Asia
4.75/5
You've done it again, Chloe. Another beautiful book. I loved that.
I cried, laughed, giggled, sniffled, and had my heart broken and healed by this book. The complexity of Aiden and Freya's relationship, their failing and healing, the hard work they took together was so sad and beautiful. I loved the journey they went on and I'm so happy that they were able to pull through and heal.
Both Freya and Aiden were amazing. Both as a couple and as individual characters. I was frustrated with both of them at times and cheered them on. I love how committed they were to working things out and healing. How much work it took but they never stopped. Even when they claimed to give up, they never did and I loved it.
I love the second chance romance and this one was beautiful. I loved how all of the brothers embraced Aiden and loved him as one of their own, and that Aiden finally believed them. I loved that both Freya and Aiden had support from their family and friends, and finally, each other.
I think the only thing I didn't like was the third act breakup (honestly, Chloe, when I hit the 90% mark I don't want to read about them breaking up. Is this necessary? Especially that it lasted only a chapter (and only a few hours in the story) and the lack of Aiden's anxiety after his necklace from Freya was lost. I was expecting more of the “I can't believe I lost it, my chest feels bare” type of feelings but it wasn't even mentioned until the anniversary which is odd since he loved it so much. But I'm happy with the new one!
I don't know if I loved this story more than Frankie and Ren's. They were both very different but I enjoyed both. I'm interested to read the rest of the books and learn about the rest of the siblings.
4.75/5
I LOVED it. It was so much better than book 1, I loved almost everything about it. The autistic character and the challenges she faces with her autism and chronic pain. The guy who loves her for who she is, who tries so hard. I loved it.
The stupid nicknames they were trying were hilarious. I loved how much Ren loved Frankie since the beginning and how he never gave up. Their growth was amazing, both as characters and as a couple. The relationship was sweet and realistic and I loved it.
I LOVED the part where she got her period and he took care of her. The fact that HE was the virgin in this relationship? Amazing. I loved that he was waiting for the right person and it was with her.
The other thing that I love, that was also in the first book, is when the characters says the title of the book to the person they loved. As Ren told Frankie that it was always only her for him. I love it, it makes the book more special.
What I didn't love is the third act breakup - AT 93%. WHY SO LATE?? and the time ship in the next paragraph? 3 weeks??? No!! I hated that! If it wasn't for that, this book would be 5 stars for me.
4/5
I liked it. I didn't love it but I enjoyed it.
I think my issue with this book was that for a deaf guy, there was a lot of emphasis about what he can hear and that he communicated via texts. I was hoping for more sign language, ESPECIALLY from Willa. I wanted her to learn it for him, to be able to communicate with him. I didn't want them to rely on the texts all the time.
And then there was this issue with his surgery. He agreed, off page and then he could suddenly talk and hear everything? No, I didn't like it.
Also, Willa's mother. I hated how she acted. Firstly she didn't even tell Willa she was dying. she had no problem telling Ryder but she didn't even tell Willa - if it wasn't for Willa overhearing Joy's conversation with Ryder, she would have never known until it was too late because Joy was too much of a coward to tell her. And her behaviour toward Ryder was horrible. She forced him to speak, against his will, and was a mocking asshole throughout. I hated that so much. He deserved better.
Willa's habit of speaking out loud without realising it was annoying. Take a shot every time she said “Did I say it out loud?” And you'll get alcohol poisoning. So stupid. Her behaviour toward Ryder was hypocritical too. She hated him for keeping things from him, but she was a coward who never told him anything about her.
Other than that, I enjoyed the book. The dynamic between Willa and Ryder was fun and the sexual tension was so good. I liked it. And I loved how supportive Ryder was and how obsessed with her he was. Amazing.
2.75/5
This book was a failure. I didn't like it AT ALL.
The reason for the fake relationship was so bad, it felt forced. “Oh my best friend is in love with my ex boyfriend and even though I feel sick thinking about it I want them together. Oh, i know! I'm gonna kiss the first man I see on this corridor to convince her that I moved on! Even if I hate the idea of her and my ex being together!” And then she suddenly has no feelings for Jeremy and insists that she was never interested in him? No that was horrible.
Anh was a bad friend anyway. Firstly, falling i love with Olivia's boyfriend. And then forcing her in all those situations with Adam. And then it was all played for laughs. Just no.
I liked the characters sometimes but not all the time. Olivia was too bubbly and naive and Adam was too grumpy and quiet. It felt as though he had no agency whatsoever. He was doing what she wanted, never explaining his side of things. This book could use dual POV because we're stuck with Olivia and are forced to see her perspective without seeing Adam's. And it's boring and frustrating.
What the fuck was that sexual harassment at the end? It was a forced bullshit written only to introduce an unnecessary drama and conflict at the end. And it was sloppy and iffy. It was just there to force Adam and Olivia to break up, but it didn't serve any other purpose. Honestly, if it wasn't there, nothing would change. They could have broken up for any other reason and each one would be better than that.
And the resolution was horrible too. It was Olivia's friends to convinced her to report this guy. Olivia herself didn't have any change of feelings regarding her relationship with Adam. She didn't want to suddenly win him back or warn him about his friends. She was just convinced to tell the truth but it was like she didn't care if Adam believed her. it felt like she suddenly didn't want to lie anymore? It was weird. And quick. And this whole ‘breaking up and getting back together within 3 days' was unnecessary. Also, I didn't like the fact that they didn't even have time to talk about it; they just confessed their feelings without even talking about it properly. It was rushed and badly done.
I didn't like this book much. The writing was bad and the plot was weak. But there were a few moments I couldn't stop laughing and I even shed a tear at the end. And the epilogue was nice, a good comeback to how they got together.
The spice was good too. Amazing. i LOVED how into oral Adam was. “You said to do something I'm into.” His breath was hot against her. “I am.” and “I WANT TO GO DOWN ON YOU UNTIL YOU PASS OUT” EXCUSE ME??? THAT WAS HOT. I LOVED IT.
5/5
I loved it!! It was so wholesome!! Very well-written and poetic, I love this type of narration in a historical romance. The setting was delightful, the characters were amazing and the dialogue was clever.
The ending!!! I had a stray thought early on in the book “Imagine if...” but I ignored it immediately! And yet, here we are!
Simon is so stubborn but I loved him. I loved his realization that he loved Jane. And I loved that Jame realized while she was playing cards! And he wasn't even there! I LOVE it when the characters are doing something completely ordinary, something that has nothing at all to do with the other love interest and that's when the realization hits. It's so good, always.
Jane was so good too. Her humour and wit was amazing and I can see how she could charm Simon so well, without even trying.
THE RING!!! THE RING!!!! AGSVGSDFSGDBD I was hoping this would happen!! I loved it!!
I enjoyed this book and I loved it.
3.75/5
This book was interesting and I enjoyed it but didn't love it. I love accidental marriage and second chance romance but this book didn't scratch the itch.
The characters were bland. Nora was both over the top and boring and I have no idea how that's possible. Her catchphrases were corny and she tried to be not like other girls so much to the point of caricature.
Derek annoyed me with his constant “I love Nora but will make her life a living hell”, like come on dude. She was working her ass off trying to get you the deals and save your career and you played her like she was a pawn in your game. What's worse, he played with her career as well. No wonder she had dumped him at college. If he was so flippant now, I don't even want to know what he was like when they were younger.
One good thing: he redeemed himself. The way he protected her career later was nice and I liked it. I'm glad that they talked about their past and cleared the air. I hate the miscommunication trope. And a huge plus for the lack of the third-act breakup!. Instead, they talked and took a chance.
The writing wasn't my favourite. Some of the phrases were cringe and I hated seeing them. Some of the dialogue felt a bit wonky. The pacing was weird, sometimes it felt rushed, and the others, nothing was happening.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline for providing the ARC for an honest review.
4.5/5
I enjoyed this book the most. I love second chance romances and this one really delivered.
Both Olivia and Finn were so stubborn but I enjoyed them. I liked how Finn knew what Olivia was planning and he still didn't care and wanted to see where this was going and what she was going to do. Every plan she made backfired it was hilarious.
Finn was cocky but also extremely supportive. He was so obsessed with Liv, I loved it. He was the only person who not only read her papers, but also believed in her. I loved that they got their happy ending.
The scene where Liv was taking care of him was one of my favourites. And the way that he didn't even hesitate but told her that he wanted to buy a house for them? Iconic. I loved that.
He fucked up but redeemed himself and I loved Liv's realization at the end when she compared his situation to Cole's. And SHE TOOK THE GREEN PORSHE TO GET HIM BACK, YES. I LOVED THE ROLE REVERSAL HERE!!! AMAZING!
3.75/5
It was cute and I enjoyed it though I didn't love it.
It was interesting to see how Holden is different from what he seemed in the previous books. I thought that was the guy who never wanted to marry, or be in a relationship with someone. Instead, he's really into it. I liked him.
Sadie was an interesting character, though I usually don't like it when C has to be the one to give up her dream job and the life in a city for a guy. It's never a male character who temporarily returns to hometown and then decides to stay for the woman who stole his heart. Why is that?
That being said, I hate Miri or whatever her name is. “Don't be ashamed of using a sex toy but I WILL bring it up all the time, tell everyone AND drop your name on national TV, but don't be embarrassed!! But I love humiliating you!” Seriously? That running joke with a dildo wasn't funny at all. I was embarrassed just like Sadie was. Seriously I wouldn't even move to a town with people like that if that happened to me. No way. They can go fuck themselves with their jokes and whatever. Just no.
I liked how much Holden loved Sadie, ever since they were kids, BUT what I didn't like that memory he had. So Sadie had said something like “who would ever choose Holden if they could have his brothers?” And that stayed with Holden for the rest of his life. But then we only got 1 line of explanation that Sadie said it after Holden had been acting like a dick all summer. That's it? Jesus, with the way he's been thinking about this, I thought that she said it first and that's why he was an asshole to her. But no, SHE WANTED TO BE FRIENDS WITH HIM AND HE DECIDED TO BE A DICK. Ugh.
I LOVED how obsessed with her he was though. HE BUILT HER A TREEHOUSE AND A BAR AND USED HER WALLPAPER AND HE TOOK HER PAINTINGS WHEN SHE THREW THEM OUT AND HE WAS JUST SO SUPPORTIVE!
Another thing I didn't like was that whole groveling that wasn't. Seriously, she just saw him standing there and she took the blame? No! It's okay if a woman doesn't want to get married! Let's normalize it! You can still have a healthy and fulfilling and stable relationship without marriage. And YET she was away for maybe 2 weeks and she was so miserable she did the thing she hated the most and married him. And she proposed??? That was so out of nowhere! It was only 3 days after they reconciled and she was suddenly ready for marriage even though she wasn't?? Ughhhhhhhh that took me out.
While I liked the book, there were just some things I can't stand so it's not really a good fit for me lol. Hopefully Finn's story will be better!
4.25/5
Okay, yes, this book was better than the previous one. Nothing will be better that The Fake Out, but still. Wyatt was funny and confident (and I don't care what Stephanie says, I didn't picture him as a blond guy), and Hannah was determined and hardworking. I loved the confidence she gained and how she started living her life.
Her relationship with Wyatt was great, though I didn't like it at the beginning when he forced her to ask 10 different guys out, That was embarrassing lmao. But I'm glad that Hannah came out of her shell. He taught her surfing and I liked those scenes, especially when Wyatt grew closer to her and they became friends.
I loved Hannah's bookstore and how she renovated it with all of her friends. Her father was a jerk but that didn't stop Hannah and I'm glad. She deserved to be recognized and I'm so happy that Wyatt was there to help her and encourage her! I love the idea of only a romance bookstore AND THE FACT THAT IT'S CALLED PEMBERLEY BOOKSORE??? AMAZING. That scene where Emmet was reading a hockey romance to the whole group was hilarious.
The relationship was sweet. I don't usually like the love coach trope but it works here. And Wyatt, who doesn't like commitment was the first to fall. I love that and I love how obsessed he's with Hannah.
ALSO, HE READ PRIDE AND PREJUDICE FOR HER. BECAUSE IT WAS HER FAVOURITE BOOK. AND HE DIDN'T JUDGE HER, HE LIKE IT INSTEAD. I AM MELTING.
4/5
I was a decent book but I guess I expected more from Stephanie after reading Vancouver Sorm series. But this one was her first book so I get that this isn't as good.
The characters were good but there were too many plot holes for me. The fact that they didn't even rehearse their story in case people asked (and they did), the fact that Avery's best friend wasn't even told the fake version, nothing, and only brought it up after the engagement party, I didn't even know that Avery invited her mother until the day of the wedding. Also, did Avery ever get back to her old apartment to get her clothes? Toiletries? Furniture? Books? Laptop? Anything? We don't now. And it's stupid but I'd rather this was in the book haha.
I guess I just wanted something better thought out. The Fake Out, another fake dating book by Stephanie is much better, the story is more cohesive and better thought out. I guess the author learned a thing or two about writing fake dating romance and perhaps wrote some things as she should have in this book.
I didn't like the public engagement. It's a personal ick that I hate, so I wasn't a fan. I also hate when the couple gets engaged and/or married only a couple of days/weeks/months after the beginning of their relationship, I always think that there's no way the relationship can survive. Though I'm glad that the characters had chemistry in this book, otherwise it wasn't gonna fly.
I liked the characters. Emmet and Avery were cool, although sometimes Emmet was too stupid and cocky and impulsive, like the story about how he and Avery got together (Dude, just say you came to the restaurant, flirted, and she agreed to go out with you, there's no need to tell tales about saving lives lol) or him saying he doesn't wanna get married one chapter to proposing a fake marriage in the next one.
BUT he paid attention to what she liked and got her the things she'd love (the engagement ring?? earrings?? amazing).
The spice was fantastic though, I loved it. It worked for them and it was an enjoyable read.
1.5/5
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.
I didn't like it. The writing was weird at times - especially with all those abbreviations. Seriously you have a character say stuff like “OMG” instead of “Oh My God” in a dialogue and that isn't somehow caught by an editor? Come on now. Or at the very beginning “We didn't have any IRL contact these past six weeks” JUST SAY IN REAL LIFE, IT'S NOT HARD.
I hoped I'd like this book, but alas, I didn't enjoy that at all. Ted let Abbey believe that he's his own brother without ever correcting her and coming clean. And Abbey lied about being an actress and that led to all sorts of misunderstandings and errors and confusion. I hate lying about your own identity and that's what they both did to each other. They both have been cheated on by their long-term partners and decided the best thing to do was... lie to each other about who they are? And it's all swept under the rug like it's not a big deal.
And what about the ending? I HATE open endings where loose threads aren't dealt with and they make holes in the story. What happens with Dee's baby daddy? Where does Abbey live? Is Ted successful or is Roman still an issue? I need answers! Seriously, an epilogue would be enough to tie all those loose threads together into a cohesive and satisfying ending. And yet we've got nothing.
I did not like this book and if her other books are similar, I will not read anything else by this author. The writing was cringe at times, pacing was off, and while I love fake dating, this one was a disappointment.
4.5/5
I enjoyed it. Missed a lot of context since I haven't read the previous books in the series and was confused some of the time, but it was still fun!
Oh my God, Chase is so obsessed I LOVE THAT. I love a guy who calls the love of his life “his wife” when they're not even together yet. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. He was so obsessed with her, I loved that!
I completely understood Addie's anger and hurt at the beginning. I wasn't surprised that she didn't want to let him in his life, based on the information she had. Though imo she was way too forgiving toward her friend. Yeah, it was an accident, and she blocked him when they were drunk but IT HAS BEEN A YEAR! Are you telling me that throughout the year when Addie was complaining that Chase never responded to any of her texts, Avery never ONCE thought “oh, yeah, he can't respond because I blocked him”. What the hell? I don't believe that she didn't once remember.
I loved how all of her brothers (except for Levi) knew that Addie was with Chase and they didn't even bat an eye. They were all like “Knew that” and “Was that supposed to be a secret?” Amazing. What I DIDN'T like was Mabel live-streaming all of it and the entire city witnessing it. Killed a vibe a bit.
I also hated how overprotective Levi was. it was as though he wanted Addie to be alone for the rest of her life. Ugh I hate the overprotective older brother trope. Show me a supportive older brother trope instead!
I loved the writing. The banter. The character development. The dirty talk. Oh, the dirty talk was so good (I didn't care for “my baby girl”, but the rest was delicious). Spice was amazing. I enjoyed the story and how Chase and Addie got together at the end. And no third-act breakup! yay!
5/5
This was SO GOOD. The writing. The banter. The bickering. The character growth. The humor. EVERYTHING.
I loved it SO MUCH. Especially Sebastian's pet names for Sara. Little tornado for example. and then honey. I loved each and every one of them! His acts of service, like separating raisins because she didn't like them? THAT'S A DREAM GUY.
The spice was exquisite. “Strangle me for all I care. if I die, I die” SIR!! Holy shit!! I loved that! Every single thing was so well done and I loved it!!!
The conversation with her father. Basically all of the ceasefire and a break from work. I loved that. I loved how supportive Sebastian was and had Sara's back, when it came to her father, her illness, and everything. And the ending??? (SPOILER ALERT:) “I'll have to get a vasectomy because you don't want kids” EXCUSE ME??? God, I love him so much!
Everything was so good about this book, it's definitely one of my favourites. The banter was AMAZING and I loved how antagonistic they've been towards each other and how much they loved it.
1.5/5
It was like a bad wattpad fic: i cringed with every word and scene. I had to force myself to read it till the end.
The writing was atrocious, the dialogue (especially the dirty talk) felt forced and fake, and the entire story was stupid. It had a potential but holy shit that was bad.
The only thing I enjoyed was Maya surprising Theo with a sled ride for his birthday. And that's it.
Just to paint how bad it was: there was a guest house on the property where a bachelorette party (sex toys-themed bachelorette party) had been hosted weeks before the plot of the book began. Nobody was there to clean it, or to put away the toys, to even mop the floors, NOTHING. everything was still there, untouched, weeks later. And suddenly the MCs spend the night there, PICK UP THE TOYS FROM THE FLOOR AND USE THEM? WITHOUT EVEN WASHING THEM FIRST? They might have been gag gifts and props, but seriously? You're just gonna pick up a dildo from the floor - a dildo that's been lying there for WEEKS - and shove it inside just like that? Wtf.
And then there's a period scene. I seriously wonder if the author even knows how periods work. THERE'S BLOOD. ALWAYS. Especially if you have your female lead move sexy times into the shower because she got her period which implies blood... But then the next scene is the same female lead to go to sleep and then wake up in the morning to pee and then GO BACK TO BED NAKED. Do I have to spell it out? She wore NOTHING. No pad, no tampon, not even a freaking knickers. NOTHING. And SOMEHOW the bedsheets were pristine and bloodless. Ha. Does the author even know how periods work? Because I seriously doubt that.
And the ending was so forced too. FMC was scared to be in a long-distance relationship after watching her father gallivanting around the world while her mother stayed behind and had to raise the children alone. And when the possibility of being with someone who would always travel for the season arose, when other WAGS told her how they have to schedule their career and dreams and even the birth of their children around the season and their husbands' careers, and FMC called it quits - she was called a coward by her cousin and pressured into getting back with MMC by everyone around her. Piss off. That was a fucked up thing to do. And what, she was told she was a coward, and she suddenly wasn't scared to live like that? It was so STUPID!!!!
What a waste of time. I can't believe I haven't dnfed it. I'm kind of disgusted with myself for reading it, honestly. What trash, NEVER again. Why did I think that giving this author a chance after a previous book would be a good idea I will never know.
2.75/5
That was so weird. First, the ideas fr tiktok videos were cringy - especially the “licking ice cream from her belly”. Tiktok would ban this video faster than they could say “ice cream”. Second, the name of the shop, Sweet Cheeks was just weird. The tags and captions they used were also so cringy I was rolling my eyes the whole time.
I was expecting more things about the shop and Becca's finances. i mean her ex stole 20k from her and she was desperate for exposure to earn more money - I thought for sure that there would be more things about Becca worrying about her finances and paying her staff and paying rent, and how fast she could get more customers to pay for deliveries etc. I was hoping maybe she could monetize on tiktoks too to help, but there was nothing about it.
Also, the way the tikoks were being recorded was so weird too. It's like the author has no idea what has to be done before the video can be posted. They recorded the video and uploaded it straight away, and the only editing that was done was adding some music. Seriously? What about reshoots, or, you know, CUTTING OFF UNNECESSARY/PRIVATE MOMENTS? They recorded on the phone, not in the titok app. They recorded EVERYTHING instead of a few seconds at the time. And they posted it right away? There was no adding videos to drafts, they never recorded more than one video at the time so they could have few videos to schedule... No, they simply recorded on his phone, he sent her video, and then she added some music and posted it. Seriously? What about some editing? Ugh it was so stupid to read.
And the whole dad plot was so unnecessary. He said some cruel things to Gage and I actually applaued him for going no contact with his father - but then everyone tried to convince him otherwise. He doesn't have to forgive him if he doesn't want to! Also, the whole forgiving scene was done weird. His father offered him a job in a restaurant and Gage said no. But apparently a week later or so he's working there?? And said that he's working there a few times a week? Make up your mind, my dude.
Also, the epilogue. SPOILERS FOR THE EPILOGUE: WHY the hell would Gage move in with Becca? She lives above the ice cream shop! He apartment is tiny! His place is much bigger, with a bigger and better kitchen he's clearly using, more place, and is more comfortable! And they want to be crammed into a tiny apartment instead? makes zero sense whatsoever.
4,25/5
I enjoyed this book. I liked Kai since the previous book and Miller was so wild I liked her too. Max was the sweetest kid and the most precious too.
Kai loves being a dad so much, I love that for him! I love his banter with Miller and how much they flirt. They're both unhinged and they don't hide how much they're attracted to each other.
I liked how much Miller loved Max since the moment she started babysitting him. He was so attached to her since that first meeting in the elevator and I'm glad that he taught Miller to open up. Kai taught her stability and that's okay to stay in one place. And thanks to finding her family in them, she has finally understood her father. I liked reading how similar they were and how their paths mirror each other. Miller's character growth was beautiful to read about.
Kai became more relaxed, trusting, and open. I liked that Miller taught him to find joy and how to ask for help. He was so convinced that he wasn't the best dad, but he was. I liked his relationship with his brother too, and Monty. And I LOVED that Monty wasn't against Kai and Milelr being together whatsoever, he wasn't an overprotecting and overbearing father.
I LOVED seeing the characters from the previous books, but especially Ryan and Indy. Their relationship was so amazing and I loved how good friends they were with Kai. The wedding was beautiful and I'm glad that they were there!
I liked this book slightly more than Mile High, but nothing will beat The Right Move. That being said, I'm very excited for the next book, Play Along. Accidental wedding Vegas is one of my favourite tropes, and even though Isaiah annoyed me with his man-child behaviour, I'm excited for his book.
5/5
TBF It's not the full 5 stars, more like 4.90-4.95. I just can't give it a full 5 stars, but I can't give it 4.75 either. The ending dragged on and the third-act separation was unnecessary. SPOILER: they got together at the 70% mark and I was too anxious reading the remaining 30% because I knew something bad was going to happen to give it a full 5 stars. But I'm glad that they didn't do a full breakup - they just needed to think through stuff and decide their future, though they still considered they were both in the relationship. And I liked it, it took some of the sting away.
Ryan is the best brother ever and an even better book boyfriend. I loved him in the first book the most and now I love him even more He's sweet and thoughtful and AMAZING and I felt so bad for him when he was being fouled all the time in the game and the refs didn't care.
Indy was amazing. I loved her since the first book and I'm so glad that she ended up with Ryan! She was so messy and colorful and full of life, and she was the exact person Ryan needed. She brought hope and wildness to his life, letting him shed some of the control and letting him know it was okay not to be perfect all the time. He could be himself around her; she didn't care that he was famous, she wanted him for himself and he didn't have to put an act on around her and that was the most important thing.
I have so many notes on my phone gushing about both Ryan and Indy. The nickname (I love it when he guy has a nickname for his girl (especially before they're even together) and this one was amazing), the bookshelf, the bed, the ASL, the flowers, vegetarian meals, the coffee, the treatment, the care when she was sick (HE BRAIDED HER HAIR, I MELTED), the HOUSE. All of it is from Ryan. But he didn't need material things from Indy - what she gave him was more important than that. She made him more open and validated his needs. She let him be himself with no judgment or expectations. She planned the foundation, organized the team dinner, and made him believe that he was wanted and loved for who he was rather than who he thought he had to be.
While Ryan was adamant that Indy was the sensitive one, he was one too. He cried so many times during this book, and it was beautiful to see him coming to terms with his feelings, and not letting fears rule his life anymore. I loved the character development and the way they both complimented each other. While Indy spent her life taking care of everyone around her, Ryan took care of her and showed her she was wanted and loved for being herself - not for what she could do for others. I loved that.
Both Ryan and Indy's backstories were sad and in the case of Ryan, brutal and cruel. He deserved so much better and I'm glad that Indy was there to show him that. The way they both look out for one another is beautiful.
The spice in this book was excellent too. Hot and delicious, and it wasn't there just to make this book spicy. It was important for both their dynamic and growth. It was there to show them that they're both loved and wanted and what happened in the past doesn't have to define them now or in the future.
I'm very happy that Zanders and Stevie were a part of this book as well and the friendship between Zee and Ryan, and Vee and Blue were important parts of this book. I loved them in the previous one and I'm glad they're still around. The humor in this book was excellent, especially the “daily updates” and Stevie's reactions to them. It was so fun having them around and seeing how their relationship develops from the sidelines.
The epilogue was so wholesome and cute! I loved that and I loved that it was (somewhat?) realistic, given Indy's struggles. I loved how both families are still friends years into the future and I loved reading about all the wholesome additions to their lives.
I enjoyed the setup for the next book though I wish there was more of Kai in this book - I selfishly want more Vee, Zee, Indy, and Ryan in the future books as well. I'm excited for this series and I hope the next books will be just as fun!
4/5
Wow. Okay. I didn't expect that.
The first 40% or so was very slow and boring for me. I usually love the tension and longing, but it was getting boring quickly. Especially that constant anxiety over potentially getting fired if they gave in. I didn't like that. But then, Zanders and Stevie finally hooked up and the plot started picking up.
I liked this book more and more with each chapter. I was forcing myself to read the first half but I was excited later! The characters were more likable and I could finally root for them!
Ngl, Zanders annoyed me at the beginning with his arrogance but I liked him the more I learned about him, like Stevie. I loved their “You following me?” joke, it was cute. We see him getting intrigued by Stevie once he realizes that she doesn't give a shit about his celebrity status, which then turned into a genuine interest and then obsession (in a good way!) And when Stevie finally gave in and they hooked up, Zanders became the boy obsessed. I LOVED THAT.
He lost all chill he has ever had and he was just so in love with her! And what was amazing was to see that he was aware that he was falling for her and he didn't try to escape or run away from it - he was emotionally mature enough to know what was happening and to recognize it as a good thing. He didn't want her to know him only for his reputation as the bad boy, he wanted her to know the truth - and he wanted her to choose him. because he chose her.
That's another thing I loved. He constantly chose her first, something that nobody but her brother had ever done. The way Stevie's ex treated her was horrible and it gave her many insecurities, but I LOVED that Zanders took time and effort to teach Stevie to love herself and to be confident in herself in her body, to have faith that someone loves her and chooses her first. And the way he praised her and worshipped her was hot and incredible. Stevie deserved it and I'm glad that Zander realizes what was going on and BELIEVED what he was saying, he was so horny for her, it was hilarious.
And I loved how much Stevie loved Zanders too and taught him that she was there and he deserved to be loved.
ZANDER ADOPTING ROSE WAS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS. It was just so sweet and thoughtful! And he bought her clothes in a few different sizes, it was so sweet of him! And he protected her from her ex-boyfriend, loved that! He was so sweet, obsessed, horny, unhinged, all because of, and for Stevie. ANOTHER THING that I loved: at the beginning he had notes of every girl he hooked up with in each city, reminding him who they were and how good they were in bed. And the INSTANT Stevie gave him a chance, he deleted them all to write only about Stevie: what happened between them in each city and how much he appreciates her. Even the mundane things like her wearing his t-shirt to bed. IT WAS SO SWEET I MELTED.
All the spicy scenes were well-written, I enjoyed reading them. Tey were both so into one another, it was both hot and adorable at the same time.
I knew Rich was playing Zanders since the beginning. I knew that he was a lying piece of shit and I was so frustrated with Zanders for keeping him for so long. Thank God for Maddison for having Zanders's back and firing Rich as well. He was such a good friend! Someone Zanders needed!
Ella was so CUTE AND ADORABLE! I loved her relationship with Zanders!
But the real MVP was Ryan for me. He was such a good brother! He helped Stevie get the job and moved her to his apartment, HE WAS SO SUPPORTIVE ALL THE TIME! The decision he made regarding their mother after learning how she treated Stevie, his absolute hatred towards his former friend (Stevie's ex) after he learned what happened between them, his support of Zanders and Stevie's relationship - even when he didn't like Zanders AT ALL at the beginning, his faith and belief in Stevie and his infinite love and support - he's the best brother there is and I'm super excited to read his book next. I can hardly wait.
Overall the book was good though it had a few bad things. One, the length - it was too long for me. two, the first half was so boring. Three, the third act breakup. Sure, Zanders was trying to protect Stevie but it was still a shitty move. Though the ending was so sweet and amazing that I can almost forgive i. But four, and I think it was the worst thing about this book was the representation. or a lack of it.
I forgot that Zanders and Stevie were supposed to be Black/mixed race all the time. Usually when I'm reading a book with diverse characters, I always remember their ethnicity or race, whether because of their name or cultural things being referenced or something. The books are just full of those little details that are subtle, but still there, reminding us of who those characters are. But in this book? i don't want to say too much since I'm white and I don't want to step on someone's toes and I' trying to be as respectful as I can. But I forgot about Zanders and Stevie's race all the time. I only remembered when Stevie's skin was specifically described as light brown and when Zanders jewelry - golden his rings and chain - were described again and again. Honestly, the story wouldn't change AT ALL if the characters were white instead, or any other ethnicity/race. Which is a shame.
1/5
What a shit show. And not in a good way. The dirty talk was boring and cringy, the writing was horrible as if written by a teenager and the spicy scenes were over the top and overdramatic. Okay, they're both insatiable but who the fack comes 15 times in a row with no breaks and then isn't tired or sore even a little bit? Come on.
The whole Kitty thing was cringy, I hated that. Especially the exaggerated “Heyyyyyyyy” Did this book have no editor? The dialogue was either stilted or over the top, there was no in-between. And the weird drama with her pedophilic ex-boyfriend? Yeah, CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: her ex has a child p*rn on his computer AND he installed a program that recorded her in ber without her knowledge. That was COMPLETELY out of nowhere and wasn't even addressed afterward, just that he was arrested. Like what? You dump this problematic shit and then don't even deal with it properly? Ugh.
Another scene that stuck with me which was so weird: she puked and then he kissed her. Almost immediately after. She didn't even wash her teeth or even drink water or anything! They just went straight to kissing? What the heck?
And don't even get me started on romance. So they're online ‘friends” who know nothing about each other's lives because THEY DON'T TALK, NOT REALLY but they're suddenly in love, and after 3 days of non-stop sex they suddenly move in together? What the hell.
If I could 0 points I would. But I actually finished this horrible book and I always give the finished book 1 star. Though this wattpad like writing doesn't deserve that.
4.5/5
This was one of the best fake dating books I've ever read. It was very well written, the characters were amazing and realistic and I loved it.I love the boy obsessed trope and boy, Reese delivered. he was so down for Callie, it was insane. He started off as wanting to get back with his ex but he abandoned this idea pretty quickly. He was so into Callie, it was almost obscene and I LOVED it.HE STARTED READING ROMANCE NOVELS BECAUSE SHE LOVED THEM AND ANNOTATED THEM. AND HE TABBED THE ROMANTIC THINGS OR THINGS REMINDING HIM OF CALLIE. HE WAS BUYING HER BOOKS FROM HER TBR LIST, OH MY GOD, THE ULTIMATE BOOK BOYFRIEND.LISTEN. LISTEN. He moved her into his place and then SWITCHED ROOMS WITH HER SO SHE COULD HAVE A BETTER LIGHTNING FOR HER ART. He PUNCHED HER EX-BOYFRIEND WHEN HE ACCOSTED HER IN PUBLIC. HE GOT HIS EX FIRED FOR GOING TO THE MEDIA AND EXPOSING CALLIE LIKE THAT. HE CONFESSED HIS FEELINGS FOR CALLIE ON THE NATIONAL TELEVISION AND GREEN WAS HIS LUCKY COLOR BECAUSE OF HER EYES. OH. MY. GOD.And then. And THEN HE MADE HER AN ART STUDIO IN HIS PLACE AND PROMISED TO MAKE HER A LIBRARY TOO. HOLY SHIT. And throughout all that he loved Callie and complimented her and told her repeatedly how beautiful and sexy she was. And I loved how often and with excitement he'd picked her up and just carry her. I loved that.The spicy scenes were spicing. i LOVED them. The cinema? The restaurant? The face sitting, AND THE FIRST SCENE WITH THE TOY OH YES I LOVED THAT. The scenes were so good and well-written and just awesome.The ex was so annoying by the end but Karma is real and I loved that too haha.I will definitely read the previous book in the series and the next book (whenever it comes out). My only problem with this book was way too long - some scenes were dragged out or unnecessary. And there's no way that Reese is blonde. His rizz proves that he's tall, dark, and handsome lmaooo.
4.25/5
I liked this book. I didn't like Eve much in the previous books but she grew on me in this one. That fear of failure was a real one, ouch.
Jacob and Eve were a good pair and I felt a slight chemistry between them. It wasn't as prominent and good as between Chloe and Red or Dani and Zaf, but it was there, simmering. I love how Jacob couldn't look away from her when he met her for the first time. That car injury was hilarious too.
The scene by the pond was sweet, I liked that. But what I enjoyed the most was the first spice scene. That was hot. Very hot, I loved that. The way they started the evening by talking and learning about one other, completely platonic, and then it escalated into THAT - a man who knows how to use toys and his mouth is worth keeping lol.
I liked that we saw a bit of Red and Zaf in this book, though I didn't like the third act breakup. It was as unnecessary in this book as it was in the previous two - not all conflict needs a breakup in the last act. Especially as dramatic as this one. Really, the family pissed me off in this book so much - why wouldn't Chloe and Dani ask Eve things before rushing off to ruin things for her? It was out of character for both of them. Like Eve said, they should have trusted her and called instead. The parents were just useless, Gigi did more for the sisters than the parents ever did.
I liked Eve's growth and her journey of self-discovery. The way she researched whether she was autistic or not and what she found hit close - not gonna lie, it made me wonder things. I think Eve was the most relatable of the Brown sisters, even if I didn't like her much in the previous books. But I could resonate with her struggles and doubts.
I liked this book. I loved the writing and I will definitely read more Talia's books in the future.
4.75/5
Oh my God.
This was DELIGHTFUL!! I loved that!!!! Almost perfect!!
The way they know each other and care for each other was so special and adorable. God, I want a love like theirs.
Zaf was so soft and gentle despite his grumpy exterior and Dani was so soft too, inside, when she let herself be. They know each other so well and they always care. They don't want another person to change and I love that.
ZAF IS READING ROMANCE NOVELS. Yesssssssssss. You have no idea how delighted I was when I learned about that! And he wasn't ashamed of it at all. And the gift Dani gave him at the very end??? SHE DID IT BECAUSE SHE WANTED TO, NOT BECAUSE SHE HAD TO OH MY GODDDD. I love her doing that!!
Damn, Dani's abandonment issues were real and I love how Zaf took care of her and repeatedly told her and showed her that he doesn't want her to change. She's perfect the way she is and he loves her because of who she is. He doesn't need grand gestures, not when they make her uncomfortable, but when she does them because she wants them??? Omg, she's so romantic too!!
My favourite scenes were probably how Dani helped him with his anxiety before the radio show, how he came 20 minutes too early because he knew she wouldn't remember - and instead of judging her he fell in love with her even more, the grand gesture at the end and the AUTOGRAPHS. So good. Wow. If anyone did them for me I would be instantly in love with them too.
This book was so well done. I love fake relationships and this was awesome. They both cared and tried and even when they failed they still tried again. I love that.
4/5
I enjoyed this book. Chloe was wild and all over the place but I loved her. Red was just amazing, I loved him too. I loved how much he cared for Chloe and how obsessed with her he was from the get go, even if he confused it with hatred at first haha.
I love how they balance each other out and how much they understand one another. I liked that they became friends first. At first, the plot wasn't my favourite - I hate when FMC needs MMC's help to get anything done (especially if that's a love coach trope which I absolutely hate), but I liked it here.
The third-act breakup was completely unnecessary though. If only they just talked, this whole drama would be dealt with. At least Red realized almost immediately that he messed up, but the damage was done. No wonder Chloe didn't want to trust him again.
The family was too nosy for me, I have to admit. The sisters either weren't there at all or if they were, they didn't leave Chloe alone. I wish there was some balance. And the parents and aunt Mary - just no. Gigi was weird too and not my kind of weird.
4.5/5
I love this book and this love story. I think the only thing I didn't enjoy is the health insurance and flood insurance problems, but that's because I'm not an American. While insulin isn't cheap in my country, it's not as expensive as it is in the USA either. But I digress.
Josephine was such a great character. I loved her loyalty, dedication, and hard work. She didn't take shit from anyone else and she didn't let anyone treat her as though she was fragile. I LOVED the full circle moment with her standing on the sidelines with her sign. It was adorable!
Wells was a grumpy asshole with a bleeding heart of gold, who turned his life and career around through hard work and determination. He just needed one person to believe in him and when he lost her, that's when he realized how much her presence meant to him. And he began to listen.
She didn't necessarily fix him - he had it in him all along, he just needed a little push. And Josephine delivered that, time after time. And Wells didn't crumble, despite his fear - ever when she wasn't there, he performed well. Josephine let him rediscover his passion for golf and that's what he needed.
Spice was so good too. I think Tessa likes writing about butt stuff - they also happened in Window Shopping as well. I'm not complaining even if it's not for me, but it was still hot. And the golf course scene? I LOVE some semi-public action, it was a great read. The dirty talk was much better than in The Window Shopping though so I'm happy about that, though it wasn't 100% for me. But Wells has his moments.
I loved their story much. I love how protective Wells and Josephine were of each other. Damn, the scene where Josephine changed her monitor and Wells didn't know what was happening - that was amazing. I loved that. He was so unhinged and obsessed, it's my favourite thing about male characters.
There were so many golf puns but I hate to say I missed the meaning of most of them since English is my second language and I didn't learn many sports-related terms (especially when it comes to golf lol). I had to look up the meaning of so many which took me out of the story a bit, but that's not on Tessa at all, that's just my lack of golf-related vocabulary lol.
The diabetes was handled well. My grandma had diabetes so I know some things about it - even though she didn't have an app on her phone, obviously, it was more tedious than that. I like that the disease didn't define Josephine and she was handling it and didn't let anyone treat her like a child incapable of looking out for herself. That conversation she had with her parents was necessary though I wish she told them more.
I loved the story and even though they only knew each other for a couple of weeks, it didn't stop me from rooting for them - even the quick engagement wasn't out of nowhere. It weirdly fits them - I say weirdly because I usually HATE proposals so soon. But here? yeah, I believed that they're right for each other and it didn't come from nowhere like it usually does in contemporary romance.
I loved Tallulah and Burgess already and I'm impatiently waiting for their book. it's gonna be fun too.
