 reviews37 followers
September 9, 2014
Alex English is an absolute cad. He has basically slept with half of the women in Philadelphia. He doesn’t want commitment; Alex is all about sexual gratification. His playboy reputation has reached legendary status. Now, after seeing two of his brothers happily engaged, something has changed in Alex. He no longer finds his emotionless sexual exploits satisfying at all. In walks Jessica Winslow, a girl he knew since childhood, and she is all grown up now and the notorious playboy is blindsided. He wants to be a good man for his sweet Jessie girl, but his past just may destroy his chance at a future.

OK, Alex is a total rake but I liked him. He is sexy, successful, and suave. When he begins to let Jessica into his heart his honesty is astounding, and you begin to realize this man whore has a tender and vulnerable side. Jessica has spent the last fourteen years in London, but she never forgot the first boy she had a crush on. I had to admire her for seeing past Alex���s reputation and seeing instead the man he could be. She is sweet, playful, and she knows what she wants. She is by no means a prude, but she makes it clear she is a woman to be respected

Have I mentioned the English brothers make me swoon? Once again Regnery graces us with a passionate romance you want to get completely lost in. Anyone but Alex seemed to have more emotion and conflict than the first two books. She did a phenomenal job illustrating the transformation in Alex, and all the while she poured passion into the characters. I must admit that through the first three books I have become quite intrigued with the shy Stratton English and I am very much looking forward to his book Seduced by Stratton. I am officially on board with Katy Regnery and if you like a good toe curling romance you will be too!

**Reviewed by Teresa D. for ThatsErotica.com**
Profile Image for Danielle.
187 reviews15 followers
May 16, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Just like the other previous English Brothers books, Anyone but Alex is a twist on a classic romance plot. This time it's the playboy plot. However, it's not your typical playboy plot.

First of all, Alex is a player, a big time player. It's not a misunderstanding where he dated several women in the past, but didn't sleep with them. It's also not something that he decided to give up prior to the start of the book. A lot of romance novelists try to water down their playboys at the beginning of the book because they're worried that the audience won't find them sympathetic. This book does exactly the opposite.

However, despite his playboy lifestyle, Alex still manages to evolve into a sympathetic character, to the point that you'll definitely start rooting for his and Jessie's relationship to work out.

Also, what I loved about the book is that Jessie isn't portrayed is some holier than thou character. Jessie also has flaws that she also needs to overcome to make the relationship work. All of the heavy lifting isn't on Alex's end. His lifestyle isn't the only conflict in the story.

Jessie also has four nosy older brothers to contend with. This part of the book made me nervous because I hate nosy family members in romance novels. They rarely get called out on their behavior and when they do, it's by someone outside of their family and it's usually dismissed as "Oh they're just doing it because they care". Not in this book. Jessie herself yells at her brothers several times through the book and it's wonderful. She doesn't hold back either. Every thought I had towards them, she yelled it right back. It was like Katy Regnery was reading my mind.

Looking forward to Stratton's story! :)
Profile Image for A Klue.
1,503 reviews318 followers
March 18, 2017
Alex English is living proof the bigger they are, they harder they fall. He's about the biggest unapologetic manho I've ever come across, folks. But even before he lays eyes on the lovely heroine, well over a decade after she moved away to London, his heart has been trying to convince his body he's missing out on something special...the love of one good woman. He may have his pick of beautiful women but he's lonely/empty as heck inside.

Fortunately, he only has eyes for the heroine after running into her shortly after her return to Philly for a 5 week holiday visit. He even tries to do the admiral thing by warning her to stay away from him because of his womanizing reputation. She, on the other hand, soon becomes determined to prove to Alex he is the same good person she knew when she was just a kid. Plus, she's always had a crush on him, as well.

With some relationship angst and feuding protective brothers in the way, the writing flowed, and I was happy to see them get their HEA. I must admit I seem to be hooked on this series and hope to read each and every one. Ms. Regnery does a good job of not just writing steamy scenes but adds an emotional connection, as well.

Romance Safety Gang:

(These comments are based on Kindle Unlimited version. This is not a full detailed ARC review.)
Profile Image for Lena Dublin.
697 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2014
Katy Regnery does it again! This is another great installment of the English Brother's series. Although part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.

Alex English lived a carefree life. For him few things were certain, one his family and their business came first and two, he will never commit to one woman. Blessed with good looks and a gift for sweet talk, Alex was able to land any woman he wanted. His talents were so well known, he was called the "Professor" amongst his friends. While great on the surface, Alex started feeling like something was missing. The conquests were not as fulfilling as they once were. The thrill was going, going, gone until she walked back into his life.

A holiday visit back to her home town of Philadelphia reunites Alex and Jessica. A reunion between two childhood friends quickly turns into something more. There desire to be with each other was riddled with challenges not only by Alex's past but by the lack of support she received from her brothers.

I loved Jessica. She had more strength and conviction than Alex. These qualities brought out the best in him.
While reading this book my heart went out to Alex. I kept on saying "Come on, give him a chance. He's trying." Thank God for Jessica, cause they finally listened.

This book will have you routing for the underdog. Believing in the good and knowing that people, when having the right motivation and support, can overcome the actions of their pasts.
Profile Image for Nicole.
58 reviews14 followers
September 2, 2014
I really thought I wouldn't like Alex. He's the womanizer type. He gets any woman he wants when he wants. His friends even call him "The Professor", and not in a good way. However, in "Anyone But Alex", we get a much broader view of who he is. He is tired of being that kind of man. He is aching for some kind of emotional connection to someone.

I fell in love with Jessie. She is a strong, vibrant, and caring. She doesn't care about Alex's past as long as she is his future. She knows who the real Alex is and won't let him forget that. These two are just perfect for each other. Alex became a new man when he found Jessie again (she has been living in England).

I was super nervous that these two wouldn't be able to work out their problems. Jessie was only in Philadelphia until Christmas and they weren't sure how to make it work after she left. Another problem is Alex's past. Can Jessie get past the number of women he's slept with?

I couldn't wait to get to the end of this book to find out what happens between Jessie and Alex. They are topping my list of my book couples. They know each other and understand each other to the point where they know what the other is thinking.

With this being book 3 in the English Brothers series (there are 2 more to go!!), I think Katy is onto something!
Profile Image for Marie Vasquez.
1,598 reviews76 followers
September 22, 2014
Another 5 stars for Katy. This was the best one yet. I couldn't put it down long enough to make notes from my review. I will say- I laughed, I cried and I loved!!

Alex's story was so much more emotional for me. Who doesn't want to save the bad boy, right?  With Alex's past and player ways no one thought he'd believe in love.  But one little girl from his past is not so little anymore. She's all grown up now and she wants prove to everyone and himself that the's not irredeemable.

I cried quite a bit with this one.  Alex's struggle with how his past effects a possible future with Jessica was so hard for him. For someone who thought it wasn't what he wanted, he loved with his whole being.  Jessica was determined to show Alex that no matter his past, he was worthy of what his brothers had and she fought so hard for him.  Their love for each other was so strong, they were willing to give it up and sacrifice to ensure the other's happiness.

Capture

Alex is by far my favorite English brother so far but that could all change when I see what's in store for Stratton and Weston.
Profile Image for Lye.
82 reviews16 followers
October 7, 2016
I absolutely ADORE this series and I have to say that I cannot, AT ALL, stand Alex and Jessica's book. First of all as characters these two are the most unlikely characters I've read. Alex is an annoying selfish manwhore who jumps to conclusion (see the next book in the series & two after that, aka Stratton's book and Kate's book) and ruins things for the rest of his family and has absolutely no regrets or consequences.

Second, even more so than Alex, I cannot stand Jessica, who is incredibly selfish to the point of not even wanting to compromise for her relationship. Jessica is the quintessential princess who doesn't have any redeeming qualities, eg. is not sweet/funny/smart or even sassy, but someone who expects her brother and boyfriends to hands things to her on a platter (case in point how her boyfriend easily comprised to make her happy, the big gestures her brothers make to make Jess happy, see Bidding on Brooks and Cameron's book from the Winslow brothers books in this series).

Lastly, this insta-love ridiculousness was not something I was buying from Alex/Jessica either. For this, I am not rating this book very well. In fact, just thinking about this book fills me with rage as what an atrocious thing this is in comparison to the rest of this wonderful and enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Marti.
3,012 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2014
Anyone but Alex by Katy Regnery is the third book in the English Brother’s series. This book focuses on Alex, a player who goes out nightly with different women and then walks away with no regrets. Alex’s life it just fine until he realizes that he is maybe (just maybe) wanting what his older brothers have – an enduring love. Alex continues to deny these feelings until he sees her, Jessica. She has been gone for 15 years and he knows she is the one, but he doesn’t want to hurt or ruin her. Jessica knows he is the one too, but he has a LONG LONG way to go to become the man she wants!

Now – let’s be honest – I want my own English brother, although I will accept an uncle (if necessary) so you already know I am a huge Katy fan! But this book might be my favorite of all the English Brother books. There is something about a reformed rake, your own personal bad boy. SIGH.... I am impatiently waiting for the other brothers Stratton and Weston.

This is a five star read!
Profile Image for Rachel.
113 reviews12 followers
August 26, 2014
There used to be something wrong with Alex English. Until one day, he met the right girl. And all of his dreams came true.

I'll be direct and admit that I usually have no patience whatsoever for manwhore characters, even if they are 'reformed'. Even so, I didn't just like Alex English... I LOVED him! Yes, there was a person of substance hiding behind the player! Alex is fiercely devoted to his family and capable of giving the kind of love every woman dreams about sharing with a partner. He's considerate and so tender with Jessie and who can blame her for falling head over heels for him? I couldn't help it either.

Barrett and Emily's story was passionate, Fitz and Daisy's was emotional but Alex and Jessie's is a redemptive tale and the sweetest of them. If you haven't been introduced to the English men yet, you're missing out on something special. Go fix that right now with Breaking Up with Barrett and you can thank me for it later.
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