Reviews

The Romantic by Riley Hart

robazizo's review against another edition

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4.0

Different from the first one, but just as entertaining. Parker in particular stole my heart and it was lovely to see him and Elliott fall for each other despite their best intentions to keep things casual.

stephreviewsbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

The prologue alone could have been a swoony short story if Parker had just said yes to ice cream, blah blah blah, HEA, The End; and I so wanted that.....but he didn't say yes to ice cream and Riley likes to make us work for the story so I knew we had to go through a lot more before we got the HEA. It's obvious how this story is going to turn out but being true to 'The Romantic' that Parker is named,  it's like reading a modern day version with Mr Darcy wooing Elizabeth Bennett until she believes he truly loves her. It's both funny and genuine and because all thoughts and feelings have been laid out there is trust and honesty early on and their time spent together isn't about impressing one another. The sparks are real but hard to accept because surely its not that easy to fall in love, right?  We have fun along the way because these two men bounce well off each other and the sex scenes are really steamy and get more and more intimate. I loved both characters Parker is such a sweetheart, who swells when praised and made to feel special. Elliott, who, is totally a 'when in love, go big' kind of guy.  He probably doesn't even realise he loved Parker as early on as he did but his romatic antics gave him away; his journey is enlightening. Parker is The Romantic, Elliott is Mr Romance and it was beautiful and emotional to watch it unfold. It is always great to catch up with the Vers guys and listen to their back and forth banter. Sebastian was a great confidante for Elliott and they made a special bond, which really added credibility to the story. It has to be 5 stars because once again I have become totally invested in these guys' lives and need to be perched on their loveseat watching them go about their happily married life. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

jacqueleenthereadingqueen's review against another edition

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5.0

"When I get married, I want it to be for love."

"...I didn't remind him that he'd already gotten married, and it was, in fact, not for love."


Dear sweet Parker. What have you gotten yourself into now? As the self proclaimed Romantic of the Vers Podcast group he sure looks for love in all the wrong places. Some of his dates described were literally the stuff of nightmares. *cringes in sympathy.* So what's a Romantic to do when he wakes up after drunkenly marrying the man he swore to never give a chance? Why pretend to be happily married for 6 months before deciding on an amicable divorce. Easy peasy right? Wrong.

Elliott has his own reasons for staying in the marriage as well. It's a mutual decision so there's no one person pushing for this while the other begrudgingly agrees. In theory this could have worked, if it wasn't for the fact that both these men are wildly drawn to one another and their attraction is fueled in part by a heaping helping of lust. I will give it to them, they tried. It just so happens their chemistry was stronger than their willpower to stay away. Oh and Elliott also discovers Parkers secret praise kink and uses it to his full advantage.

I loved how Parker explains exactly what he's looking for in a relationship, while simultaneously not opening his eyes and realizing Elliott has spent much of their marriage doing just those things. Elliot is a closet sweetheart. He's kind and caring, exactly the type of man Parker deserves. He pays attention and then uses what he's learned to do nice things for Parker. I also adored how much Parker fit in with Elliott's family. He fell in love with them right along with Elliott it felt like. It was beautiful and made even better with how much they loved him in return. They didn't care who he was as long as he made their son happy. A-plus parents if you ask me.

It was a bit of a longer road for these two to get their heads out of their behinds. Elliott had some self discovery to work through, and Parker had to get over his preconceived opinions of Elliott from the past. He also had to realize how in denial he was about his feelings, and thankfully he had his friends to help him with that. It was all worth it because their HEA ending was absolutely beautiful. A perfect ending for a man of Romance.

oviyabalan's review against another edition

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4.0

I thought Parker was sweet but Elliot just killed it. Loved their story. Can't wait for Realist.

nilghias's review against another edition

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3.0

Better than the first one but honestly could’ve done with being shorter and having Parker and Elliot getting their shit together sooner

maelled's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

sharingthebooklove's review against another edition

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5.0

Tissues needed!

Oh wow Parker and Elliott story is really good.

I mean who doesnt love a Vegas drunken wedding story but having read The Loner and meeting both the MCs earlier, the story was perfect for them.

The reasons for staying together, the meeting the family is all so much wonderful after the to and froing and almost teasing we saw in book 1

Of course we have Corbin, Marcus, Declan and family all getting involved out of love.

elle_reads_lots's review against another edition

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4.0

these 2 find themselves married after a night in vegas... and decide to continue the marriage only for appearances sake.. however living together allows them to get to know each other and romance blossoms.

Really enjoyed both the comedy and the plot of this one of the series!

gemwilder's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

rachie877's review against another edition

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5.0

Possibly the most beautiful book I have ever read - it gives you all the warm, fuzzy feelings and is just a delight from the front to the back cover. It’s definitely one of those books that when you give it 5* you think maybe a lot of your other reads should have been 4* instead.

Although I loved Parker’s character, Elliott was definitely my favourite - so kind, caring, observant and thoughtful - a dream partner for anyone.

An absolutely gorgeous read, don’t miss it!