xtoleap's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
tammywaggs's review against another edition
4.0
Great book. Very well written and was hard to put down.
cityofstarlightandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This is one of my all time favorite books - I've documented reading it 5 times here...but know its definitely been more than that.
I LOVEEE a good angsty beautiful love story and this one fits the bill perfectly.
Joss and Braden have such amazing chemistry - the steam and the banter are *chefs kiss*
The side characters are fully fleshed out and make this a really enjoyable read. The rest of the series is just as enjoyable!
Highly recommend checking out this book and the rest of Samantha Youngs books (especially the Adair Family Series)
I LOVEEE a good angsty beautiful love story and this one fits the bill perfectly.
Joss and Braden have such amazing chemistry - the steam and the banter are *chefs kiss*
The side characters are fully fleshed out and make this a really enjoyable read. The rest of the series is just as enjoyable!
Highly recommend checking out this book and the rest of Samantha Youngs books (especially the Adair Family Series)
patriciapluggedin's review against another edition
3.0
3 STARS
REVIEW ALSO POSTED AT HEART VIA PAGES BLOG
“Sure it could get rough sometimes, but life wasn’t a Hollywood movie. Shit happened. You fought, you screamed, and somehow you worked like hell to get out the other side still intact.”
I’ve had the paperback for so long and this book just kept being pushed down my TBR list. For starters, I enjoyed how it was a fun, quick read or maybe because I’ve been on a fantasy binge for so long that I’m really excited to go back to my NA world. I also realize that this is my first ever book from Samantha Young and I find her writing style engaging and easy to read.
The thing is, it started out really okay, it was actually strong in the beginning until my interest kind of waned and I think it was mostly due to my growing dislike for the main character. I found myself not really being a fan of Jocelyn/Joss. She has a rocky past but I felt like she was intentionally being rude and aloof. She has the tendency of making everything seem like it’s about her. Initially, I found myself being sympathetic to her and the tragedy she experienced but over time, I found her plain annoying and cold. Mind you, I love reading about complex and layered characters but Joss is just bratty. Beyond her traumatized self, it seems like she has no personality… at all.
On the other hand, Braden is an alpha male but his brand of alpha is something that I was able to tolerate and like. When he is not being his alpha self, I find his character really well developed and truly a swoon worthy book boyfriend. If he could not be my boyfriend, at least let him be my brother. *winks* Also, let us take time to applaud him for painstakingly pursuing Joss. This guy has an abundant load of persistence!
However, character wise, I found myself mostly invested on our supporting characters. I just love and adore Ellie and Adam – individually and as a couple. They have purity and sincerity in them and I adore how they just seem fun, positive and light.
There were scenes which felt disconnected and not really needed but still, it has been an entertaining and fun read for me. There was enough romance, sexy times and drama to create a balance to the story and I feel like I would have loved it more had Joss been more likable. But that’s just me.
REVIEW ALSO POSTED AT HEART VIA PAGES BLOG
“Sure it could get rough sometimes, but life wasn’t a Hollywood movie. Shit happened. You fought, you screamed, and somehow you worked like hell to get out the other side still intact.”
I’ve had the paperback for so long and this book just kept being pushed down my TBR list. For starters, I enjoyed how it was a fun, quick read or maybe because I’ve been on a fantasy binge for so long that I’m really excited to go back to my NA world. I also realize that this is my first ever book from Samantha Young and I find her writing style engaging and easy to read.
The thing is, it started out really okay, it was actually strong in the beginning until my interest kind of waned and I think it was mostly due to my growing dislike for the main character. I found myself not really being a fan of Jocelyn/Joss. She has a rocky past but I felt like she was intentionally being rude and aloof. She has the tendency of making everything seem like it’s about her. Initially, I found myself being sympathetic to her and the tragedy she experienced but over time, I found her plain annoying and cold. Mind you, I love reading about complex and layered characters but Joss is just bratty. Beyond her traumatized self, it seems like she has no personality… at all.
On the other hand, Braden is an alpha male but his brand of alpha is something that I was able to tolerate and like. When he is not being his alpha self, I find his character really well developed and truly a swoon worthy book boyfriend. If he could not be my boyfriend, at least let him be my brother. *winks* Also, let us take time to applaud him for painstakingly pursuing Joss. This guy has an abundant load of persistence!
However, character wise, I found myself mostly invested on our supporting characters. I just love and adore Ellie and Adam – individually and as a couple. They have purity and sincerity in them and I adore how they just seem fun, positive and light.
There were scenes which felt disconnected and not really needed but still, it has been an entertaining and fun read for me. There was enough romance, sexy times and drama to create a balance to the story and I feel like I would have loved it more had Joss been more likable. But that’s just me.
sarahbeth_linke's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed this book, 3-stars is not a bad rating imo. The relationships are complicated; I am still processing thoughts about this novel and may update rating.
Overall, a thoroughly captivating and creative read but one that doesn't necessarily do anything innovative.
Overall, a thoroughly captivating and creative read but one that doesn't necessarily do anything innovative.
manhult's review against another edition
2.0
god i am TORN about this book. at first i loved how the author included mental illness and trauma in the live story and how that creates an issue in a relationship. but the way braden acted sometimes just wanted me to throw the thing away. he was both the funny sarcastic guy you LOVE because he’s perfect for smut scenarios, but then he was also really possessive which made me hate him. in the middle of the book i kind of lost my taste to it, but it’s still a good read and the spicy scenes are good.
kaitlinlovesbooks's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Medical content, Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, Death of parent, Grief, and Cancer
Minor: Fatphobia and Infidelity
swathi_narasimhan's review against another edition
5.0
Can i give a book more than 5 stars? If so this book takes it undoubtedly!
I think i became emotionally attached to the characters so much. Infact, it brought me tears. Such a sweet simple story yet brings out the emotion in full swing.
Well done ! Want to know more abt Joss and Braden.
I think i became emotionally attached to the characters so much. Infact, it brought me tears. Such a sweet simple story yet brings out the emotion in full swing.
Well done ! Want to know more abt Joss and Braden.
allycampbell's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
hayleymeulenbroeks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Plot: 4
Characters: 5
Romance: 5
Enjoyment: 5
Other: 4
Characters: 5
Romance: 5
Enjoyment: 5
Other: 4