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readsbymeens's review against another edition
2.0
Thank you for giving me an advanced copy for an honest review! I was excited going into this book, unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped; there were a few times where I considered not finishing. I felt that Charlie wasn’t treating Annabel as a friend with benefits from the beginning; buying her things just to see her, constantly calling her baby (which bothered me for some reason), etc. I really did enjoy some of the secondary characters, especially Charlie’s brother and sister in law. Overall, it didn’t hook me as I had hoped but it might be perfect for someone else!
lara_beth's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
Middle of the road, cutesy comfy friends to lovers romance novel. Short and sweet
writingherlife's review against another edition
3.0
I was gifted an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Things We’ve Lost and Found follows the main characters, Annabel and Charlie, as they attempt to satisfy their desire for each other while avoiding attachment by agreeing to be nothing more than friends-with-benefits.
I loved the premise and I wanted to love the book, and while I enjoyed some scenes, others felt either rushed or too drawn out with no clear pay-off.
I wanted to know the characters better, to understand their motivations more. There were gaping holes in some of the subplots and unfortunately I left the book feeling unsatisfied.
The spice was moderate, and relatively well written, but also felt rushed at times.
Overall I feel it could have been a fuller story with more character development. But it had some fun moments and I really liked the MCs. I just wish I could have known them better.
Thank you to Ally and the publisher for the ARC.
Things We’ve Lost and Found follows the main characters, Annabel and Charlie, as they attempt to satisfy their desire for each other while avoiding attachment by agreeing to be nothing more than friends-with-benefits.
I loved the premise and I wanted to love the book, and while I enjoyed some scenes, others felt either rushed or too drawn out with no clear pay-off.
I wanted to know the characters better, to understand their motivations more. There were gaping holes in some of the subplots and unfortunately I left the book feeling unsatisfied.
The spice was moderate, and relatively well written, but also felt rushed at times.
Overall I feel it could have been a fuller story with more character development. But it had some fun moments and I really liked the MCs. I just wish I could have known them better.
Thank you to Ally and the publisher for the ARC.
cait_beneath_the_covers's review against another edition
4.0
ARC review! I tend to lean more toward fantasy and dark romance, but this was such a nice sweet read with just enough spice
thespicylittlereader's review against another edition
3.0
I was kindly sent an Arc copy by the author to read for honest review . Overall I enjoyed reading this book . However there are a few things to mention. The book unfortunately didn’t start off the strongest for me and I felt myself having to take multiple breaks to stop myself from DNF’ing during the first few chapters . I couldn’t really get into the story for some reason. It could be because friend with benefits is not my most favorite book trope. It’s didn’t help that Charles seemed to not really get that his actions were confusing most times . He didn’t want to date and only wanted a no strings attached relationship but consistently did relationship type actions . No wonder Annabelle was confused . In the end he got his act together in the cutest way . I look forward to reading Gabi and Zeke’s story soon.
slbarry11's review against another edition
3.0
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked the authors writing and felt like she put a lot of care into some of the delicate subject matter. A parent with dementia and some mention of a SA of a side character were handled with a soft hand that did not shy away from the material. I also liked quite a few of the side characters.
My main critique was of the depth of the main characters. I felt they were a bit flat with the exception of a few bright spots through the 300+ pages. I think a lift at the end with a big bang of a grand loving gesture would have helped but it felt rushed and left me a little unsatisfied. I would have additionally liked to have her relationship with her best friend explored more after a betrayal.
My main critique was of the depth of the main characters. I felt they were a bit flat with the exception of a few bright spots through the 300+ pages. I think a lift at the end with a big bang of a grand loving gesture would have helped but it felt rushed and left me a little unsatisfied. I would have additionally liked to have her relationship with her best friend explored more after a betrayal.
megs_hilt's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a great read! The slow burn in the beginning really got to me! I was craving more and more. The spice level on this was fantastic!
Charles or "Charlie" as he is referred to in the book is a top sales person in the Philly area, who plays fast and loose with woman, he prefers to have a "no strings attached" type of relationship, he only has a soft spot for his family, until a girl he meets in a broken down elevator challenges his logic.
Annabell, a woman who has had a terrible run in with the male population, is looking to experience some low stress, adult fun with Charlie. As she battles healing, and new heart break and betrayal from others.
Together they both find healing in each others company.
Add this read to your TBR for a satisfying read of FWB to Lovers!
Charles or "Charlie" as he is referred to in the book is a top sales person in the Philly area, who plays fast and loose with woman, he prefers to have a "no strings attached" type of relationship, he only has a soft spot for his family, until a girl he meets in a broken down elevator challenges his logic.
Annabell, a woman who has had a terrible run in with the male population, is looking to experience some low stress, adult fun with Charlie. As she battles healing, and new heart break and betrayal from others.
Together they both find healing in each others company.
Add this read to your TBR for a satisfying read of FWB to Lovers!
readingwithnikki's review against another edition
5.0
***ARC REVIEW***
**Possible Spoilers**
A chance meeting and a Cinderella moment between Annabel but instead of a glass slipper, it's a polka dot bow. It was a stressful and cute meeting between them when the elevator Annabel was on, on her way to an interview, got stuck between floors. During this time she notices a couple, a nice-looking gentleman, and a girl her age having a panic attack (Mari). Annabel is a strong woman who has overcome her fair share of terrible relationships so it is very understandable that she is reluctant to get into one with Charles; even if it is a friend-with-benefits one. Charlie is a strong man who has walls up because of his mom's condition and doesn't think whoever he is with will understand and doesn't want to go through the heartbreak of losing someone. Both Charlie and Annabel develop feelings, but one of them has the guts to say anything about it. This was a beautiful story with some heartbreak but a very happy ending, can't wait to see what's next for these characters.
Spice - 4/5
**Possible Spoilers**
A chance meeting and a Cinderella moment between Annabel but instead of a glass slipper, it's a polka dot bow. It was a stressful and cute meeting between them when the elevator Annabel was on, on her way to an interview, got stuck between floors. During this time she notices a couple, a nice-looking gentleman, and a girl her age having a panic attack (Mari). Annabel is a strong woman who has overcome her fair share of terrible relationships so it is very understandable that she is reluctant to get into one with Charles; even if it is a friend-with-benefits one. Charlie is a strong man who has walls up because of his mom's condition and doesn't think whoever he is with will understand and doesn't want to go through the heartbreak of losing someone. Both Charlie and Annabel develop feelings, but one of them has the guts to say anything about it. This was a beautiful story with some heartbreak but a very happy ending, can't wait to see what's next for these characters.
Spice - 4/5
kinkerbell's review against another edition
5.0
*I received a free copy of this book for an honest review*
OMG. Where do I start? It’s giving Meghan Quinn vibes and we allll LOVE her!
But seriously Charlie and Annabel are just GOALS. Sure it took a second to get there but ugh this book was so dang cute! I was squealing and gushing over everything.
I seriously need book 2 now! Ally writes straight to my heart and gave me a Rom-Com to love! Highly HIGHLY suggest reading to any book lovers in need of a spicy romance ❤️
OMG. Where do I start? It’s giving Meghan Quinn vibes and we allll LOVE her!
But seriously Charlie and Annabel are just GOALS. Sure it took a second to get there but ugh this book was so dang cute! I was squealing and gushing over everything.
I seriously need book 2 now! Ally writes straight to my heart and gave me a Rom-Com to love! Highly HIGHLY suggest reading to any book lovers in need of a spicy romance ❤️