mugsy211's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so much fun and Amber was such a bad@ss. I loved how strong she was and how she didn’t take crap from anyone. I really enjoyed Ian but there were moments that made me feel like icky because of him. Sometimes he would say things that just seemed out of touch or kinda misogynistic. It’s not that he was being mean, they just didn’t quite hit right. I did love the ending and honestly, he did pretty awesome by that point. This was a veryyyyy quick read and I wouldn’t have minded a few extra chapters that went into a bit more detail. Otherwise, highly recommend the book. If you want a book that you can finish in an afternoon, this is it.
evilskin's review against another edition
3.0
I hate that I can’t honestly give this book a higher rating because it had all the potential to be a super funny rom-com style romance and I’m all up for those. The thing is that I actually flew through this and so will anyone, the pace is good and the story is so addictive you’ll be done before you even realize it. However, if you’re looking for a complex and nuanced romance… this may not be it.
Let’s discuss its blessings and sins.
About the blessings:
- It’s an uncomplicated story with a pretty likable main character (I still have a few things to say about her), the kind you can read in one sitting.
- It’s a vet story, meaning cute animals but also bringing up important discussions (if lightly) of topics such as animal abuse, animal rights, etc.
- The writing is straightforward, not too flowery or descriptive, so if you generally prefer to avoid books with extra-long paragraphs full of metaphorical language you will have no issue with this one.
- It’s the grumpy/sunshine dynamic!
- You will be invested in all the characters’ business. I love how almost the whole thing is supposed to be material for a reality show and it actually feels like it. Half the scenes are purposefully overdramatic and over-the-top but just as if you were watching any other reality, you just live for it and always wanna know more.
- If you, like me, love relationships where there’s an actual animosity between the characters before it evolves into a romance, oh boy will this feed your soul.
Still, even if it has a lot of potential some things could still stand for improvement. So let’s go with the sins:
- I DON’T need to be reminded every few pages about how short, little, petite, tiny, small Amber is. For real… I got it the first time.
- The way the characters' relationship transitioned from hatred to true love doesn’t make that much sense realistically speaking. I don’t think they shared enough quality time together for a true connection to form.
- There’s a not-like-other-girls vibe about Amber that doesn't sit right with me. The worst thing is that it comes mainly from Ian and the way he perceives her and talks or thinks about her. A few examples:
«And she wasn't... like Amber. Of course, no one was like Amber. Not that I wanted to marry Amber, but she was far more interesting than women like Maya.»
«I like that you don't eat like other women» Although in this one even the character becomes self-aware enough to point out the stupidity of the statement right after... it still doesn't save face.
«She rubbed her arms and hugged herself but didn't complain. That was one thing I admired about Amber. She never bitched about the small stuff.»
Although this doesn't mean Amber herself doesn't deliver quite a few times:
«Have you ever dated someone who wasn't a model or celebrity before? Someone who's not afraid to throw a punch and enjoys a good burger»
- There are also some serious plot holes. For instance, the one that made me so furious I just had to lower the rating is the one about the punching-Brock scene. I still can’t tell who did it (Ian or Amber?) and this pisses me off. I think I understand what may have happened, the author had different ideas at different points about who should be the one to punch him (I love that she just knew someone had to), probably initially wrote one of them, then changed it afterwards but didn't properly edit out the first one. This is frustrating because you alternate between the two narratives on multiple occasions, it's not even a one-time thing. This book undoubtedly needs another editor. I hope the final version fixes this.
Overall, I wouldn't say it's an outstanding book but if you wanna have a good time and love complicated romantic dynamics this may be an interesting one for you! I certainly would say I had a good time reading it.
Note: thanks both to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review
Let’s discuss its blessings and sins.
About the blessings:
- It’s an uncomplicated story with a pretty likable main character (I still have a few things to say about her), the kind you can read in one sitting.
- It’s a vet story, meaning cute animals but also bringing up important discussions (if lightly) of topics such as animal abuse, animal rights, etc.
- The writing is straightforward, not too flowery or descriptive, so if you generally prefer to avoid books with extra-long paragraphs full of metaphorical language you will have no issue with this one.
- It’s the grumpy/sunshine dynamic!
- You will be invested in all the characters’ business. I love how almost the whole thing is supposed to be material for a reality show and it actually feels like it. Half the scenes are purposefully overdramatic and over-the-top but just as if you were watching any other reality, you just live for it and always wanna know more.
- If you, like me, love relationships where there’s an actual animosity between the characters before it evolves into a romance, oh boy will this feed your soul.
Still, even if it has a lot of potential some things could still stand for improvement. So let’s go with the sins:
- I DON’T need to be reminded every few pages about how short, little, petite, tiny, small Amber is. For real… I got it the first time.
- The way the characters' relationship transitioned from hatred to true love doesn’t make that much sense realistically speaking. I don’t think they shared enough quality time together for a true connection to form.
- There’s a not-like-other-girls vibe about Amber that doesn't sit right with me. The worst thing is that it comes mainly from Ian and the way he perceives her and talks or thinks about her. A few examples:
«And she wasn't... like Amber. Of course, no one was like Amber. Not that I wanted to marry Amber, but she was far more interesting than women like Maya.»
«I like that you don't eat like other women» Although in this one even the character becomes self-aware enough to point out the stupidity of the statement right after... it still doesn't save face.
«She rubbed her arms and hugged herself but didn't complain. That was one thing I admired about Amber. She never bitched about the small stuff.»
Although this doesn't mean Amber herself doesn't deliver quite a few times:
«Have you ever dated someone who wasn't a model or celebrity before? Someone who's not afraid to throw a punch and enjoys a good burger»
- There are also some serious plot holes. For instance, the one that made me so furious I just had to lower the rating is the one about the punching-Brock scene. I still can’t tell who did it (Ian or Amber?) and this pisses me off. I think I understand what may have happened, the author had different ideas at different points about who should be the one to punch him (I love that she just knew someone had to), probably initially wrote one of them, then changed it afterwards but didn't properly edit out the first one. This is frustrating because you alternate between the two narratives on multiple occasions, it's not even a one-time thing. This book undoubtedly needs another editor. I hope the final version fixes this.
Overall, I wouldn't say it's an outstanding book but if you wanna have a good time and love complicated romantic dynamics this may be an interesting one for you! I certainly would say I had a good time reading it.
Note: thanks both to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review
ainun_farhan_zahra's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Thank you so much Netgalley and the author for the ARC! 'Doc Showmance' stays true to the blurb and delivers every bit of steam and melodrama that were promised. I haven't read any veterinary romance before. In fact, I doubt there are many in this category. A vet herself, Zoe's urge to write about two badass, stubborn, entertaing vets is very justified. Kudos to the author for merging her experiences and wild imagination to give life to a hilarious and thoughtful story. Our protagonists Amber and Ian both belong to dysfunctional families. Amber lives with her foster siblings - Bruno, Marino and Joley. Despite having different parents and no social liability to each other, their connection is beautiful and incredibly heartwarming. On the other hand, Ian couldn't be furthest from his. With power hungry, manipulative guardians, it's surprising that he has compassion left in him at all. After finishing vet school, both had parted their ways following a bitter incident. When fate collides them once more to star on a tv show, will they able to move past the past or will hatred bring them down? I mean obviously hatred doesn't bring them down. That part is certain, isn't it? Unfortunately - though I love fake-dating, enemies to lovers, hospitals, doctors, animals, slow burn, badass females, the book didn't click for me as much as I wanted it to. The characters are likable but the story could have been written better with a bit more maturity. Ian's background could use more depth. More highlights should be given on the animals - in my opinion. I would have loved to see them bond with their patients, to read about the work Ian actually does in his tv show, how they protest against animal abuse and so on. At the end, it felt like a lot of information were crammed into few sentences. Otherwise, it's quite a good read. I don't regret picking it up.
gsnorto's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks for the arc netgalley! Loved this book I mean it had my two fave tropes ever: fake dating and enemies to lovers with second chance thrown in to boot! Ian and Amber had fire chemistry it jumped off the page and I really love how even their break up was well written and didn't make me hate it like I always do reading them! Ian's parting words were SWOON!
jficele's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elegantfantasy_blogs's review against another edition
3.0
“There’s no amount of money on earth worth being paid to put my lips on yours. God knows where yours have been.”
It was a cute and quick read for me. Since this was an enemies to lovers romance, I expected something more from the book. In the beginning itself, we get to know that the enemies part is one sided that is only from Amber's side while Ian on the other hand, likes her secretly which kind of ruined the fun for me. The fake dating aspect also wasn't perfectly executed in my opinion. But I liked the fact that Ian & Amber talked things out and did not let a misunderstanding ruin what was going on between them. Both the main characters were mature and understood each other's problems, which was a puls point. But the confession between them took place when I reached more than 90% of the book and I just wanted to see them more as a real couple but the book reached its end. It would have been more good if this parts was moved somewhere towards the middle tbh. But overall, I liked the plot and the characters. The setting of a shoot taking place at a veterinary clinic was new and refreshing.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
It was a cute and quick read for me. Since this was an enemies to lovers romance, I expected something more from the book. In the beginning itself, we get to know that the enemies part is one sided that is only from Amber's side while Ian on the other hand, likes her secretly which kind of ruined the fun for me. The fake dating aspect also wasn't perfectly executed in my opinion. But I liked the fact that Ian & Amber talked things out and did not let a misunderstanding ruin what was going on between them. Both the main characters were mature and understood each other's problems, which was a puls point. But the confession between them took place when I reached more than 90% of the book and I just wanted to see them more as a real couple but the book reached its end. It would have been more good if this parts was moved somewhere towards the middle tbh. But overall, I liked the plot and the characters. The setting of a shoot taking place at a veterinary clinic was new and refreshing.
I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review
readsbyn's review against another edition
4.0
Doc Showmance by Zoe Forward
Plot: Amber, a vet, specializes in surgery and is a reality TV star in a show about what it's like to be an emergency vet. Her college nemesis, Ian, who holds the title of being the 'sexiest vet', is blackmailed to fake date Amber on her show. Amber hated Ian, for what he did to her on Valentine's Day, back in vet school. So, will this on-screen love win her over in real life, or will she hold on to the grudge? Read the book to find out!
My thoughts: This book has all my favorite tropes, fake dating, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, grumpy sunshine, and forced proximity-- all in one. How can one not like a book based on doctors and a reality tv show with all the drama to spice it up?
I loved the energy of the main characters and the side characters lived up to my expectations by adding all the right amount of drama. Great plot, and well executed by the author, makes it an easy 4 stars for me
Thank-you NetGalley, the author, Zoe Forward, and the publishers for providing me with the ARC in return of my honest review!
Plot: Amber, a vet, specializes in surgery and is a reality TV star in a show about what it's like to be an emergency vet. Her college nemesis, Ian, who holds the title of being the 'sexiest vet', is blackmailed to fake date Amber on her show. Amber hated Ian, for what he did to her on Valentine's Day, back in vet school. So, will this on-screen love win her over in real life, or will she hold on to the grudge? Read the book to find out!
My thoughts: This book has all my favorite tropes, fake dating, enemies to lovers, workplace romance, grumpy sunshine, and forced proximity-- all in one. How can one not like a book based on doctors and a reality tv show with all the drama to spice it up?
I loved the energy of the main characters and the side characters lived up to my expectations by adding all the right amount of drama. Great plot, and well executed by the author, makes it an easy 4 stars for me
Thank-you NetGalley, the author, Zoe Forward, and the publishers for providing me with the ARC in return of my honest review!