Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

Final Offer by Lauren Asher

12 reviews

siobhankeira's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-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? Yes

4.0


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k_fry's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I was surprised by how much I disliked this one, especially in comparison to the earlier books. But I just truly hated Lana’s character. 

She isn’t communicative, but expects people to tell her things or else it’s “betrayal”. She refuses to listen when people do try to explain things and then is upset when she finds out about it later. 

My biggest issue though, is how everyone treats Cal terribly for frankly the flimsiest reason I’ve ever read. It’s a lose lose situation for him - if he hadn’t left they’d have hated him for staying and not letting Lana do her own thing. The lack of empathy was truly disgusting and I think said A LOT about the authors perspective on addiction. It did not sit well with me and came across as a dangerously naive story to tell. 

Wyatt in particular made me want to throw my e-reader at a wall. I’m supposed to root for the friendship of cop that intentionally incited violence? Fuck that. He abused his power and the story called it a joke.

I know it’s “just smut” but even that wasn’t good enough in this book to make up for how it handled addiction as a main element of the story. 

The only reason I gave it 1 star is because of the updates to the previous books characters. I don’t think I’ll be reading any more books by this author.

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witcheep's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Are you a sucker for second chance romances, working on oneself, and respecting the boundaries of others while in a work-in-progress relationship? Do you like wholesome families that are based both on blood and commitment? If the answer is yes, you'll eat this one up!

"Falling in love with yourself is ten times harder than falling in love with someone else, especially when I don't like myself very much."
—Callahan

This book is a solid read that addresses many sensitive topics (
addiction, trust issues, emotionally abusive parents
...) respectfully. The characters are well-rounded and multidimensional, and I'm glad we'll continue to get peeks into their lives even after this Dreamland Billionaires series, since they have cameos as side characters in Asher's newest series Lakefront Billionaires that takes place at the location of this book, Lake Wisteria.

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booksalacarte's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

The Final Offer 3.25⭐️3.25🌶️

Contemporary Romance
Billionare Romance
Brother series
Small town
Second chance
Forced proximity
Mental health rep
Anxiety rep


Tw: alcoholism

This was a good end to the trilogy. It was interesting to see how the sensitive nature of alcoholism was felt with. There were good side characters and the small town feel was decent. 

Over all I was just glad that the series wasn’t longer. Any more and it would have felt too drawn out.

The rival home buyer gave a foreshadowing snippet into the next series.

It made me laugh that in this day and age we have to have the standard set to billionaire romance in order to have people afford what a millionaire romance was just a few years ago. Just a funny observation

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nutmegvotour's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

While not my favourite of the series I did enjoy this book and would recommend the series as a whole. The book is nothing outstanding but I had a good time listening to it. 

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cielosiluminado's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

2nd read:
even on my second read, this book broke my heart and sowed it back together

1st read:
I'M NOT CRYING, YOU'RE CRYING YOU NEED TO READ IT TO UNDERSTAND!!!!

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alxisrae's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75


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bakedbeanss's review against another edition

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emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved being able to hear more about Cal’s story and his journey with his addiction. I love how much he cares for Cami and Lana but I didn’t like how much Lana seemed to play with his feelings. I also felt that the ending was a little lackluster but over it was a great series and I really enjoyed it. 

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ka_ke's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Somehow I knew Cal’s story would be my favourite. 

Asher’s depiction of alcoholism is well researched and written with respect for those who struggle with substance abuse. 

Alana is a woman after my own heart with her love of baking. I respect her need to put Cami before anyone else, even Cal’s need to get sober. 

What can I say? I’m a sucker for a golden retriever boy and a happy ending. 

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leda64's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-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? Yes

5.0


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