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ecromwell8's review against another edition
5.0
What a sweet story!! First off let me just say how much I loved Carly! That girl is so dang funny. I was constantly laughing out loud from the wacky and crazy things that she would say. And it always cracked me up seeing what new nicknames she could come up with for Fin! So so funny.
The romance in this book was to die for! But in addition to that, what also makes this story so great is how the author incorporates important life lessons into it. It was a really refreshing thing to see and read and although it was for the characters in the book, I found myself highlighting it as well to serve as good life lessons for myself personally.
Okay going back to the romance! You can’t help but root for Carly and Fin. Sure, things don’t start off so smoothly for them in the beginning...but isn’t that how all the best loves begin? Together, they are on fire!! *SWOON*
By the end of this book I was left with a big smile on my face and happy tears. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from this book! I loved it!
♥ I’m on Bookstagram! -> Http://www.instagram.com/Emily.reads_ ♥
The romance in this book was to die for! But in addition to that, what also makes this story so great is how the author incorporates important life lessons into it. It was a really refreshing thing to see and read and although it was for the characters in the book, I found myself highlighting it as well to serve as good life lessons for myself personally.
Okay going back to the romance! You can’t help but root for Carly and Fin. Sure, things don’t start off so smoothly for them in the beginning...but isn’t that how all the best loves begin? Together, they are on fire!! *SWOON*
By the end of this book I was left with a big smile on my face and happy tears. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from this book! I loved it!
♥ I’m on Bookstagram! -> Http://www.instagram.com/Emily.reads_ ♥
onceupon_a_bookdream's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5 ⭐
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Like You Want It is the new release of author Jillian Liota. A love story filled with friendship, forgiveness and self acceptance.
"I may not be perfect, but being me is good enough."
I really enjoyed all the characters in Like You Want It. Carly is probably the happiest character I have ever read about. She is a big ball of sunshine on a day to day basis. On the inside she is a little insecure and wishes she was enough for people, but she doesn't take those negative feelings out on others. Fin is a big sexy ball of anger and resentment. His hot and cold interactions with Carly gave me whiplash. I mean he had legit reasons for feeling the way he did but that didn't make it okay for him to treat her that way, so I am glad she stood up for herself. I absolutely loved Fin's sister Susie she might have been my favorite character of all of them and I hope that the author writes her a book because she definitely deserves a good man and a happily ever after.
"Sometimes being lost is okay. Sometimes getting lost leads you to something beautiful."
The story line itself was good but I felt at times it seemed to drag and get preachy. However, the sex scenes between Carly and Fin totally made up for that. The sexual chemistry and aggressive sex between them was explosive. It was great that for once in a romance book the girl was the dirty talker instead of the guy and it totally worked for Carly. She knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to voice it to Fin. Another thing I love about the story is how strong the female friendships in it were. Carly puts her friendship with Susie first and foremost and that's the way real friends should be. I also really appreciated the therapy aspect to the book. Carly embraces that she see's a therapist consistently to help her with her struggles and other characters turn to it to help them figure out what's going on inside their heads and help them personally grow.
"She's kind and beautiful and funny and just this brightness that fills the cracks I didn't realize I had in my chest."
Overall, Like You Want It is a sweet love story. A slow burn romance with great characters, witty banter, strong female friendships, and positive mental health representation. I am looking forward to reading more Jillian Liota books in the future.
"You're all I can think about," he whispers, placing a single kiss below my ear. "The only thing on my mind, no matter where I am or what I'm doing."
"I stare up into Fin's eyes, and I know right then and there that whatever is going to happen between us is going to flay me wide open."
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Like You Want It is the new release of author Jillian Liota. A love story filled with friendship, forgiveness and self acceptance.
"I may not be perfect, but being me is good enough."
I really enjoyed all the characters in Like You Want It. Carly is probably the happiest character I have ever read about. She is a big ball of sunshine on a day to day basis. On the inside she is a little insecure and wishes she was enough for people, but she doesn't take those negative feelings out on others. Fin is a big sexy ball of anger and resentment. His hot and cold interactions with Carly gave me whiplash. I mean he had legit reasons for feeling the way he did but that didn't make it okay for him to treat her that way, so I am glad she stood up for herself. I absolutely loved Fin's sister Susie she might have been my favorite character of all of them and I hope that the author writes her a book because she definitely deserves a good man and a happily ever after.
"Sometimes being lost is okay. Sometimes getting lost leads you to something beautiful."
The story line itself was good but I felt at times it seemed to drag and get preachy. However, the sex scenes between Carly and Fin totally made up for that. The sexual chemistry and aggressive sex between them was explosive. It was great that for once in a romance book the girl was the dirty talker instead of the guy and it totally worked for Carly. She knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to voice it to Fin. Another thing I love about the story is how strong the female friendships in it were. Carly puts her friendship with Susie first and foremost and that's the way real friends should be. I also really appreciated the therapy aspect to the book. Carly embraces that she see's a therapist consistently to help her with her struggles and other characters turn to it to help them figure out what's going on inside their heads and help them personally grow.
"She's kind and beautiful and funny and just this brightness that fills the cracks I didn't realize I had in my chest."
Overall, Like You Want It is a sweet love story. A slow burn romance with great characters, witty banter, strong female friendships, and positive mental health representation. I am looking forward to reading more Jillian Liota books in the future.
"You're all I can think about," he whispers, placing a single kiss below my ear. "The only thing on my mind, no matter where I am or what I'm doing."
"I stare up into Fin's eyes, and I know right then and there that whatever is going to happen between us is going to flay me wide open."
3.5/5 ⭐
janareviews's review against another edition
5.0
Like You Want It was my first book by Jillian Liota, and it wont be my last! I read it a few days ago, and I an still thinking about it (that’s how I know it was good!)
I loved Carly’s positive attitude and her willingness to help everybody. She made me laugh and smile the entire time I was reading the book!
Fin I loved from the beginning, but I really loved him at the end. He was able to really grow and learn about himself throughout the book. It was different than other books with similar characters and I appreciated that!
Together Carly and Fin were so good for each other. They evened each other out and were able be their best selves!
All of the characters were complex and I didn’t feel like I was missing any information about them. I would love to see a story with Susie, oh and one with Dina!
I loved Carly’s positive attitude and her willingness to help everybody. She made me laugh and smile the entire time I was reading the book!
Fin I loved from the beginning, but I really loved him at the end. He was able to really grow and learn about himself throughout the book. It was different than other books with similar characters and I appreciated that!
Together Carly and Fin were so good for each other. They evened each other out and were able be their best selves!
All of the characters were complex and I didn’t feel like I was missing any information about them. I would love to see a story with Susie, oh and one with Dina!
mochalattie's review against another edition
5.0
I almost put this book down...Carly was just so HAPPY! But since CORONA LASHAE VIRUS is here to stay I powered on. And I’m so freaking glad I did. Oh my heart I just want more of this book . Finnegan finnegard my love! Oh the hurt and the love and the just everything
READ THIS BOOK!!!
READ THIS BOOK!!!
athenaaa's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
For a romance book, I think the premise is a little dull. Typically with romance, I prefer the characters to be in a semi realistic but a little ridiculous scenario, but this one didn't have the ridiculous part. That said, the characters are likeable and fit well together. So much sexual tension!
ireadergosum's review against another edition
5.0
This was a story that didn’t know I needed. This story resonated with me deep down in my soul. I laughed, I cried, and I highlighted so many damn quotes. The characters we’re messy and flawed in very realistic ways, and it was such a joy to go on the journey with them as they grew through what they were going through.
Carly is one of those people you might find kind of annoying, but you also wish you could be her. Her optimism is like the sun, and she takes the time to really think about the whole picture. I love her friendship with Susie, and how Carly builds her up and supports her. Carly is really good about being selfless. Her friend Dina is hilarious and brash, and I’d love to get to know her more.
That brings me to send Fin, who I want to call something else, but don’t want to give it away. Just wait until you hear Carley’s nicknames. Fin is dark and broody and definitely flawed, but his journey of growth in the story is so fulfilling. It was so satisfying to see the different sides of him show up throughout the story. With his and Susie’s family, there are issues but there is so much love and loyalty. The family dynamics for both characters were so realistic and really added to the story.
I think what made this book really impactful, is all of the wise words throughout the story. There is an open communication portrayed in a very realistic way, where characters struggle to have it, but eventually get to it. The relationships just become so healthy, and it really is wonderful to see that depicted in a book. The positive portrayal of therapy in this book is like a breath of fresh air. The therapist has this magnificent line when someone thinks therapy isn’t going to work for them—it wasn’t therapy is good for everyone and I won’t spoil for you because it’s so good, but it just made me say, “YES, that right there, YES!”
This story has so much damn heart, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a romance with ALL THE FEELS.
Thank you so much to Jillian Liota for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Carly is one of those people you might find kind of annoying, but you also wish you could be her. Her optimism is like the sun, and she takes the time to really think about the whole picture. I love her friendship with Susie, and how Carly builds her up and supports her. Carly is really good about being selfless. Her friend Dina is hilarious and brash, and I’d love to get to know her more.
That brings me to send Fin, who I want to call something else, but don’t want to give it away. Just wait until you hear Carley’s nicknames. Fin is dark and broody and definitely flawed, but his journey of growth in the story is so fulfilling. It was so satisfying to see the different sides of him show up throughout the story. With his and Susie’s family, there are issues but there is so much love and loyalty. The family dynamics for both characters were so realistic and really added to the story.
I think what made this book really impactful, is all of the wise words throughout the story. There is an open communication portrayed in a very realistic way, where characters struggle to have it, but eventually get to it. The relationships just become so healthy, and it really is wonderful to see that depicted in a book. The positive portrayal of therapy in this book is like a breath of fresh air. The therapist has this magnificent line when someone thinks therapy isn’t going to work for them—it wasn’t therapy is good for everyone and I won’t spoil for you because it’s so good, but it just made me say, “YES, that right there, YES!”
This story has so much damn heart, and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a romance with ALL THE FEELS.
Thank you so much to Jillian Liota for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
reading_between_reality's review against another edition
5.0
Jillian Liota is a newer to me author, this only being my second book of hers. The first one I read, Like You Mean It, was so good I HAD to have more. Her writing is so smooth and flawless. She has quickly climbed up the ranks as one of my new favourite authors. Even though I received both books as eARCs, I have to buy the hard copies!
Like You Want It had everything I love in a book – a strong female protagonist, a sexy brooding guy, strong friendship, family, forgiveness, steamy sexiness and wisdom. Plus elements of mental health, addiction, teen pregnancy and grief.
Carly is one of those relentlessly optimistic people that could very easily get overwhelming and annoying, but her self-awareness allows her to know when to dial it back. She doesn’t have a perfect life and she doesn’t pretend to, but she chooses happiness and positivity. The level of quirkiness made me laugh multiple times and I just wanted to hug her and be her best friend. I need some Carly in my life.
Carly, it’s okay for people to not like you. Everyone prefers different things and people, and you don’t have to be everything to everyone.
Everybody finds her quirkiness hard to resist, especially Fin, her neighbours swoon-worthy but broody brother. He has his share of obstacles and issues to overcome, but that doesn’t deter Carly from falling for him. It didn’t deter me from falling for him either. I love his chapters and getting to see his side of the story and why he was the way he was.
Susie is a character that has to be mentioned because he story on its own is an emotional one. Without giving anything away, Carly is able to insert herself into Susie and Fin’s lives and shows them that no amount of big mistakes or bad decisions mean they don’t deserve to be loved and forgiven.
Anyone who makes you feel like you don’t deserve friendship and happiness just because you made some bad choices in your past is a person you should strike from your friend list, immediately.
This is a must read for anyone who likes fluffy hate-to-love romance; fluffy like a big storm cloud fluffy, holding so much inside waiting to let it all rain down.
Like You Want It had everything I love in a book – a strong female protagonist, a sexy brooding guy, strong friendship, family, forgiveness, steamy sexiness and wisdom. Plus elements of mental health, addiction, teen pregnancy and grief.
Carly is one of those relentlessly optimistic people that could very easily get overwhelming and annoying, but her self-awareness allows her to know when to dial it back. She doesn’t have a perfect life and she doesn’t pretend to, but she chooses happiness and positivity. The level of quirkiness made me laugh multiple times and I just wanted to hug her and be her best friend. I need some Carly in my life.
Carly, it’s okay for people to not like you. Everyone prefers different things and people, and you don’t have to be everything to everyone.
Everybody finds her quirkiness hard to resist, especially Fin, her neighbours swoon-worthy but broody brother. He has his share of obstacles and issues to overcome, but that doesn’t deter Carly from falling for him. It didn’t deter me from falling for him either. I love his chapters and getting to see his side of the story and why he was the way he was.
Susie is a character that has to be mentioned because he story on its own is an emotional one. Without giving anything away, Carly is able to insert herself into Susie and Fin’s lives and shows them that no amount of big mistakes or bad decisions mean they don’t deserve to be loved and forgiven.
Anyone who makes you feel like you don’t deserve friendship and happiness just because you made some bad choices in your past is a person you should strike from your friend list, immediately.
This is a must read for anyone who likes fluffy hate-to-love romance; fluffy like a big storm cloud fluffy, holding so much inside waiting to let it all rain down.
shelbyjo's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a big fan of Jillian Liota's books. This is my 3rd so far, and I've enjoyed each one. She creates such realistic characters and stories and I get sucked right into the stories right off the bat. Like You Want It is no exception. Carly & Fin's story was so good! I want to be more like Carly, she's such an awesome person. All of her nicknames for Fin made me laugh, loved her sense of humor. I also loved how she stood up for herself and put her self out there in situations that many people wouldn't be able to. She was bold and fiesty, no doormat heroine here! Really great book over all!
tilthelastpage's review against another edition
5.0
"But I guess that's just how things work in life. We find what's comfortable for us, and that ends up being all we know and want. Both for ourselves, and for others."
Like You Want It by [a:Jillian Liota|15316330|Jillian Liota|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1475451616p2/15316330.jpg] is a passionate fervent read with unique characters and back-stories. It is a story about finding your feet in the world, friendship, and love amidst the hard tracks life puts you up against. It is a book I greatly enjoyed and felt everyone should too!
Carly and Fin's romantic development started off on a rocky path but builds up steadily. Once it takes off, it REALLY takes off. I have so many reasons to root for this couple. Most of all it's probably because they are the complete opposite. Carly is vibrant, constantly cheery all the time, and energy 'sun-shinning-on-me' energy. While Fin is brooding, protective, and not a very optimistic guy. They had their ups and downs, but despite their disagreements, denials, and banter, they do make compromises with the relationship.
I also root for the friendship between Carly and Susie, they have a genuine and overall positive relationship. They don't throw judgments early on and instead support each other's decision and well-being.
The author brings out profound meaning in every mundane conversation between the characters. It is filled with important life lessons any adult and young adult would appreciate. Each character carries their own baggage but proved to beat the odds and overcome their own mistakes in the pasts.
This is such a good book to pass up without giving a chance. Fully recommended.
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