beingkelsiebooks's review against another edition
5.0
Holy Slow Burn! This marriage of convenience was so good. I loved all the tension between Aiden and Vanessa. It was a typical Mariana Zapata book full of details and lots of longing so if that’s your jam check out this book.
eishareads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
4.5
deena_'s review against another edition
4.0
This was such a comfort read. Aiden and Vanessa are just perfect; they are everything I did and did not expect. And Aiden fucking Graves, the man you are. There's something about a book that doesn't require intimacy to speak volumes of its characters' relationships that gets me all the damn time. Mariana Zapata's books are the exact definition of it, with likable characters and mind blowing chemistry between each of them. Which is to say, under different circumstances, I would have absolutely loved it, apparently can't say it's a good pick for when you're in a possible slump. I enjoyed it regardless.
Vanessa Mazur quits her job as a full time assistant/ caretaker to the Canadian star QB in hopes of pursuing her own dreams, never feeling well appreciated in her past job. She didn't think her leaving would be that big of an issue. Surprisingly enough, her ex boss appears at her doorstep a mere month afterwards, begging for a favor. A marriage deal of 5 years that'd ensure his citizenship; in exchange offered to pay off all her student loans. Vanessa couldn't comprehend why Aiden Graves 'The Wall of Winnipeg' would seek her out when he could have about anyone do his bidding. But that amount of money? even she couldn't decline. Not when it promises to clear out her lifelong debts that have been looming over her head since forever. She knows she's getting herself into something stupid. The man himself claims he's only asking her this because he finds her tolerable enough. From 2 years of working experience with him, she knows Aiden better than anyone else. The way he practically always has a scowl on and never pulls on a single emotion on his ridiculously handsome face, but she would be lying if she said she didn't care for the guy even though he pretended she didn't exist half the time. Vanessa figures she's in way too much trouble when Aiden steps up and does things for her no one ever cared to do—things that went beyond their contract. As her heart gets weak for probably the best person she has ever met, who also happened to be her friend and fake husband, she realizes perhaps she never got over the minor crush she had on him all those years back; eitherways, who's to blame? He's 'The Wall of Winnipeg' the entire world's in love with afterall.
Vanessa Mazur quits her job as a full time assistant/ caretaker to the Canadian star QB in hopes of pursuing her own dreams, never feeling well appreciated in her past job. She didn't think her leaving would be that big of an issue. Surprisingly enough, her ex boss appears at her doorstep a mere month afterwards, begging for a favor. A marriage deal of 5 years that'd ensure his citizenship; in exchange offered to pay off all her student loans. Vanessa couldn't comprehend why Aiden Graves 'The Wall of Winnipeg' would seek her out when he could have about anyone do his bidding. But that amount of money? even she couldn't decline. Not when it promises to clear out her lifelong debts that have been looming over her head since forever. She knows she's getting herself into something stupid. The man himself claims he's only asking her this because he finds her tolerable enough. From 2 years of working experience with him, she knows Aiden better than anyone else. The way he practically always has a scowl on and never pulls on a single emotion on his ridiculously handsome face, but she would be lying if she said she didn't care for the guy even though he pretended she didn't exist half the time. Vanessa figures she's in way too much trouble when Aiden steps up and does things for her no one ever cared to do—things that went beyond their contract. As her heart gets weak for probably the best person she has ever met, who also happened to be her friend and fake husband, she realizes perhaps she never got over the minor crush she had on him all those years back; eitherways, who's to blame? He's 'The Wall of Winnipeg' the entire world's in love with afterall.
getcremebrulaid's review against another edition
4.0
I’d give this one a solid 3.5 ⭐️
~The Characters~
*chefs kiss*
Aiden was the worst. In a brooding likeable way. He’d make me so mad one minute and then would do something so adorably grumpy the next that I found myself getting all gooey over him right along with Vanessa.
Vanessa was incredible. One of those I don’t know if she’s life goals or wife goals types of characters. I admired her ability to stick up for herself and how she’d race after her goals at full speed. Even when she was experiencing doubts, she’d always follow through. There’s something about a person who’s scared but still manages to live their life to the fullest that just makes me want to weep happy tears.
Zak was the perfect comedic relief. I loved every time his character was in a scene. His little quips always had me cracking up and his friendship with Vanessa was the cutest thing.
Trevor confirmed my belief that all guys named Trevor are horrible.
Leo is the goodest boy.
~The Plot~
To call this one a slow burn would be far too generous. This was a snail simmer. A holy crap I’m 98% percent done with the book and things haven’t actually happened burn. It felt like the equivalent of eating an entire foot long sub, but in the last bite chomping into a misplaced hot pepper. And then getting doused with a cup of cold water. BUT I will say that the last chapter rapid fire tied up all the loose ends. Including a lovely time jump. I wouldn’t have minded getting just a liiiiittle bit ✨more✨story, but all my questions were answered so despite how long it took to get to that point. In the end, I was left feeling almost satisfied.
Overall the story was cute. It had me giggling at parts. Cringing a healthy amount. And sitting on the edge of my seat thinking, THERES NO WAY IM GOING TO GET THE ENTIRE WAY THROUGH THIS BOOK AND NOT GET REWARDED WITH AT LEAST A MORSEL OF SPICE (To which to answer is: Relax. Everything is going to be okay. You will earn your half a chili pepper
~The Characters~
*chefs kiss*
Aiden was the worst. In a brooding likeable way. He’d make me so mad one minute and then would do something so adorably grumpy the next that I found myself getting all gooey over him right along with Vanessa.
Vanessa was incredible. One of those I don’t know if she’s life goals or wife goals types of characters. I admired her ability to stick up for herself and how she’d race after her goals at full speed. Even when she was experiencing doubts, she’d always follow through. There’s something about a person who’s scared but still manages to live their life to the fullest that just makes me want to weep happy tears.
Zak was the perfect comedic relief. I loved every time his character was in a scene. His little quips always had me cracking up and his friendship with Vanessa was the cutest thing.
Trevor confirmed my belief that all guys named Trevor are horrible.
Leo is the goodest boy.
~The Plot~
To call this one a slow burn would be far too generous. This was a snail simmer. A holy crap I’m 98% percent done with the book and things haven’t actually happened burn. It felt like the equivalent of eating an entire foot long sub, but in the last bite chomping into a misplaced hot pepper. And then getting doused with a cup of cold water. BUT I will say that the last chapter rapid fire tied up all the loose ends. Including a lovely time jump. I wouldn’t have minded getting just a liiiiittle bit ✨more✨story, but all my questions were answered so despite how long it took to get to that point. In the end, I was left feeling almost satisfied.
Overall the story was cute. It had me giggling at parts. Cringing a healthy amount. And sitting on the edge of my seat thinking, THERES NO WAY IM GOING TO GET THE ENTIRE WAY THROUGH THIS BOOK AND NOT GET REWARDED WITH AT LEAST A MORSEL OF SPICE (To which to answer is: Relax. Everything is going to be okay. You will earn your half a chili pepper
debbos's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
ariel937's review against another edition
3.0
hm...well this is awkward. i guess i’m the only one who thought this one was very average
allthegodstars's review against another edition
3.0
Sidebar: Okay I understand the concept of Slowburn™ but is there a reason why these books are mostly sexually or y'know physically innocuous right up till the end and then like the last chapter has a sexplosion which doesn't really feel realistic as a Can't Keep My Hands To Myself (anymore) moment?
I mean it's all pg 13 and cutesy and I don't know what attraction even is right upto the last chapter where it's basically porn but I can't call it porn with plot because the porn feels a little unhinged from the plot?
Eh whatever
Also is Aiden on the spectrum? Because that's what he reads like but. Can't make assumptions.
I mean it's all pg 13 and cutesy and I don't know what attraction even is right upto the last chapter where it's basically porn but I can't call it porn with plot because the porn feels a little unhinged from the plot?
Eh whatever
Also is Aiden on the spectrum? Because that's what he reads like but. Can't make assumptions.
gkelley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5