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iiwii87's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
alwaysbooking's review
4.0
4 Talking it out is tough stars!!
This book had way more depth than I was expecting that’s for sure, it talks about drugs, depression, therapy, and a whole lot more. I’m always excited to see a book, any genre that opens about any of these topics. You had both sides with the therapy too. One family that was quieter about what they were going through and one that was very open and forward. This romance was going to be complicated from the beginning you just knew that because Carly is such an outgoing personality. She is literally nicknamed Sunshine to everyone, and Fin is very much a controlled person. He must have everything a certain way at a certain time or else.
I loved Carly’s character from the beginning how outgoing she was, that she loved to make other people smile. That is very much my personality so I could relate to her right off the bat. She makes the book down right comical at times. It’s very nice that she friends everyone off the bat, especially her upstairs neighbor. Her interactions with everyone at the coffee shop was great. I loved the description of her apartment, and how Fin thought that made her a not so good person. The fact that Carly’s original best friend automatically takes on Fin’s sister as a new best friend just goes to show you the kind of people, she surrounds herself with. Her nicknames for Fin were one of the highlights of the book.
This book had way more depth than I was expecting that’s for sure, it talks about drugs, depression, therapy, and a whole lot more. I’m always excited to see a book, any genre that opens about any of these topics. You had both sides with the therapy too. One family that was quieter about what they were going through and one that was very open and forward. This romance was going to be complicated from the beginning you just knew that because Carly is such an outgoing personality. She is literally nicknamed Sunshine to everyone, and Fin is very much a controlled person. He must have everything a certain way at a certain time or else.
I loved Carly’s character from the beginning how outgoing she was, that she loved to make other people smile. That is very much my personality so I could relate to her right off the bat. She makes the book down right comical at times. It’s very nice that she friends everyone off the bat, especially her upstairs neighbor. Her interactions with everyone at the coffee shop was great. I loved the description of her apartment, and how Fin thought that made her a not so good person. The fact that Carly’s original best friend automatically takes on Fin’s sister as a new best friend just goes to show you the kind of people, she surrounds herself with. Her nicknames for Fin were one of the highlights of the book.
gypsydawn's review
4.0
So sweet!
I normally don’t go for the contemporary romance genre, unless I’m in the mood for a tooth ache - which, let’s face it, does happen. This novel inspires that kind of tooth ache, with the perfect blend of angst, romance, self realization and sap. It’s a good combination, and if your going to spend your time on the sticky, this over is worth it. I loved Carly, though I didn’t start that way. The girl is just so blasted happy... all.. the... time! I couldn’t relate. Until I could. She starts to make sense, and by the end, Carly became one of my unsung heroes.
Pros:
- Honest romance.
- This hurts the hard parts of life we ALL deal with yet none of us really accepts.
- Carly.... so freaking bubbly and honestly? Pretty dang wonderful.
- Though I personally relate to Dina more.
- I live in Southern California and this author actually got the geography right. I recognized what she was talking about.
Cons:
- HEA, but a bit more implied that blatant.
- I want to see the outcome of her brothers relationship!
- Formatting issues, doubt it’s the fault of the author, just the upload.
- Minor editing issues.
I normally don’t go for the contemporary romance genre, unless I’m in the mood for a tooth ache - which, let’s face it, does happen. This novel inspires that kind of tooth ache, with the perfect blend of angst, romance, self realization and sap. It’s a good combination, and if your going to spend your time on the sticky, this over is worth it. I loved Carly, though I didn’t start that way. The girl is just so blasted happy... all.. the... time! I couldn’t relate. Until I could. She starts to make sense, and by the end, Carly became one of my unsung heroes.
Pros:
- Honest romance.
- This hurts the hard parts of life we ALL deal with yet none of us really accepts.
- Carly.... so freaking bubbly and honestly? Pretty dang wonderful.
- Though I personally relate to Dina more.
- I live in Southern California and this author actually got the geography right. I recognized what she was talking about.
Cons:
- HEA, but a bit more implied that blatant.
- I want to see the outcome of her brothers relationship!
- Formatting issues, doubt it’s the fault of the author, just the upload.
- Minor editing issues.
thedailykaylee's review
4.0
Feel-good, positivity, forgiveness
I REALLY enjoyed this book! It was definitely a feel-good enemies to lovers romance. The book centers around positivity and forgiveness. Forgiving others and forgiving yourself. At first I was a little put off by just how positive the main character was, but I ended up loving her! She balanced out, for sure. Several steamy scenes that were great! It was a quick, great read. I finished in one day. It’s a stand-alone, HEA, with no cheating.
I REALLY enjoyed this book! It was definitely a feel-good enemies to lovers romance. The book centers around positivity and forgiveness. Forgiving others and forgiving yourself. At first I was a little put off by just how positive the main character was, but I ended up loving her! She balanced out, for sure. Several steamy scenes that were great! It was a quick, great read. I finished in one day. It’s a stand-alone, HEA, with no cheating.
rotellareads's review
4.0
4.5 STARS! Another incredible novel by the talented Jillian Liota!
I absolutely loved the heroine Carly and her spunky, optimistic, carefree ways! She was such a breath of fresh air for a romance read. But don't be fooled, under that whimsical outer shell was a very confused, insecure and vulnerable woman trying to find her footing in life. She was perfectly flawed in every way! I laughed out loud so many times during this book because of Carly's personality, her witty spats with Fin and her quirkiness.
Fin, Finnegan, Finton, Finneas... whatever you want to call him, he was THAT swoon-worthy book boyfriend! The one who's unbelievably hot, smoldering even. But broken. Closed off. Guarded. Temperamental. It seemed no one could bring his walls down. That was certainly the case until Carly came barreling into his life. She charged in with the same interruption that her pulsing music which shook his sister's walls had! He'd finally met his match in that petite, brunette, colorful spitfire.
What started off as a casual fling, quickly turned much, much more emotionally involved. But could these two make it work with everything going on around them? Would they repeat past mistakes? Would their relationship hurt the one person who brought them together?
The story of these two was filled with drama, mistakes, heart break, difficult decisions, grief, pain and hope. Both characters were carrying around burdens that were too heavy to overcome alone. "Because we all need someone in our corner who believes the best in us, wants the best for us." This quote summed up my feelings so well for this book. No matter how bad you messed up, no matter what mistakes you made in the past, everyone deserved someone in their corner. This theme flowed through the story for multiple characters, not just the hero and heroine.
Susie's (Fin's younger sister) story was so raw, honest and gut wrenching! The bond that she shared with her brother and forged with Carly was incredible! Her messy life really brought some extremely humbling scenes to this read! Of all the relationships that sparked in this book, I held my breath most for her and Nell. I wanted nothing more than to see Susie's past forgiven and her future shine bright and promising!
This book was so emotionally charged. With each turn of the page, you were feeling numerous things at once. I loved how authentic the characters were. The author took the time to build the characters and their stories. Like You Want It was chaotic and honest and beautifully tender!
I absolutely loved the heroine Carly and her spunky, optimistic, carefree ways! She was such a breath of fresh air for a romance read. But don't be fooled, under that whimsical outer shell was a very confused, insecure and vulnerable woman trying to find her footing in life. She was perfectly flawed in every way! I laughed out loud so many times during this book because of Carly's personality, her witty spats with Fin and her quirkiness.
Fin, Finnegan, Finton, Finneas... whatever you want to call him, he was THAT swoon-worthy book boyfriend! The one who's unbelievably hot, smoldering even. But broken. Closed off. Guarded. Temperamental. It seemed no one could bring his walls down. That was certainly the case until Carly came barreling into his life. She charged in with the same interruption that her pulsing music which shook his sister's walls had! He'd finally met his match in that petite, brunette, colorful spitfire.
What started off as a casual fling, quickly turned much, much more emotionally involved. But could these two make it work with everything going on around them? Would they repeat past mistakes? Would their relationship hurt the one person who brought them together?
The story of these two was filled with drama, mistakes, heart break, difficult decisions, grief, pain and hope. Both characters were carrying around burdens that were too heavy to overcome alone. "Because we all need someone in our corner who believes the best in us, wants the best for us." This quote summed up my feelings so well for this book. No matter how bad you messed up, no matter what mistakes you made in the past, everyone deserved someone in their corner. This theme flowed through the story for multiple characters, not just the hero and heroine.
Susie's (Fin's younger sister) story was so raw, honest and gut wrenching! The bond that she shared with her brother and forged with Carly was incredible! Her messy life really brought some extremely humbling scenes to this read! Of all the relationships that sparked in this book, I held my breath most for her and Nell. I wanted nothing more than to see Susie's past forgiven and her future shine bright and promising!
This book was so emotionally charged. With each turn of the page, you were feeling numerous things at once. I loved how authentic the characters were. The author took the time to build the characters and their stories. Like You Want It was chaotic and honest and beautifully tender!
kirstenryan's review
5.0
Not what I expected
First I’ll say, I’ve been in a rut. A book rut. I’ve started dozens of books just this week and nothing was able to capture my attention, I gave up on every single book. I decided to download “Like you want it” and give it a shot on a whim, I couldn’t be happier that I did.
At first glance I didn’t like Carly, I didn’t understand her. She is so bright, shiny, and optimistic that I couldn’t believe it was real. As the story went on though you see her for who she actually is. She makes the choice to be happy and bright not because she never feels bad but because she doesn’t want those bad times to overshadow the good. I love that she never fell apart. She persevered through everything that was thrown at her and lives her life on her terms.
Carly and Fin work together so well. I love the way therapy is introduced and discussed without all of the negative connotations you usually see. I’m so happy with this story and I cannot wait to read more by Jillian Liota.
First I’ll say, I’ve been in a rut. A book rut. I’ve started dozens of books just this week and nothing was able to capture my attention, I gave up on every single book. I decided to download “Like you want it” and give it a shot on a whim, I couldn’t be happier that I did.
At first glance I didn’t like Carly, I didn’t understand her. She is so bright, shiny, and optimistic that I couldn’t believe it was real. As the story went on though you see her for who she actually is. She makes the choice to be happy and bright not because she never feels bad but because she doesn’t want those bad times to overshadow the good. I love that she never fell apart. She persevered through everything that was thrown at her and lives her life on her terms.
Carly and Fin work together so well. I love the way therapy is introduced and discussed without all of the negative connotations you usually see. I’m so happy with this story and I cannot wait to read more by Jillian Liota.
bookaddictreviews's review
5.0
I absolutely loved this story! Carly and Fin, ugh they are both perfect. There’s no words to describe how much I love them.
Carly and Fin didn’t start off on the best terms. Carly was kept up most of the night due to the party going on in her new upstairs neighbor’s apartment so she does what any normal person would do. She plays music loudly at six am to wake up her new neighbor. Fin happens to show up at her door and complains about the loud music, only he isn’t her new neighbor, his sister is.
Carly may be one of my favorite heroines ever. She is a free spirit, she is truly a ray of sunshine and radiates happiness to those around her. Of course, she isn’t perfect and has some issues with her family but who doesn’t? Fin takes broodiness to the max but you can’t help but love him, especially the more you go to know him and his story throughout the book.
The secondary characters in this story were also fantastic, especially Susie (Fin’s sister, Carly’s new neighbor and friend). Susie’s story truly broke my heart, but she is a warrior and fighting to make everything right again. This story was beautiful, it was heart breaking, emotional and oh man, was it steamy! I felt like I needed to fan myself a few times while reading this.
This story was a page turner and I didn’t want it to end. A must read of 2019 and one I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone!
Carly and Fin didn’t start off on the best terms. Carly was kept up most of the night due to the party going on in her new upstairs neighbor’s apartment so she does what any normal person would do. She plays music loudly at six am to wake up her new neighbor. Fin happens to show up at her door and complains about the loud music, only he isn’t her new neighbor, his sister is.
Carly may be one of my favorite heroines ever. She is a free spirit, she is truly a ray of sunshine and radiates happiness to those around her. Of course, she isn’t perfect and has some issues with her family but who doesn’t? Fin takes broodiness to the max but you can’t help but love him, especially the more you go to know him and his story throughout the book.
The secondary characters in this story were also fantastic, especially Susie (Fin’s sister, Carly’s new neighbor and friend). Susie’s story truly broke my heart, but she is a warrior and fighting to make everything right again. This story was beautiful, it was heart breaking, emotional and oh man, was it steamy! I felt like I needed to fan myself a few times while reading this.
This story was a page turner and I didn’t want it to end. A must read of 2019 and one I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone!
thebookishren's review
4.0
This book.
I adored Carly and her optimistic, happy, upbeat personality. Her nicknames for Fin CRACKED ME UP!
And Fin. Dolfin. Finocchio (hahahahaha). What a sexy, broody beast he was! Good lawd.
And the steam? THE STEAMY STEAM. Smack me.
I adored Carly and her optimistic, happy, upbeat personality. Her nicknames for Fin CRACKED ME UP!
And Fin. Dolfin. Finocchio (hahahahaha). What a sexy, broody beast he was! Good lawd.
And the steam? THE STEAMY STEAM. Smack me.
briewhale's review
4.0
“Like You Want It” brought all the heat! Something about the sunshine/grumpy dynamic is just so compelling. Carly is the best. She’s happy and blunt and endlessly kind. She reminds me of one of my good friends who “adopted” me as a friend just like Carly did with Susie. Fin is broody in a sexy way. Not only is he a badass, but he’s loyal to those he cares about. He’s a man of few words, which works out because Carly is there with lots of chatter and nicknames. Fin also has a lot of anger to deal with. It was great to see how he worked through it and to see how his character developed. Mental health is a common theme in Jillian Liota’s books and it was presented very well here. There are also strong connections with friends and family that really round out the story.
gwensreading's review
5.0
Jillian strikes again. She is a newer to me author and I really liked her book Like You Mean It. She gave me an ARC for this one and it was so good. The entire time I thought “She’s another Mariana Zapata.” I am pretty sure I will read anything this author puts out.
Few things I loved about this book
• slow burn love that started with some animosity
• really strong female friendships
• a healthy idea of mental health, including self positivity and overcoming hang ups through tough conversations and therapy
• a heroine that lives her own life without succumbing to society’s pressure of what success looks like
Please check this book out. Just trust me on it.
Few things I loved about this book
• slow burn love that started with some animosity
• really strong female friendships
• a healthy idea of mental health, including self positivity and overcoming hang ups through tough conversations and therapy
• a heroine that lives her own life without succumbing to society’s pressure of what success looks like
Please check this book out. Just trust me on it.