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sea_tea_books's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
4.0
Easy to read, spicy, and a happy ending. What's not to like?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Abandonment
muchadoaboutliz's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
One main character is very likeable and interesting. The other is not which makes it a very meh book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Medical content, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Death and Death of parent
crdestef15's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Alcoholism, Bullying, Death, Infidelity, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, and Car accident
westcdf's review
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Full disclosure: I only read half of this book before I gave up-- and I RARELY give up on books. I found all the characters extremely unlikable, and halfway through the book I still thought the love interest was a gross misogynist who shouldn't need a woman to "fix" him. The plot line for the Annabelle Martin was also pretty upsetting to read, and was not disclosed in the back cover of the book. Basically Annabelle is struggling to not be sabotaged by a male co-worker, in a way that is 1. unrealistic to real life (in my opinion) and 2. upsetting to read, especially since this book did not advertise this plot line and I was not ready to read something like this... this book was advertised as a "grumpy loveable guy and fun woman meet" and not "deeply distressing plot lines for each love interest being the main plot of the book." And there are many authors who tackle difficult subjects in a delicate way that doesn't distract from the romance novel (see Chloe Liese) but this book was not one of them. Also halfway through the book the love interests are BARELY speaking to each other. Look. Frankly this book sucks, and I'm only giving it a 3 because I didn't actually make it through the full book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Grief, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
sarahpalys's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity
meganpbennett's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Wait for It is an interesting little relationship fiction novel with a romance plot. It's apparently connected to Paris is Always a Good Idea, but I don't remember meeting Annabelle in that novel. Annabelle, twice divorced and yet not even 30, is meeting one of her ex-husbands for their yearly celebration of their divorce when he unexpectedly proposes and she swallows the ring. That misunderstanding is part of her reason for accepting a job in Phoenix. That and Boston winters are not for the feint of heart.
In Phoenix, she has a great job, working at the company her best friend is co-owner and co-founder of, and loves the guesthouse she's renting. The landlord is a friend of her boss, and her first encounter with him is when he sends her a ridiculous list of rules, the sort that you might give your school-aged child. And when he sends her "reminder" notes, like when she sings on her way back to the house from a bar, at the late hour of.... about 10 at night (which isn't late).
After she forces his hand, she learns that he's slowly recovering from a stroke, and that he still has some residual issues that make it hard for him to do things. And he's complete and total, unlikable ass who's chased all of his friends away. Except the ones he pays, like his housekeeper, gardener, and trainer/bodyguard (who, yes, are all walking stereotypes).
There's a "sub"plot of a nasty coworker that might actually take up more of the plot than the romance, although he is remarkably responsible for the romance aspect of this novel, and he does get what's coming to him. Eventually.
There's a HFN, but it's a little forced. Cute cover, but doesn't reflect the book that much.
In Phoenix, she has a great job, working at the company her best friend is co-owner and co-founder of, and loves the guesthouse she's renting. The landlord is a friend of her boss, and her first encounter with him is when he sends her a ridiculous list of rules, the sort that you might give your school-aged child. And when he sends her "reminder" notes, like when she sings on her way back to the house from a bar, at the late hour of.... about 10 at night (which isn't late).
After she forces his hand, she learns that he's slowly recovering from a stroke, and that he still has some residual issues that make it hard for him to do things. And he's complete and total, unlikable ass who's chased all of his friends away. Except the ones he pays, like his housekeeper, gardener, and trainer/bodyguard (who, yes, are all walking stereotypes).
There's a "sub"plot of a nasty coworker that might actually take up more of the plot than the romance, although he is remarkably responsible for the romance aspect of this novel, and he does get what's coming to him. Eventually.
There's a HFN, but it's a little forced. Cute cover, but doesn't reflect the book that much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Bullying, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, and Abandonment
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Child abuse, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
amym84's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Impetuous graphic designer Annabelle Martin jumps at an opportunity to be a creative director at an up-and-coming design studio in Arizona. The fact that her ex-husband was getting ready to propose to her again may have also helped in her decision-making. Once there, Annabelle begins to enjoy office life again, after years spent working as an independent contractor. The thing she doesn't miss about the office setting: disgruntled employees. Especially those who feel like Annabelle stole their promotion right out from under them. And if dealing with antagonistic co-workers wasn't enough, there's also her mysterious temporary landlord whose list of rules would make anyone immediately "get off his lawn". Come to find out, Nick Daire isn't the cantankerous old man Annabelle assumed he was, but a young, rather attractive man.
Not being able to help herself, Annabelle learns that Nick - once renowned in the local construction industry - suffered a stroke almost a year ago. Since then he's withdrawn himself completely from the public eye. Despite Annabelle's promise to her best friend to stay away from Nick, she can't help herself. What Annabelle sees in Nick is a chance for something special, something meaningful. The problem is figuring out if they can both set aside their fears to make that happen.
I was hooked on this book from the getgo. Despite finding Annabelle a little difficult initially (just due to some differing viewpoints) she quickly grew on me as the story progressed. It was really Nick's introduction that pulled me in. Having this character who had gone through what he did made me want to see how things would end up for him on the other side of this story.
I enjoyed seeing Annabelle and Nick figuratively dance around one another for a good portion of the book. I don't think they actually meet until close to halfway so that prospective in-person interaction really drives the story forward. It's when they actually meet up that it's so satisfying. They're both dealing with long-term grief and/or trauma. Annabelle from losing her mother which was a precursor to her impetuosity and Nick from his unstable family life he learned that he can only count on himself, but with the stroke, he is now in a constant state of questioning his body, waiting for it to happen again. I like seeing how they both help each other deal with those problems that you know you have, you know you have to address. They take up space in the back of your mind, but you try really hard to suppress them and hoping that eventually, things will work out for the best. Of course, that's never the best course of action.
Aside from Nick and Annabelle together, we also get the workplace dynamic in which Annabelle finds herself upon her move to Arizona. I liked seeing Annabelle excel at her job especially when she gets pushback from employees who have been there longer, Annabelle takes everything in stride. I love seeing her unapologetic confidence in her abilities.
I just think that Jenn McKinlay did a great job of handling some potentially heavy topics, but not making the book feel weighed down. Still keeping that lightness and hope, but also offering a seriousness that is due.
Now, I did not read Jenn McKinlay's previous book Paris is Always a Good Idea although it seems like it follows Annabelle's sister Chelsea. Now that I know what I'm missing out on, I'll have to get to reading that one sooner rather than later. This book was a bit of a surprise for me, but it was a wonderful one!
Not being able to help herself, Annabelle learns that Nick - once renowned in the local construction industry - suffered a stroke almost a year ago. Since then he's withdrawn himself completely from the public eye. Despite Annabelle's promise to her best friend to stay away from Nick, she can't help herself. What Annabelle sees in Nick is a chance for something special, something meaningful. The problem is figuring out if they can both set aside their fears to make that happen.
I was hooked on this book from the getgo. Despite finding Annabelle a little difficult initially (just due to some differing viewpoints) she quickly grew on me as the story progressed. It was really Nick's introduction that pulled me in. Having this character who had gone through what he did made me want to see how things would end up for him on the other side of this story.
I enjoyed seeing Annabelle and Nick figuratively dance around one another for a good portion of the book. I don't think they actually meet until close to halfway so that prospective in-person interaction really drives the story forward. It's when they actually meet up that it's so satisfying. They're both dealing with long-term grief and/or trauma. Annabelle from losing her mother which was a precursor to her impetuosity and Nick from his unstable family life he learned that he can only count on himself, but with the stroke, he is now in a constant state of questioning his body, waiting for it to happen again. I like seeing how they both help each other deal with those problems that you know you have, you know you have to address. They take up space in the back of your mind, but you try really hard to suppress them and hoping that eventually, things will work out for the best. Of course, that's never the best course of action.
Aside from Nick and Annabelle together, we also get the workplace dynamic in which Annabelle finds herself upon her move to Arizona. I liked seeing Annabelle excel at her job especially when she gets pushback from employees who have been there longer, Annabelle takes everything in stride. I love seeing her unapologetic confidence in her abilities.
I just think that Jenn McKinlay did a great job of handling some potentially heavy topics, but not making the book feel weighed down. Still keeping that lightness and hope, but also offering a seriousness that is due.
Now, I did not read Jenn McKinlay's previous book Paris is Always a Good Idea although it seems like it follows Annabelle's sister Chelsea. Now that I know what I'm missing out on, I'll have to get to reading that one sooner rather than later. This book was a bit of a surprise for me, but it was a wonderful one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, and Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent
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