jocelyn_n's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I liked this for the most part, but some of it felt choppy. Especially the ending. It just ended, and while it’s most likely that the main characters’ story will be mentioned in the next book (other previous book characters were highlighted in this one), it still felt rushed, and I was disappointed in not getting certain plot questions answered by the end of the story. I’m open to reading more from this series, but it wouldn’t be my first choice when looking for something to read.
jonetta's review
4.0
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
I have to admit I was reluctant to start this book. While Gib is a really good friend to the women of Aisle Bound, he's also renowned for being a serious serial lover. The idea of Daphne getting involved with him wasn't that appealing. But, I guess this is my year to find warm places in my heart for these guys....my third one so far!
The setup
Gib is gorgeous, smart and the talented British manager of a five-star hotel in Chicago. He and Daphne, a creative and successful florist, have been best friends for a long time, though she's secretly had a thing for him. When she makes the first move, he's stunned but warm to the idea. When he decides to date her (he's not really used to being with anyone more than once), Gib is out of his element as he's only skilled at being suave and romantic. Their friends are also a bit worried that this new relationship might negatively change the dynamics of the group.
What worked for me
I love friends-to-lovers storylines and this was exceptional. Daphne isn't missing anything...she's pretty, independent and smart. While she's sort of in love with Gib, she also knows him inside and out and doesn't give him a break. She makes him "work for it" and share himself in ways he's never done as a friend to her or as a lover to the hosts of women in his past. It's a rocky start with no guarantees that things will work. Gib is also a British Viscount with family issues that he's never shared with anyone. Of course, that's a factor in why he's lived a life commitment free, too. Daphne's the one in control and Gib's in the unusual role of fighting for a woman.
What made me cringe
Just a warning...anytime a story is about a guy with a lusty past, you're going to have to grit your teeth and suck it up through his path to commitment. I don't know how Daphne was able to put that aside.
The bottom line
This story did it for me. I was so happy to unexpectedly love it, with its depth, humor and interesting characters. It's at times a riot and at others a tear jerker. What it isn't is light-weight. Both Gib and Daphne are more substantive than what lies on the surface and this turned out to be a great story.
(I received an ARC from the author)
I have to admit I was reluctant to start this book. While Gib is a really good friend to the women of Aisle Bound, he's also renowned for being a serious serial lover. The idea of Daphne getting involved with him wasn't that appealing. But, I guess this is my year to find warm places in my heart for these guys....my third one so far!
The setup
Gib is gorgeous, smart and the talented British manager of a five-star hotel in Chicago. He and Daphne, a creative and successful florist, have been best friends for a long time, though she's secretly had a thing for him. When she makes the first move, he's stunned but warm to the idea. When he decides to date her (he's not really used to being with anyone more than once), Gib is out of his element as he's only skilled at being suave and romantic. Their friends are also a bit worried that this new relationship might negatively change the dynamics of the group.
What worked for me
I love friends-to-lovers storylines and this was exceptional. Daphne isn't missing anything...she's pretty, independent and smart. While she's sort of in love with Gib, she also knows him inside and out and doesn't give him a break. She makes him "work for it" and share himself in ways he's never done as a friend to her or as a lover to the hosts of women in his past. It's a rocky start with no guarantees that things will work. Gib is also a British Viscount with family issues that he's never shared with anyone. Of course, that's a factor in why he's lived a life commitment free, too. Daphne's the one in control and Gib's in the unusual role of fighting for a woman.
What made me cringe
Just a warning...anytime a story is about a guy with a lusty past, you're going to have to grit your teeth and suck it up through his path to commitment. I don't know how Daphne was able to put that aside.
The bottom line
This story did it for me. I was so happy to unexpectedly love it, with its depth, humor and interesting characters. It's at times a riot and at others a tear jerker. What it isn't is light-weight. Both Gib and Daphne are more substantive than what lies on the surface and this turned out to be a great story.
(I received an ARC from the author)
coraotf's review
3.0
It was sweet. I felt like there was a bit of slut-shaming Gibson, though, even if his friends didn't mean it maliciously. So the dude has had a lot of sex, who cares? He's still sweet and awesome.
amandaainge's review
3.0
I loved parts of this book and hated parts of this book. I loved that the relationship didn't just hop into bed. That the h/h were real friends first. I liked their chemistry.
I did not like how the hero was a man whore. It was douche-ey and a lot yucky. Plus he was written a little overkill on sappy. It wasn't that consistent with the rest of his behavior.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. And I wanted to love it. But it just fell flat. It had all of my favorite elements......
I did not like how the hero was a man whore. It was douche-ey and a lot yucky. Plus he was written a little overkill on sappy. It wasn't that consistent with the rest of his behavior.
Overall, I'm glad I read it. And I wanted to love it. But it just fell flat. It had all of my favorite elements......
victoriab722's review
2.0
Daphne is a Chicago florist and Gibson, a hotel manager, has been her best friend for years. When the lights go out one New Years Eye, Daphne takes the opportunity to do what she's been dreaming of for years, kiss Gibson. Daphne has been in love with him for years but only under the cover of darkness is she brave enough to risk their friendship. Does Gibson feel the same?
I really wanted to love this book. Best friends who fall in love is my very favorite romance novel story line. The problem was, I'm not sure I believed that they were best friends. I think Barth should have given us a few best friend moments before the big kiss to drive that point home.
The book was cheesy and I felt like it rushed through important moments and then dragged through moments that I felt were very boring. There was also a lot going on here: friends trying on a new romance, reality TV show, deportation, wedding proposal, etc. It was just too much.
The ending seemed to come out of no where. They go from fighting and Daphne suspecting that Gibson had been with another women to Daphne proposing. Barth didn't let us in on any of Daphne's feelings, so it was hard to make that jump for me. And the marriage proposal was weird and again very cheesy.
http://vickireadsbooks.blogspot.com/
I really wanted to love this book. Best friends who fall in love is my very favorite romance novel story line. The problem was, I'm not sure I believed that they were best friends. I think Barth should have given us a few best friend moments before the big kiss to drive that point home.
The book was cheesy and I felt like it rushed through important moments and then dragged through moments that I felt were very boring. There was also a lot going on here: friends trying on a new romance, reality TV show, deportation, wedding proposal, etc. It was just too much.
The ending seemed to come out of no where. They go from fighting and Daphne suspecting that Gibson had been with another women to Daphne proposing. Barth didn't let us in on any of Daphne's feelings, so it was hard to make that jump for me. And the marriage proposal was weird and again very cheesy.
http://vickireadsbooks.blogspot.com/
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review
4.0
*I received a free ARC of Friends to Lovers from Carina Press via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
More...