What do you think?
Rate this book
The Kings & Queens of St Augustus #1
The Spare - Part One
A will. The last wishes of a dead man shouldn’t have had the power to change all of our lives.
But a family fortune can test even the bonds of identical twins.
Now there’s him, the perfect bad boy who hates us all.
My sister wants him, but he wants me.
With billions of dollars at stake, no one is going to come out unscathed.
But a family fortune can test even the bonds of identical twins.
Now there’s him, the perfect bad boy who hates us all.
My sister wants him, but he wants me.
With billions of dollars at stake, no one is going to come out unscathed.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2020
51 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Gemma Weir
56 books1,858 followersGemma Weir is a half crazed stay at home mom to three kids, one man child and a hell hound. She has lived in the midlands, in the UK her whole life and has wanted to write a book since she was a child. Gemma has a ridiculously dirty mind and loves her book boyfriends to be big, tattooed alpha males. She's a reader first and foremost and she loves her romance to come with a happy ending and lots of sexy sex.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 84 reviews
April 2, 2020
Money can buy everything except love, but love doesn’t always come for free.
Tallulah is the younger twin. Identical to Carrigan in everyday except her eyes. Unfortunately her life doesn’t match. Carrigan is popular and has a perfect image. Tallulah is the spare. The one to help her keep her perfect image.
In a world where being rich is everything, the Archibald family have to live by the terms of a will to inherit their money. Carrigan must be the perfect model of society. Her schoolwork must be maintained. Her place in society must be maintained. The only thing she doesn’t need is a good relationship with Tallulah.
Arlo is rich and privileged. He doesn’t want to marry for status. His dad wants a connection to the Archibald family but that doesn’t mean Arlo is going to play by the rules. He sees a ghost, a person who isn’t supposed to be seen and he see his way out of a life he doesn’t want.
This has a dystopian world feel to it. Money is everything and power comes from connections. To survive sacrifices need to be made. This does end on a cliffhanger but I loved every minute.
ARC in exchange for an honest review. Gemma Weir is on my list of favourite authors. Out now!
Tallulah is the younger twin. Identical to Carrigan in everyday except her eyes. Unfortunately her life doesn’t match. Carrigan is popular and has a perfect image. Tallulah is the spare. The one to help her keep her perfect image.
In a world where being rich is everything, the Archibald family have to live by the terms of a will to inherit their money. Carrigan must be the perfect model of society. Her schoolwork must be maintained. Her place in society must be maintained. The only thing she doesn’t need is a good relationship with Tallulah.
Arlo is rich and privileged. He doesn’t want to marry for status. His dad wants a connection to the Archibald family but that doesn’t mean Arlo is going to play by the rules. He sees a ghost, a person who isn’t supposed to be seen and he see his way out of a life he doesn’t want.
This has a dystopian world feel to it. Money is everything and power comes from connections. To survive sacrifices need to be made. This does end on a cliffhanger but I loved every minute.
ARC in exchange for an honest review. Gemma Weir is on my list of favourite authors. Out now!
March 27, 2023
3.5-stars (for this book but 4-stars overall for whole Duet)
For the Duet/both books: overall good pacing/writing/emo/S chem/S scenes/char dev but 1st 25% of book1 was meandering & unfocused but better after
For this book (Book1): meh start but better after 25%
1st 25%:
Meh & meandering. I didn't care much for either H&h. Before 25%, h seemed pathetic & really passive to pretend to be her snotty identical twin-sister (OW) for the last 3.5 years per their greedy parents' demands to fulfill the inheritance conditions required for OW.
After 25%:
Writing became more focused & the plot/chars/emo/S chem more exciting. I began to like loner 18yo h.s.-senior h's character more. After 25%, h's own character began to come out & be separated from OW. And she was likable in her mix of quiet yet frank & open. She was finally sick & tired of being a pawn in her family's inheritance game. Especially after her parents and twin sister made it more obvious that they didn't care for her & only wanted to keep using her. 18yo popular senior H's character also got better. He hated h's twin sister and was a jerk towards h for awhile, thinking she was OW and later, thinking she was similar to OW. But, as he got to know h, he began to feel softer towards her but fighting it since he didn't trust her and was more interested in looking into his own interest. By the end of book1, H's goal was to make sure he'll never be MOC-ed to OW and wanted to continue his fake engagement with h for 6 more months until they all graduate from their high school. Loved that h told H that he was using her like her family was. Which made him stop & feel some guilt but not enough to stop their fake engagement.
Good S tension but no S scenes. H kisses h a few times but mostly for show.
Cliffhanger ending with both h's parents beating her up for ruining OW's chances to marry H since H publicly announced his (fake) engagement to h.
Sexual History: (see my review of book2 )
For the Duet/both books: overall good pacing/writing/emo/S chem/S scenes/char dev but 1st 25% of book1 was meandering & unfocused but better after
For this book (Book1): meh start but better after 25%
1st 25%:
Meh & meandering. I didn't care much for either H&h. Before 25%, h seemed pathetic & really passive to pretend to be her snotty identical twin-sister (OW) for the last 3.5 years per their greedy parents' demands to fulfill the inheritance conditions required for OW.
After 25%:
Writing became more focused & the plot/chars/emo/S chem more exciting. I began to like loner 18yo h.s.-senior h's character more. After 25%, h's own character began to come out & be separated from OW. And she was likable in her mix of quiet yet frank & open. She was finally sick & tired of being a pawn in her family's inheritance game. Especially after her parents and twin sister made it more obvious that they didn't care for her & only wanted to keep using her. 18yo popular senior H's character also got better. He hated h's twin sister and was a jerk towards h for awhile, thinking she was OW and later, thinking she was similar to OW. But, as he got to know h, he began to feel softer towards her but fighting it since he didn't trust her and was more interested in looking into his own interest. By the end of book1, H's goal was to make sure he'll never be MOC-ed to OW and wanted to continue his fake engagement with h for 6 more months until they all graduate from their high school. Loved that h told H that he was using her like her family was. Which made him stop & feel some guilt but not enough to stop their fake engagement.
Good S tension but no S scenes. H kisses h a few times but mostly for show.
Cliffhanger ending with both h's parents beating her up for ruining OW's chances to marry H since H publicly announced his (fake) engagement to h.
Sexual History: (see my review of book2 )
March 26, 2020
Yes! Yes, yes, yes and yes!
I have only recently started reading bully romances and although I enjoy them, 8 quickly got bored of the same old pattern. What Gemma has done here is totally flip the genre and make it into that much more.
I really enjoyed the push and pull between all of the characters, all of their interactions were on point and the viciousness created just the right atmosphere for emotions to jump from the page and slap you round the face.
That ending too! Wowsers. What a way to leave it. It's left me with a melting pot of emotions. I'm angry, sad, hopeful, totally in love with Tallulah and soooo ready for book 2!
Bravo Gemma. Well played my friend!
I have only recently started reading bully romances and although I enjoy them, 8 quickly got bored of the same old pattern. What Gemma has done here is totally flip the genre and make it into that much more.
I really enjoyed the push and pull between all of the characters, all of their interactions were on point and the viciousness created just the right atmosphere for emotions to jump from the page and slap you round the face.
That ending too! Wowsers. What a way to leave it. It's left me with a melting pot of emotions. I'm angry, sad, hopeful, totally in love with Tallulah and soooo ready for book 2!
Bravo Gemma. Well played my friend!
April 2, 2020
Wow!! Wow!! I typically don’t like teenage romance/angsty books, but let me tell you this changed my opinion on them forever!! Don’t give me wrong I will not read this genre by many authors but if this author writes it I am all on board! Tally hid from the world she was basically ghosting through life. When Arlo spots her he won’t let her hide anymore. This story sucked me in and didn’t release until the last page. I wanted more!!! But I will have to settle for reading part two.
March 24, 2020
The Spare by Gemma Weir is a bully romance that is completely original and unique and was a one sitting read. I literally could not put this book down and this is only part one. I NEED part two now. Gemma Weir can spin a yarn to get the right vibes out there and tell the story that these characters want to be told. I am one of those readers that believe the characters tell the authors what to write and I bet Gemma Weir had her hands full with this book. I absolutely loved this version of the bully romance and was shocked when I found out who the bullies really were in the story. 5-leather studded stars for The Spare by Gemma Weir.
The rich are rich for a reason and all they want to do is get richer. How they obtain that money doesn’t matter and who the hurt in the process is nothing to lose sleep over. Old money versus new money and old traditions of arranging loveless marriages are still the practice among the wealthy and it only gets worse as time moves on not better. Once upon a time a man-made lot and lots of money. His son and then grandson did nothing but reap the benefits of the hard work the old man did. Now as the old man dies, he leaves a will and testament that will shock the family and the upper crust of society. In the pursuit of gaining more money a set of twins are put to the test. While one wants one of the gorgeous elites that has been put on the short list to marry her, he wants the twin that doesn’t care and can walk away from it all.
The rich are rich for a reason and all they want to do is get richer. How they obtain that money doesn’t matter and who the hurt in the process is nothing to lose sleep over. Old money versus new money and old traditions of arranging loveless marriages are still the practice among the wealthy and it only gets worse as time moves on not better. Once upon a time a man-made lot and lots of money. His son and then grandson did nothing but reap the benefits of the hard work the old man did. Now as the old man dies, he leaves a will and testament that will shock the family and the upper crust of society. In the pursuit of gaining more money a set of twins are put to the test. While one wants one of the gorgeous elites that has been put on the short list to marry her, he wants the twin that doesn’t care and can walk away from it all.
August 23, 2020
Wow I am kind of speechless right now! I couldn't put this down. I was completely hooked by the story. I am not a huge reader of YA / bully romances but this could possibly change me. I loved the push and pull between the characters, truly loved Tally and I pray to god that ending gets sorted. I gasped, clung on to hope that things will work out and there were many moments of shouting noooo at my kindle in disbelief. I truly loved this and want to thank Janice Hart for mentioning it on fb cos I probably wouldn't have read it otherwise. Now where is part 2?!
September 3, 2021
This author seems to amaze me every single time I read a book by her and she just outdoes herself with every story. Some characters in the book I just wanted to slap around, that's how enthralled I was by this book. I was captivated by this particular story from beginning until end and I just need part 2 now to know how it ends!
Carrigan and Tallulah have been twins but ever since Carrigan has been the heir of a big fortune, Tallulah doesn't seem to exist anymore, only to herself. At school she tries to keep to herself but one night will change everything... the day that she and Arlo meet. Everything that Tallulah knew is going to change. Arlo never knew Carrigan had a twin and that simple fact changes everything 'cuz he doesn't want to marry her and will try to avoid that at any cost... even if it'll damage Tallulah's future in the process...
Carrigan and Tallulah have been twins but ever since Carrigan has been the heir of a big fortune, Tallulah doesn't seem to exist anymore, only to herself. At school she tries to keep to herself but one night will change everything... the day that she and Arlo meet. Everything that Tallulah knew is going to change. Arlo never knew Carrigan had a twin and that simple fact changes everything 'cuz he doesn't want to marry her and will try to avoid that at any cost... even if it'll damage Tallulah's future in the process...
April 23, 2023
Read these because I've loved Gemma's other books. Her writing is easy reading and this story was no different, the story was actually super interesting and enjoyable, I love the idea of twin swapping and really loved Tally, she was a bit beaten down in the beginning because she was young and lacked other options for escape but she was actually very strong willed overall which I loved. Arlo was great, the perfect amount of asshole and possessive and obsessive male people love in a book boyfriend.
There was some swearing and a bit of dirty talk in this book but no sex scenes, this book was 200 pages long so if I'm combining the duet, the length is about 400 pages, so for me, the duet was basically 1 book, which means by the time we got to book 2 there was some delicious sexy times which took place in the first half of the book so if combined was just over half way through which is no different from many other books.
Overall very enjoyable read.
There was some swearing and a bit of dirty talk in this book but no sex scenes, this book was 200 pages long so if I'm combining the duet, the length is about 400 pages, so for me, the duet was basically 1 book, which means by the time we got to book 2 there was some delicious sexy times which took place in the first half of the book so if combined was just over half way through which is no different from many other books.
Overall very enjoyable read.
April 5, 2020
Bloody hell!!
I could not put this book down!
The Spare has blown me away, I was so engrossed in this story, the characters were intriguing and the plot soooo intense.
Tallulah is a ghost, invisible even to her own family until they need her. She's the daughter who doesn't matter, a twin but not in her own right.
Carrigan is the oldest, the first born who will inherit everything if she succeeds with her late Grandfathers will demands, she must remain a socialite keep up the family name she also has to keep her grades up, finish High school with good grades, and to do that Tallulah the sister nobody knows about sometimes has to sit tests in her place Carrigan was definitely not the twin with brains but no-one must know who Tallulah really is and so she pretends to be her sister when necessary.
They both go to the same school filled with rich students, the elite, the well known in society but people only know of one Archibald and that's Carrigan.
The Archibald family are greedy, evil, selfish, they parade their eldest daughter around like a prize possession and even the money she is going to inherit isn't enough, they want more, they want Carrigan to marry into money, they want Carrigan to marry Arlo who is also from a rich family to strengthen the family name.
Arlo Lexington can't be bought or manipulated that easily, he can't even stand the prissy princess Carrigan and eventually he stumbles across the secret the Archibald's have been hiding... Tallulah, who is the complete opposite of her sister.
Oh my god it got so exciting and intense, I seriously cannot see where the plot will go, Gemma nailed this young adult romantic suspense and I cannot wait to see what happens next in part two.
Fans of L.J Shen and L.A Cotton, Tijan, would love this.
ARC RECEIVED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES
The Spare - Part One
Available Now
https://books2read.com/thesparepartone
I could not put this book down!
The Spare has blown me away, I was so engrossed in this story, the characters were intriguing and the plot soooo intense.
Tallulah is a ghost, invisible even to her own family until they need her. She's the daughter who doesn't matter, a twin but not in her own right.
Carrigan is the oldest, the first born who will inherit everything if she succeeds with her late Grandfathers will demands, she must remain a socialite keep up the family name she also has to keep her grades up, finish High school with good grades, and to do that Tallulah the sister nobody knows about sometimes has to sit tests in her place Carrigan was definitely not the twin with brains but no-one must know who Tallulah really is and so she pretends to be her sister when necessary.
They both go to the same school filled with rich students, the elite, the well known in society but people only know of one Archibald and that's Carrigan.
The Archibald family are greedy, evil, selfish, they parade their eldest daughter around like a prize possession and even the money she is going to inherit isn't enough, they want more, they want Carrigan to marry into money, they want Carrigan to marry Arlo who is also from a rich family to strengthen the family name.
Arlo Lexington can't be bought or manipulated that easily, he can't even stand the prissy princess Carrigan and eventually he stumbles across the secret the Archibald's have been hiding... Tallulah, who is the complete opposite of her sister.
Oh my god it got so exciting and intense, I seriously cannot see where the plot will go, Gemma nailed this young adult romantic suspense and I cannot wait to see what happens next in part two.
Fans of L.J Shen and L.A Cotton, Tijan, would love this.
ARC RECEIVED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES
The Spare - Part One
Available Now
https://books2read.com/thesparepartone
June 9, 2023
I could not stop reading.
I Just couldn't....
BUT the plot is so stupid 😀 How can you be in one school twins and no one knew about them?
Our main h is doormat. She could say that she is not, but she is 😀
Author tried really hard to explain...but wow.
Ok, our main h has a sister, identical twin. Carrigan - sister, is real bitch...she wasn't, when she was young, but there is will ...
Carrigan will inherit a loooooot of money from her grandpa, but there are conditions...
Like be straigh A student, marry into rich family, be a virgin before marriage etc ...
One day, our Carrigane thinks that she will fail in some test from school, main h finds her and tell her that she will go and do this test for her ...
They are identical, no one will know, right?
And from there, everything goes Downhill ... Her sister is smart, but after everyday in the society events, there is no time to study...
So when h was needed, she will always pretend to be her ...
BUT...
1. She IS acting as doormat. When she pretends, she tries to act like her, but normally, even when she looks as her, she tries to be invisible...
But hoooow could be, when she looks like her? Her sister is wild, confident etc...
And here you are...little mouse trying to blend into crowd...
2. Teachers knew? Their parents used to take theirs twins everywhere to show off like they are such a good family...So how could they forget....Everyone from their rich society? How?
She didn't have to pretend to be her...
In part two, her parents bribes every teachers to give her sister straight A from every class...
They didn't have to pretend that she doesn't exist...
They could marry one girl into one family, other into another. Win/Win 😀👍
But I liked her dynamic with Arlo, So I tried to pretend, that it could be possible.... 😀
I Just couldn't....
BUT the plot is so stupid 😀 How can you be in one school twins and no one knew about them?
Our main h is doormat. She could say that she is not, but she is 😀
Author tried really hard to explain...but wow.
Ok, our main h has a sister, identical twin. Carrigan - sister, is real bitch...she wasn't, when she was young, but there is will ...
Carrigan will inherit a loooooot of money from her grandpa, but there are conditions...
Like be straigh A student, marry into rich family, be a virgin before marriage etc ...
One day, our Carrigane thinks that she will fail in some test from school, main h finds her and tell her that she will go and do this test for her ...
They are identical, no one will know, right?
And from there, everything goes Downhill ... Her sister is smart, but after everyday in the society events, there is no time to study...
So when h was needed, she will always pretend to be her ...
BUT...
1. She IS acting as doormat. When she pretends, she tries to act like her, but normally, even when she looks as her, she tries to be invisible...
But hoooow could be, when she looks like her? Her sister is wild, confident etc...
And here you are...little mouse trying to blend into crowd...
2. Teachers knew? Their parents used to take theirs twins everywhere to show off like they are such a good family...So how could they forget....Everyone from their rich society? How?
She didn't have to pretend to be her...
In part two, her parents bribes every teachers to give her sister straight A from every class...
They didn't have to pretend that she doesn't exist...
They could marry one girl into one family, other into another. Win/Win 😀👍
But I liked her dynamic with Arlo, So I tried to pretend, that it could be possible.... 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2020
So this was the first time I have read anything from this author. The synopsis of this story is really what drew my eye to this book.
Spoiled Rich Kids?.... Check
Entiled J*rks?.... Check
Rude Family?.... Double Check
First I have to say that I just absolutely loved Tallulah. I also felt for the girl. I couldn't stand her family and get why they treated her like Cinderella. I actually have some guesses on why she's treated the way she is. But I'll have to wait and see if I'm right.
I'm still unsure about Arlo. I mean is he just a rich je*k. Or is he really a nice guy. I really have mixed feelings on him. One minute he seems like a really nice guy who's just stuck in this rich world that he doesn't really want to be in. Than the next I just want to smack him upside his head.
I have to say that I was really excited to read this book. But I feel as this was really short though, I mean I know its split up in parts. But I felt like this first part just licked the surface and left you wanting more. And I know that's why the author ended it where she ended it. But still I was like, Noooooooo, I need more right now.
I really don't want to give anything away in my review, but I have some idea's on why Tallulah's "Family" and really they don't deserve that title. But why her family acts the way they do towards her. But I guess I'll have to wait till the next part to find out if I'm right or not.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5 and can't wait for the next part. Hopefully its coming soon!!!
***I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion***
Spoiled Rich Kids?.... Check
Entiled J*rks?.... Check
Rude Family?.... Double Check
First I have to say that I just absolutely loved Tallulah. I also felt for the girl. I couldn't stand her family and get why they treated her like Cinderella. I actually have some guesses on why she's treated the way she is. But I'll have to wait and see if I'm right.
I'm still unsure about Arlo. I mean is he just a rich je*k. Or is he really a nice guy. I really have mixed feelings on him. One minute he seems like a really nice guy who's just stuck in this rich world that he doesn't really want to be in. Than the next I just want to smack him upside his head.
I have to say that I was really excited to read this book. But I feel as this was really short though, I mean I know its split up in parts. But I felt like this first part just licked the surface and left you wanting more. And I know that's why the author ended it where she ended it. But still I was like, Noooooooo, I need more right now.
I really don't want to give anything away in my review, but I have some idea's on why Tallulah's "Family" and really they don't deserve that title. But why her family acts the way they do towards her. But I guess I'll have to wait till the next part to find out if I'm right or not.
I'm giving this book 4 Stars out of 5 and can't wait for the next part. Hopefully its coming soon!!!
***I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion***
March 28, 2020
They say that death and money bring the worst out of people. And that is completely true in this story. The will from an obnoxious, "old money" man completely destroys one family.
Carrigan and Tallulah are twins, but they aren't your typical twins. The will from their grandfather leaves one twin a fortune, and the other one with the title of The Spare. One twin is the princess of the school, the popular one that everyone wants to friend. The other twin is invisible and unknown to everyone around her, yet used to make sure that her sister stays on top.
Arlo is from "old money" and is the catch that the family wants. A marriage between the two families solidifies what the will wanted accomplished. However, when he notices that things are not what they seem, he throws a massive wrench into the plan.
This book. This book seriously tore me apart. The emotions that you feel from every part of this book are crazy. I haven't read a lot of bully romances, but I LOVE everything that Gemma writes so I went for it. As soon as I finished, I asked Gemma when the second part was coming out because its just that good. The complex relationship between Tallulah and Carrigan is heartbreaking and fascinating all in one swoop. Then Arlo comes into the mix and just throws a massive twist into it all. I honestly cannot say enough good about this book. Just warning, this book does end in a MASSIVE cliffhanger!
Carrigan and Tallulah are twins, but they aren't your typical twins. The will from their grandfather leaves one twin a fortune, and the other one with the title of The Spare. One twin is the princess of the school, the popular one that everyone wants to friend. The other twin is invisible and unknown to everyone around her, yet used to make sure that her sister stays on top.
Arlo is from "old money" and is the catch that the family wants. A marriage between the two families solidifies what the will wanted accomplished. However, when he notices that things are not what they seem, he throws a massive wrench into the plan.
This book. This book seriously tore me apart. The emotions that you feel from every part of this book are crazy. I haven't read a lot of bully romances, but I LOVE everything that Gemma writes so I went for it. As soon as I finished, I asked Gemma when the second part was coming out because its just that good. The complex relationship between Tallulah and Carrigan is heartbreaking and fascinating all in one swoop. Then Arlo comes into the mix and just throws a massive twist into it all. I honestly cannot say enough good about this book. Just warning, this book does end in a MASSIVE cliffhanger!
March 26, 2020
Oh my god!!! that damn ending nearly destroyed me, I need more from Arlo and Tallulah!! Gemma is an amazing writer, she brings the story to life and sucks the reader into the storyline. Bully romances are a big thing at the moment, but it was refreshing to have a different style of a bully romance, it was unexpected.
My heart broke for Tallulah, especially when she was calling her self the spare. I couldn't believe that she was able to stay hidden for so long!! Her parents are dicks and her twin Carrigan what a total bitch!! seriously would love for someone to knock some sense into her. As the story progresses, it amazing watching Tallulah break out from her twin's shadow and start to see her develop into her own person.
Arlo, where to start. The first scene with Tallulah how she didn't deck him. I've got no idea. He's feels trapped just as much as Tallulah does with his father. Then probarly does the worst thing ever to Tallulah and puts her in the firing line of her parents and sister. Arlo starts to have feelings toward Tallulah but ends up blackmailing her as well.
That ending though completely blew my mind, I need part two like now!! This book is defintely a must read!!
My heart broke for Tallulah, especially when she was calling her self the spare. I couldn't believe that she was able to stay hidden for so long!! Her parents are dicks and her twin Carrigan what a total bitch!! seriously would love for someone to knock some sense into her. As the story progresses, it amazing watching Tallulah break out from her twin's shadow and start to see her develop into her own person.
Arlo, where to start. The first scene with Tallulah how she didn't deck him. I've got no idea. He's feels trapped just as much as Tallulah does with his father. Then probarly does the worst thing ever to Tallulah and puts her in the firing line of her parents and sister. Arlo starts to have feelings toward Tallulah but ends up blackmailing her as well.
That ending though completely blew my mind, I need part two like now!! This book is defintely a must read!!
March 29, 2020
Honestly I just don't know where to start.. This book has had me glued from the outset. Is it so wrong to love a charcter but hate them so much too? In this modern day Cinderella story her Prince charming isn't all he seems.
Arlo, Arlo.... How can you do this to her? I want to love you for helping her come out of the shadows. But I hate you for how you are making this happen.
Tally, I am so sorry. I love that you are now free from the shadows but the cost is way too much.
This book had me turning pages and not wanting to stop. I need book two like today. I need to know if all will be OK. Will her family win or will Arlo stop being a dick and see what he is doing.
I love Olly and Fitz they are such great side charcters. The way they show their concerns make my heart melt. I also hope that Greg lives up to his promise and can help Tally, especially after that ending.
It has been so good to see a diffrent side to Gemma Weir's writing. It is not all hot dirty bikers. This has such a diffrent feeling to it. I love that she has embrassed this side and shown some diversity in her stories.
Arlo, Arlo.... How can you do this to her? I want to love you for helping her come out of the shadows. But I hate you for how you are making this happen.
Tally, I am so sorry. I love that you are now free from the shadows but the cost is way too much.
This book had me turning pages and not wanting to stop. I need book two like today. I need to know if all will be OK. Will her family win or will Arlo stop being a dick and see what he is doing.
I love Olly and Fitz they are such great side charcters. The way they show their concerns make my heart melt. I also hope that Greg lives up to his promise and can help Tally, especially after that ending.
It has been so good to see a diffrent side to Gemma Weir's writing. It is not all hot dirty bikers. This has such a diffrent feeling to it. I love that she has embrassed this side and shown some diversity in her stories.
April 2, 2020
Tallulah is the younger twin to Carrigan, almost completely identical, except for the eyes. Since Carrigan is the heir, with Tallulah being the spare, no one really gives a flying fig about Tallulah. Carrigan is the popular one, keeping her image perfect, but you already know that image has a mean kicker added in. Arlo has been told that he needed to marry one of those twins, but until this story, he didn't even realize Carrigan had a twin, which basically makes her life a living hell from then on out. I wanted to set Arlo on fire for much of this story, even when they started catching feelings, though Arlo would do anything but cop to it, like I mean I called him so many names of the colorful metaphor variety, it wasn't even funny, or maybe it was because I can turn a phrase when name calling. That ending?! Yeah, I'm dying inside for the next part because I need to know how it all plays out! Part of my wants Tallulah to pull a Carrie situation at Prom out of her bag, but you know, that's just me. This is a totally original bully story by the highly talented Gemma Weir so hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 2, 2020
Tallulah Archibald... The Spare. Carrigan Archibald... The Heir.
Tallulah is the forgotten twin. The one no one cares about. The one that simply does not play a role in this huge play of rich families, inheritance, arranged partnerships & marriages.
Within the fight of who is the top family, the ones you want to from allegiances with, the power plays... Tallulah is nothing, apart from a way to ensure that Carrigan gets it all. The one to ensure Carrigan gets those top grades.
But what happens when she is thrust into the light and starts to be acknowledged: what happens then?
Arlo is a brilliant character. Ruthless. Determined to get exactly what HE wants, regardless of what or who is in his way. His father wants him to be a part of the Archibald family, yet Arlo cannot stand the one he’s meant to be partnered up with...
I loved this story. I loved these characters. There was some amazing tension. The angst levels were high!!
But it’s a cliffy.... and my word I cannot wait for book two!!!
Every book Gemma Weir writes her writing just gets better and better! This is going to be such a good series!!!
5 Stars
Lou
4TLOR
Tallulah is the forgotten twin. The one no one cares about. The one that simply does not play a role in this huge play of rich families, inheritance, arranged partnerships & marriages.
Within the fight of who is the top family, the ones you want to from allegiances with, the power plays... Tallulah is nothing, apart from a way to ensure that Carrigan gets it all. The one to ensure Carrigan gets those top grades.
But what happens when she is thrust into the light and starts to be acknowledged: what happens then?
Arlo is a brilliant character. Ruthless. Determined to get exactly what HE wants, regardless of what or who is in his way. His father wants him to be a part of the Archibald family, yet Arlo cannot stand the one he’s meant to be partnered up with...
I loved this story. I loved these characters. There was some amazing tension. The angst levels were high!!
But it’s a cliffy.... and my word I cannot wait for book two!!!
Every book Gemma Weir writes her writing just gets better and better! This is going to be such a good series!!!
5 Stars
Lou
4TLOR
March 24, 2020
Wow! I did not expect to feel so much sorrow with this book, i absolute adore it. I love how this was written, it just flowed so effortlessly, so beautiful. Every chapter pulled me in and then it ended, i was so enthralled in this story that i didnt stop reading or even realise how much time had gone by.
Tallulah suffers silently. She is a ghost in her school. Starved of any love from her family. No friends. Isolated from everyone and everything her family is involved in. She is exhausted, going through the motions of what she is to do every day. Sadly the title of this book is so true for poor Tally.
It is not all sadness though. Arlo comes in and yes his attentions are not in Tallys favour but he sees her, when no one else does. And boy does she get fiesty with Arlo, i loved that Tally started to show who she is and that she doesnt have to pretend with Arlo now.
That ending killed me though. My heart broke for Tally. She deserves so much love. The anticipation for the next book is gonna drive me mad. This griped my heart. Another remakable story from Gemma.
Tallulah suffers silently. She is a ghost in her school. Starved of any love from her family. No friends. Isolated from everyone and everything her family is involved in. She is exhausted, going through the motions of what she is to do every day. Sadly the title of this book is so true for poor Tally.
It is not all sadness though. Arlo comes in and yes his attentions are not in Tallys favour but he sees her, when no one else does. And boy does she get fiesty with Arlo, i loved that Tally started to show who she is and that she doesnt have to pretend with Arlo now.
That ending killed me though. My heart broke for Tally. She deserves so much love. The anticipation for the next book is gonna drive me mad. This griped my heart. Another remakable story from Gemma.
March 30, 2020
She's the ghost of a girl that's precious to the family name.
She is almost invisible. No one knows she exists and that's the way her family want it kept.
Will anyone ever truly see her?
Oh my gosh I totally and utterly fell in love with this book!
My heart cried for her, she deserves so much more than the life she leads.
So many secrets and lies, I wanted to free her from them all, and keep her frequent visitors pain and punishment at bay.
My heart ached for her it really did.
Then he saw her and my first instinct was to jump for joy but then I remembered the genre of the book and I knew it wouldn't be as simple as that.
Arlo is blinded by her. She's not only beautiful, but unique and the key to everything.
He's a fantastic character, and is exactly what I would expect an entitled young man to be.
Both the cover and the blurb brought me to this book as I've not read Gemma Weir before, but I'm mighty glad I trusted my first opinion as this is truly a gem!
She is almost invisible. No one knows she exists and that's the way her family want it kept.
Will anyone ever truly see her?
Oh my gosh I totally and utterly fell in love with this book!
My heart cried for her, she deserves so much more than the life she leads.
So many secrets and lies, I wanted to free her from them all, and keep her frequent visitors pain and punishment at bay.
My heart ached for her it really did.
Then he saw her and my first instinct was to jump for joy but then I remembered the genre of the book and I knew it wouldn't be as simple as that.
Arlo is blinded by her. She's not only beautiful, but unique and the key to everything.
He's a fantastic character, and is exactly what I would expect an entitled young man to be.
Both the cover and the blurb brought me to this book as I've not read Gemma Weir before, but I'm mighty glad I trusted my first opinion as this is truly a gem!
April 1, 2020
Christ on a cracker!!
I can't breath 🤯
How?
Gawd
Why?
I started this after dinner figuring I could finish it on the 'morrow
I couldn't put it down!
No joke
I walked while reading
I had to know
The clincher? Spares are real.
Tallulah, honey, I'm so flipping sorry
Arlo, I know you don't see the whole picture
It's easy to be blind to the pain others are enduring when your world is so easily manipulated to satisfy your wants
But open your eyes!
You just delivered a death sentence on an innocent!
Olly, I hope you can save her
Mom, I hope you choke on your champagne
Dad, you... I have no words for
And Carrigan dear
May you rot in the he ll you've created
I am not going to recap the blurb
I will tell you that you need to set yourself up
Uninterrupted reading space - preferably a closed door
A pillow to scream into
A stress ball so you don't crack the reader screen
Some tissue when you feel your heart cracking
A reading light so you don't get lost in the darkness
Patience - lots of patience
Why?
Because this ends on a bloody big cliffhanger!
I can't breath 🤯
How?
Gawd
Why?
I started this after dinner figuring I could finish it on the 'morrow
I couldn't put it down!
No joke
I walked while reading
I had to know
The clincher? Spares are real.
Tallulah, honey, I'm so flipping sorry
Arlo, I know you don't see the whole picture
It's easy to be blind to the pain others are enduring when your world is so easily manipulated to satisfy your wants
But open your eyes!
You just delivered a death sentence on an innocent!
Olly, I hope you can save her
Mom, I hope you choke on your champagne
Dad, you... I have no words for
And Carrigan dear
May you rot in the he ll you've created
I am not going to recap the blurb
I will tell you that you need to set yourself up
Uninterrupted reading space - preferably a closed door
A pillow to scream into
A stress ball so you don't crack the reader screen
Some tissue when you feel your heart cracking
A reading light so you don't get lost in the darkness
Patience - lots of patience
Why?
Because this ends on a bloody big cliffhanger!
April 11, 2020
I personally didn't think I was going to fall in love with this story as it was way out of my normal reads, but I opened up my eyes and gave it a try and holy mother of pearls do I love it, I more then love it. I cannot wait for Spare part 2 like How could Gemma leave the story off like she did. Glad she did because hello book hangover. Arlo and Tally I love these names such rich people names in my eyes anyways. They i believe have a secret love that will hopefully bloom more right now I loved that Arlo is the knight in shinning armor that Tally needed to get out from her parents and sister. Twins who knew right. This story will blow your mind and make for a fast easy to read story. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough I know this is one I need to own in paperback that's for sure. Tally has become my fav female character of the year. Arlo is just this alpha in training but I have a feeling it will come out more and more in the next story. The 2 person POV also blew my mind I loved it being told in 2 different eyes it made the story come to life. MUST READ
April 2, 2020
This is number 10 of the Gemma Wier books and I have read them all they are all great but I think henna has out done herself with this one it's like Romeo and Juliet meets Cinderella meets beauty and the beast lol. I have a lot of high school bully books but this different where as normally it's girl meets not his is nasty they fall in love hea the end lol henna has changed it around they hate each other end of.
Tally is the spare a twin to her sister carigon who stand to inherite a small fortune as long as she follows the rules set out for her. This alone made me giggle it's so over the top but actually I can see being so real. Arlo is the lead male a total snake but I think he has a soft spot deep down that he lives well by being a total tool.
This has a cliff hanger fair warning. I'm so gutted about this in itching for part to right now. Can't wait to see what lies in store for the Archibald and the Lexingtons.
Tally is the spare a twin to her sister carigon who stand to inherite a small fortune as long as she follows the rules set out for her. This alone made me giggle it's so over the top but actually I can see being so real. Arlo is the lead male a total snake but I think he has a soft spot deep down that he lives well by being a total tool.
This has a cliff hanger fair warning. I'm so gutted about this in itching for part to right now. Can't wait to see what lies in store for the Archibald and the Lexingtons.
April 8, 2020
The Archibald’s have a huge test in regards to money. A will was set in place that all money will go to the first born grandchild. And that grandchild turns out to be an identical twin which has been kept out of site her whole life. Why you may ask well the money of course. It brings the worst out in people and this family of Archibald’s is the worst. The first born walks around with her head held high to good for everyone else but in the background her twin has to keep her sisters GPA at 4.0 or this money will not become theirs. Also a chosen list of boys to marry and what college to attend. Well all this has worked out perfectly so far until Arlo comes in and shakes up the family by finding out about these twins that have been kept secret. Arlo is supposed to marry twin #1 but hates everything she is about. How the tables will turn for the Archibald’s once Arlo steps in and ruins everything. How far will a family go to keep this secret and getting what they want.
April 3, 2020
Wow what can I say, but Gemma has done it again.
From the very beginning this story pulled me in and I just loved the characters. The story is undoubtedly amazing and if not Gemma’s best work.
Everything about the characters kept me hooked and captivated, they were easy to read and feel like you was there with them in the story. Tallulah and Arlo are brilliant characters and I enjoyed the journey they took. The secondary characters were just as brilliant and some I just wanted to punch massively.
Gemma has produced a story that is unique and different and one that not only captivates you but has you screaming at the story, especially at the very end. I honestly can’t wait for book two to find out what happens in the story. I’m praying for HEA for these characters. Amazing 5 ⭐️ read, one everyone will love.
From the very beginning this story pulled me in and I just loved the characters. The story is undoubtedly amazing and if not Gemma’s best work.
Everything about the characters kept me hooked and captivated, they were easy to read and feel like you was there with them in the story. Tallulah and Arlo are brilliant characters and I enjoyed the journey they took. The secondary characters were just as brilliant and some I just wanted to punch massively.
Gemma has produced a story that is unique and different and one that not only captivates you but has you screaming at the story, especially at the very end. I honestly can’t wait for book two to find out what happens in the story. I’m praying for HEA for these characters. Amazing 5 ⭐️ read, one everyone will love.
April 2, 2020
Well WOW, just WOW - I don't know what to say - what a great book.
A fictional-horrific look into the mega-rich, two twin girls ae used as pawns to get possession of an huge amount of money, an inheritance, that has been left to the older twin, Carrigan (by three minutes), if she manages to finish school and university with marks suitable, as stated in the will, left by the grandfather and she must marry a man, previously chosen as suitable. The younger sister, Tallulah, is used by the family to further their agenda, but is dismissed and forgotten most of the time - only brought out when needed, essentially a ghost.
Things go further awry, when the chosen 'husband', Arlo, comes upon the younger twin, quite by accident, comes up with a plan, to throw the plans of her family out the window - not caring how this will impact Tallulah's life, but then again - he is obscenely wealthy too.
A fictional-horrific look into the mega-rich, two twin girls ae used as pawns to get possession of an huge amount of money, an inheritance, that has been left to the older twin, Carrigan (by three minutes), if she manages to finish school and university with marks suitable, as stated in the will, left by the grandfather and she must marry a man, previously chosen as suitable. The younger sister, Tallulah, is used by the family to further their agenda, but is dismissed and forgotten most of the time - only brought out when needed, essentially a ghost.
Things go further awry, when the chosen 'husband', Arlo, comes upon the younger twin, quite by accident, comes up with a plan, to throw the plans of her family out the window - not caring how this will impact Tallulah's life, but then again - he is obscenely wealthy too.
March 31, 2020
Not my usual sort of read at all. Which is why I’m amazed I’ve enjoyed it so much.
I usually steer clear of books with teen/ young adult characters but this I enjoyed.
Having read books by Gemma since the very start I feel they get better with every book.
I can’t imagine being the main character in this story, Tallulah is spare the one the family didn’t account for or want.
She’s pushed and pulled around by her family and invisible to her peers at the prestigious school she attends.
No one knows she’s there, always covering for her sister Carrigan.
Until Arlo catches on that there is two of them at the school. His rich family have connection’s with the twins and the story starts to unravel.
The push and pull and flowing words make this a story you devour.
It does end on a pretty big cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
I usually steer clear of books with teen/ young adult characters but this I enjoyed.
Having read books by Gemma since the very start I feel they get better with every book.
I can’t imagine being the main character in this story, Tallulah is spare the one the family didn’t account for or want.
She’s pushed and pulled around by her family and invisible to her peers at the prestigious school she attends.
No one knows she’s there, always covering for her sister Carrigan.
Until Arlo catches on that there is two of them at the school. His rich family have connection’s with the twins and the story starts to unravel.
The push and pull and flowing words make this a story you devour.
It does end on a pretty big cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
April 3, 2020
The Spare by Gemma Weir is Part One in The Kings & Queens of St Augustus Series. This is the story of Tallulah 'Tallys 'Archibald . Tallulah is a twin to her sister Carrigan. Carrigan who is the oldest twin by three minutes or so is the one that everyone sees. Carrigan is the one that has to meet certain requirements to get the much wanted inheritance. Tallulah knows and feels she is just the unseen spare left to the shadows. Arlo father has plans for him that Arlo doesn't want but his father is not giving him much choice. While Tallulah hangs in the shadow of her twin, she finds that she can't hide from Arlo. This is a bully type romance so there will be some upsetting scene along with Arlo not being the most likable main male character. This book does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment of their story.
March 27, 2020
This book! My god this book is everything I never knew I wanted! I'm not typically a teen romance fan, but this one has changed my opinion on them. I was hooked right from the beginning and couldn't put it down! It will make you feel All.The.Emotions! My heart breaks for Tally, It angers over the Archibald clan, it wants to take Fitzy and Greg and squeeze them tight, and it's a rollercoaster of emotion for Arlo. Arlo makes you want to cheer him on and then smack him upside the head. It does end on a cliffhanger that has me on the edge of my seat, i cannot wait until the second part! I will impatiently stalk Gemmas page until we get a release date, because I need to get my hands on part 2 as soon as possible! Fantastic job, please keep writing all the books!
April 2, 2020
Tallulah has always known that when it comes to her twin sister Carrington she comes a very distant second. Her only purpose when it comes to her family is to ensure that she does whatever is necessary to ensure that her sister inherits their grandfather’s estate and what she wants doesn’t matter.
Arlo has lived an entitled life and has always gotten whatever he wants. Being coerced into marriage with Carrington is not part of his plan as he is no one’s pawn even if Tallulah becomes collateral damage.
The characters are compelling, the story is captivating and the emotions that it raises all lead up to a cliffhanger that leaves you wondering what the future has in store for this couple.
Arlo has lived an entitled life and has always gotten whatever he wants. Being coerced into marriage with Carrington is not part of his plan as he is no one’s pawn even if Tallulah becomes collateral damage.
The characters are compelling, the story is captivating and the emotions that it raises all lead up to a cliffhanger that leaves you wondering what the future has in store for this couple.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 84 reviews