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geekxgirl's review
1.0
DNF @ 11%
The blurb sounded so interesting but the writing? Not so much.
I've read too many historicals now to let something like this one slide. The biggest offense was the modernism of the dialogue. Then there was the random insert of a third character's POV for a paragraph then back to one of the main characters. This was done without warning or prompting. But truthfully the writing felt quite amateur. It wasnt polished. The scene transitioning and scene endings were clunky and abrupt. And again, it was too modern. The hero actually thought how the heroine "looked single" when she entered. haha no.
So, I tried. But it's a no from me.
The blurb sounded so interesting but the writing? Not so much.
I've read too many historicals now to let something like this one slide. The biggest offense was the modernism of the dialogue. Then there was the random insert of a third character's POV for a paragraph then back to one of the main characters. This was done without warning or prompting. But truthfully the writing felt quite amateur. It wasnt polished. The scene transitioning and scene endings were clunky and abrupt. And again, it was too modern. The hero actually thought how the heroine "looked single" when she entered. haha no.
So, I tried. But it's a no from me.
mephala's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After reading Jilted in January by the same author, this book was rather disappointing.
Where the Rake Review’s story was interesting and well developed - with full fleshed, complex characters that shared amazing chemistry - Mean to Be Mine felt really dry and almost simplistic.
Where the Rake Review’s story was interesting and well developed - with full fleshed, complex characters that shared amazing chemistry - Mean to Be Mine felt really dry and almost simplistic.
I liked the premise, but felt the plot itself was underdeveloped. Childhood friends that lost their bond, yet are still forced to marry because of the decades old arrangement was intriguing, and I was hoping for a lot of emotional and angsty moments. Unfortunately, not only the whole story felt rushed, but the more heavy scenes felt hollow.
Still, the weakest part of the story was the main couple – Kelly and Theodore share so little chemistry I never fully felt invested in their developing romance. Theodore seemed not to be sure how to behave towards Kelly, blowing hot and cold thorough the whole book.
As a side note, compared to Jilted in January (which was deliciously sensual and sexy) this story feels almost chaste – not to say there are no sex scenes in the book. There is one, sole intimate moment shared by Kelly and Theodore, and it feels out of place. The whole ordeal lasted maybe two paragraphs of rather clinical and cold description – I get it kind of matches the hero’s attitude and how both of them perceived their forced union, but I felt sorry for both of them.
Mean to Be Mine was just an ok story; I liked some moments, but overall it felt very rushed. I will not be continuing reading this series.
emma_caputi's review
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
heyhaley17's review against another edition
1.0
I decided not to read this books so I will not be rating it, but after far FAR too many reviews (practically all of them) disliking the hero I can't bring myself to read it. Even the reviews giving the book a decent overall rating of 3 or more point out how weak and unlikable he is. Normally I wouldn't give much attention to lower ratings but I do listen with that number of reviews pointing out the issue-- and as a result I just don't want to give a book I would probably not enjoy.
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