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Carrie Elks
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Strictly The Worst (The Salinger Brothers Book 5) Kindle Edition

by Carrie Elks (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,624 ratings
Enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity collide in this sizzling romantic comedy set on a lush tropical island.

Linc Salinger and I have nothing in common. He’s a smooth PR executive; I’m his disciplined office rival.

And he’s just stolen the project I’ve been working on for months.

After tough negotiation I manage to bargain my way back on, but there’s a catch. We have to travel to a tropical island and present to the client together.

Sharing a beach cottage with only one bed, we plan to stay professional. But the island's magic starts to thaw our animosity, sparking unexpected chemistry. Every laugh and touch intensifies our connection.

It’s obvious there’s no future between us.

He’s a confirmed player. And I’m a single mom with a teenage daughter and a home that’s falling down around us.

So I make a bargain with myself. A few nights of pleasure in paradise and then we’ll head back to New York and pretend this never happened.

We can go back to being at each other's throats the way we always have.

The only problem is, Linc doesn’t seem to get the office memo…
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  1. Book 5 of 6
    The Salinger Brothers
  2. Print length
    332 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 31, 2024
  6. File size
    2.2 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 6 books in this series.

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Popular Highlights in this book
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  1. “No. And do me a favor. When you’re older, if a guy takes you to dinner or gives you a gift, remember you don’t owe him anything either.”
    Highlighted by 125 Kindle readers
  2. “I get that,” I tell her. “I really do. She’s number one in your life. She should be.” Her eyes meet mine. “You deserve to be number one in somebody’s life.” “I’ll take second place if it means I get to be with you.”
    Highlighted by 107 Kindle readers
  3. “I want to have children with you,” I blurt out. Because I’m sure of it. I want it all. He kisses my jaw, my cheek, then my lips. “Ditto.”
    Highlighted by 95 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

I'm lost in her

Strictly The Worst Carrie Elks

And I don't want to be found

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CRRPHWDB
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 31, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 5 of 6 ‏ : ‎ The Salinger Brothers
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,624 ratings

About the author

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Carrie Elks

Carrie Elks

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Carrie Elks writes contemporary romance with a sizzling edge. Her first book, Fix You, has been translated into eight languages and made a surprise appearance on Big Brother in Brazil. Luckily for her, it wasn’t voted out. Carrie lives with her husband, two lovely children and a larger-than-life black pug called Plato. When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found baking, drinking an occasional (!) glass of wine, or chatting on social media.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
2,624 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, with one mentioning it kept them engaged throughout. They appreciate the character development, with one review highlighting the wonderful brother relationships. The story receives positive feedback for its romance, with one customer noting how the characters blended their lives together beautifully.

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ReadabilityCharacter developmentStory qualityRomance
11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, with one mentioning it kept them engaged throughout.

"...Great read. Great series." Read more

"...exception of a few grammatical and punctuation errors, this book was an enjoyable read...." Read more

"This series has been a joy to read but one more Salinger book to go and I can’t wait to read Brooks story" Read more

"...Lincoln was such a great MC with tons of charisma and charm. His acceptance, his fear and the way he loves just hits your heart...." Read more

5 customers mention "Character development"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer highlighting the wonderful brother relationships and another noting how the Salinger men are amazing.

"These Salinger men are amazing. Despite having a poor role model for a dad, they have all co.e to value relationships Tessa and !..." Read more

"...Lincoln was such a great MC with tons of charisma and charm. His acceptance, his fear and the way he loves just hits your heart...." Read more

"...I absolutely loved the characters in this story...." Read more

"...He wasn’t selfish, arrogant and a playboy. He’s a caring gentleman who truly sees people for who they are...." Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with one customer highlighting the engaging banter between the Salinger brothers, while another mentions the perfect conclusion to an incredible narrative.

"...There was lots of tension, fun steamy scenes and plenty of good ‘ole Salinger Bros banter. Highly recommend!" Read more

"So I hate to say it, but it's the least favorite. It's was a lovely cute story, but Linc definitely got a horrible storyline compared to the rest of..." Read more

"...It was the perfect conclusion to an incredible story, leaving me both satisfied and eager for more...." Read more

"...Kind, strong and caring...." Read more

3 customers mention "Romance"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book, with one review highlighting the exciting backdrop to the unfolding romance, while another notes the beautifully written relationship development and fun steamy scenes.

"...All in all this was a 10/10. There was lots of tension, fun steamy scenes and plenty of good ‘ole Salinger Bros banter. Highly recommend!" Read more

"...The way their personalities played off each other added a rich dynamic that kept me engaged throughout the book...." Read more

"...They fell into a beautiful rhythm and blended their lives together beautifully! Linc, I think, is the swooniest of the brothers so far!..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Pumpkin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner in a beautiful series
    Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    These Salinger men are amazing. Despite having a poor role model for a dad, they have all co.e to value relationships Tessa and !Linc both are saddled with baggage from childhood or past relationships, competing work issues and the joys of home renovations and having g a tee aged. However, they do d ways to deal with all of that and Finn d their HEA. Great read. Great series.
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  • Y-Factor
    4.0 out of 5 stars Linc was a revelation
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    With the exception of a few grammatical and punctuation errors, this book was an enjoyable read.

    I liked both Linc and Tessa's characters, although Tessa's narrow view of motherhood - no fun, no love life - was somewhat annoying at times.

    The author's ability to tell a story pulled me in and kept me glued to my Kindle screen.

    Linc's character appeared in previous books and I did not think that I will like him but his personality in this, his own book, was a pleasant surprise - he is different from the Linc I expected him to be. I also liked how he stood up for Tessa, not allowing anyone to put her down.

    Carrie Elks will definitely be added to my favorite authors list.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This series has been a joy to read but one more Salinger book to go and I can’t wait to read Brooks story
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  • Tiffany McQuay
    5.0 out of 5 stars That Island Magic!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was so good I lost sleep over it because I literally couldn’t put it down until I had read the entire thing. I’ve loved all of the previous Salinger Bros. books, but Lincoln and Tessa’s story might just be my favorite so far.

    Some fun Tropes to Expect:

    Enemies to Lovers
    Single Mom
    Forced Proximity
    Office Rivals
    Only One Bed
    He Falls First

    Lincoln and Tessa have insta chemistry. What starts out as a rivalry turns into some fantastic tension. Linc doesn’t like Tessa simply because she seemed to take an instant dislike to him from Day 1. Tessa doesn’t hate Linc, but she resents how things seem to come so easily to him while she fights for every bit of advancement or credit. The one thing neither of them could deny was they were also both attracted to one another. All of that tension comes to a head when they are both sent to make a pitch to a client on a gorgeous island resort. A beautiful setting with of course only one bed soon leads to more, but what happens when they go back to reality?

    I absolutely loved watching Lincoln and Tess fall in love. They both were struggling with lots of internal baggage, but somehow they always clearly saw one another for who they were. Lincoln was such a great MC with tons of charisma and charm. His acceptance, his fear and the way he loves just hits your heart. Tessa was a fabulously strong FC who discovers that sometimes you have to trust and take a leap in order to accept your own happiness. I was shipping these two the entire book!

    All in all this was a 10/10. There was lots of tension, fun steamy scenes and plenty of good ‘ole Salinger Bros banter. Highly recommend!
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  • Jet
    3.0 out of 5 stars Cute but missed the mark
    Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    So I hate to say it, but it's the least favorite. It's was a lovely cute story, but Linc definitely got a horrible storyline compared to the rest of the brothers. It kinda just seemed all little thrown together.
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  • Steffi Marvin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enemies-to-lovers story that surprised me in the best way possible!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Carrie Elks has done it again with Strictly the Worst, another fabulous addition to the Salinger series! As the fifth book in the series, this enemies-to-lovers story surprised me in the best way possible. Normally, I wouldn't gravitate towards a story like this, single mother and slightly younger male lover intrest, but my love for the Salinger series drew me in, and this book did not disappoint.

    I absolutely loved the characters in this story. Their relationship development was beautifully written, showing growth as they navigated their feelings. The way their personalities played off each other added a rich dynamic that kept me engaged throughout the book. Additionally, seeing snippets of characters from previous books intertwined in this story is a favorite detail of mine.

    As a New Yorker, I appreciated how this book was set more in Manhattan, adding a familiar and exciting backdrop to the unfolding romance. Although it wasn't as spicy as Strictly Not Yours (still spice tho), the humor and wit of the Salinger brothers had me smiling and laughing. I'm so obsessed with all the Salinger brothers and their character development, and this book was no exception.

    💥semi SPOILER ALERT💥

    The epilogue and bonus epilogue were by far my favorite parts! I couldn't sleep after finishing because reading about the characters' futures kept my mind racing. It was the perfect conclusion to an incredible story, leaving me both satisfied and eager for more.

    I'm seriously excited for Brooks' story, but knowing that the series will soon be over makes me sad. I'm beyond excited to read the final installment, even though it means saying goodbye to my favorite series.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • KatReadsRomance
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Salinger Brothers Rule!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 31, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    OMD, Linc and Tessa are chef’s kiss together! Though I doubt she’s that much older than Linc, I love that Tessa is older and holding her own. It’s a lovely story.

    I really love this series and now onto brother Brooks, the last Salinger to fall…
    Report
  • Mumma Bee
    5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 7, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A feel good book with a bit of spice - possibly a bit more drama needed? No third act break up which was nice but the story peaked around 3/4’s of the way through. I thought more was going to happen involving Jared but he seemed to get forgotten. One thing I couldn’t understand which knocked off the half star…Tessa was an older woman, and this was a big theme in the book but it turned out Linc was only 3 years younger? I actually like that there wasn’t much of an age gap but this was not what the story suggested. I thought maybe Linc was late twenties and Tessa late thirties…maybe it’s the life experience making the “gap”. Still an excellent read though and a good buffer book to have in-between the more intense reads! Will miss the Salinger brothers!
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  • T P
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book!
    Reviewed in Germany on August 5, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I'm not going to spoil the story but I couldn't put this book down. I love the whole Salinger series, this one is no exception. And I was super happy to see them all together in the bonus epilogue.
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  • Romance-reader71
    5.0 out of 5 stars Linc and Tessa’s story
    Reviewed in Australia on August 16, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Linc and Tessa work together. He gets dropped onto her beloved project right at the end and it messes with her career more than she can accept. So she decides to travel with him to pitch in person.
    Everything changes for them both while they’re away.
    I couldn’t put it down!
    Report
  • Laurareilly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love in the small moments
    Reviewed in Canada on August 18, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The thing I love about Carrie’s writing is that she incorporates the small, quiet moments where love grows in her writing. Sometimes I’m reading a book and the characters admit they love each other and I think, “since when?” But with Carrie you can see it grow and I love that so much!
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