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autumnwitch14's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, Death of parent, and Classism
moodreadmoonchild's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I finished this in more or less -one sitting- on the same day i purchased it. I bought this book, took it to the coffee shop to read for hours, then the bar for a quick slice and a couple drinks, then came home and sat on my couch until i finished it.
First and foremost i think it’s always best to check the content warnings which thankfully the author provides on their website. I do just want to briefly give a heads up about one thing. there are 2 events of domestic abuse by a parent that are on-page to a MC while in their pov. While i wouldn’t describe them as graphic, i think important to have a heads-up on on-page events to a MC. most of the other cw are standard/common for these types of books but please still review them.
REVIEW:
This book was really good. it is one of those “pick it up until it’s done”. I will say that the cover and blurb on the back… i hated them. if i hadn’t seen an insta reel for this book, i never would have picked it up but i’m so glad i did. a classic enemies to lovers, office romance. the FMC really develops and grows as the book goes on and it feels very organic. the MMC is kinda inconsistent with being half in/ half out but also being so in and obsessed my mans is feral. gets a little confusing and frustrating but he’s a solid MMC.
my one major complaint that most held it back from a 5⭐️
i know 3rd act breakups are almost a staple of romance novels but this book had such ample opportunity to avoid. just tweaking one scene slightly & it would have given a more interesting climax avoided the forever hated “misheard convo/miscommunication to 3AB” trope. the trope almost feels out of place and forced.
First and foremost i think it’s always best to check the content warnings which thankfully the author provides on their website. I do just want to briefly give a heads up about one thing. there are 2 events of domestic abuse by a parent that are on-page to a MC while in their pov. While i wouldn’t describe them as graphic, i think important to have a heads-up on on-page events to a MC. most of the other cw are standard/common for these types of books but please still review them.
REVIEW:
This book was really good. it is one of those “pick it up until it’s done”. I will say that the cover and blurb on the back… i hated them. if i hadn’t seen an insta reel for this book, i never would have picked it up but i’m so glad i did. a classic enemies to lovers, office romance. the FMC really develops and grows as the book goes on and it feels very organic. the MMC is kinda inconsistent with being half in/ half out but also being so in and obsessed my mans is feral. gets a little confusing and frustrating but he’s a solid MMC.
my one major complaint that most held it back from a 5⭐️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Medical content
Moderate: Alcoholism and Physical abuse
bookmarkedtbr's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, fake dating, billionaire romance
FMC: Clara - bubbly baker, wants to fill the world with color and delicious baked goods
MMC: Dominic - incredibly serious, no nonsense, loves his family deeply, strong sense of responsibility
Intimacy: On page
Summary
When Dominic's grandpa dies, he lives stipulations for each of his grandchildren in his will. In order for Dominic to get his inheritance, he has to allow Clara to open a bakery inside Dominic's new resort. The catch? The design must be approved by them both. The problem is that Clara's life is full of color despite the secrets she hides, and Dominic's modern black-and-white aesthetic mirrors his stubbornness in deciding to never fall in love again.
Thoughts
Shain Rose has done it again. This is a great series so far and I can't wait to keep reading! This book is a masterclass in character building. Both Dom and Clara are complete, complex, and entirely relatable. Their sparring and secret glances had me flipping pages so quickly. I couldn't wait until they gave in!
Not only are the characters wonderful, but the balance between the main and sub plots was perfect. By the end everything is wrapped up to my satisfaction and the next book was set up beautifully. The tone and pacing fit the story, and the progression from enemies to lovers was realistic and unrushed. Reading as Clara broke through Dominic's walls had me swooning and squealing throughout. Definitely a Must Read series.
Some of My Favorite Quotes:
- There was a new word I was starting to associate with everything Clara Milton. Addictive.
- Without all that, she was cute, like you wanted to fold her up and put her in your chest pocket to keep her close to your heart.
- We might have been fake dating, but I was going to kiss her for real every ******* time.
- "I realize my boundaries are probably -" "Just what you need. Keep establishing them, babe." He said it with conviction like he knew.
- He might have been my fake boyfriend but he was everything I'd ever wanted, what I never knew I needed.
FMC: Clara - bubbly baker, wants to fill the world with color and delicious baked goods
MMC: Dominic - incredibly serious, no nonsense, loves his family deeply, strong sense of responsibility
Intimacy: On page
Summary
When Dominic's grandpa dies, he lives stipulations for each of his grandchildren in his will. In order for Dominic to get his inheritance, he has to allow Clara to open a bakery inside Dominic's new resort. The catch? The design must be approved by them both. The problem is that Clara's life is full of color despite the secrets she hides, and Dominic's modern black-and-white aesthetic mirrors his stubbornness in deciding to never fall in love again.
Thoughts
Shain Rose has done it again. This is a great series so far and I can't wait to keep reading! This book is a masterclass in character building. Both Dom and Clara are complete, complex, and entirely relatable. Their sparring and secret glances had me flipping pages so quickly. I couldn't wait until they gave in!
Not only are the characters wonderful, but the balance between the main and sub plots was perfect. By the end everything is wrapped up to my satisfaction and the next book was set up beautifully. The tone and pacing fit the story, and the progression from enemies to lovers was realistic and unrushed. Reading as Clara broke through Dominic's walls had me swooning and squealing throughout. Definitely a Must Read series.
Some of My Favorite Quotes:
- There was a new word I was starting to associate with everything Clara Milton. Addictive.
- Without all that, she was cute, like you wanted to fold her up and put her in your chest pocket to keep her close to your heart.
- We might have been fake dating, but I was going to kiss her for real every ******* time.
- "I realize my boundaries are probably -" "Just what you need. Keep establishing them, babe." He said it with conviction like he knew.
- He might have been my fake boyfriend but he was everything I'd ever wanted, what I never knew I needed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Chronic illness, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity, Physical abuse, Grief, and Gaslighting
tguccione's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Medical content
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Death of parent
leticiaariana's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Domestic abuse
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