nikkisreadingx's review against another edition
3.0
It was alright. I liked the characters and the world established around them was solid and real. The way she built around Brooke and Caleb helped their story almost as much as the characters themselves.
Issue number one is that the editing is...shoddy. Not in the sense of grammatical errors or punctuation, because there were no problems there. Instead, it seemed the scenes and plot line received no real edit at all. When Brooke tells Caleb the story of her deceased husband, it does not read like someone’s talking. At all. ”A punishing grip to my chin and throat came immediately after my comment.” is just one of the sentences Brooke apparently says and it’s plainly clear that this scene was not written for speech. Her entire speech pattern changes for this conversation and it should have been edited completely when it became spoken instead of written storyline.
Another issue is that it seems the author was intent to avoid all the normal tropes found in these billionaire romances. Poor heroine believes she’s not fit for billionaire lifestyle? Present, not an issue. Rich mother who doesn’t want the family’s name sullied by marrying a commoner? Present, but not an issue. Ex-girlfriend attempts to sabotage relationship? Present, should definitely be an issue, but hero keeps the info to himself and it’s all okay when heroine finds out.
I mean, it’s not really okay because both Brooke and Caleb land in the hospital because of psycho raging, but nothing creates tension between the two. Literally nothing. The only real thing keeping them from getting married immediately is that Brooke needs more time to adjust. But rather than exploring that and turning it into a good plot point, the author pretty much ignores all real conflict in the story.
It made it...boring. All this potential to create a riveting plot line is ignored in an attempt to avoid angst. And while I don’t like angst for angst’s sake, I need something more than someone taking a relationship slow to capture my interest.
Issue number one is that the editing is...shoddy. Not in the sense of grammatical errors or punctuation, because there were no problems there. Instead, it seemed the scenes and plot line received no real edit at all. When Brooke tells Caleb the story of her deceased husband, it does not read like someone’s talking. At all. ”A punishing grip to my chin and throat came immediately after my comment.” is just one of the sentences Brooke apparently says and it’s plainly clear that this scene was not written for speech. Her entire speech pattern changes for this conversation and it should have been edited completely when it became spoken instead of written storyline.
Another issue is that it seems the author was intent to avoid all the normal tropes found in these billionaire romances. Poor heroine believes she’s not fit for billionaire lifestyle? Present, not an issue. Rich mother who doesn’t want the family’s name sullied by marrying a commoner? Present, but not an issue. Ex-girlfriend attempts to sabotage relationship? Present, should definitely be an issue, but hero keeps the info to himself and it’s all okay when heroine finds out.
I mean, it’s not really okay because both Brooke and Caleb land in the hospital because of psycho raging, but nothing creates tension between the two. Literally nothing. The only real thing keeping them from getting married immediately is that Brooke needs more time to adjust. But rather than exploring that and turning it into a good plot point, the author pretty much ignores all real conflict in the story.
It made it...boring. All this potential to create a riveting plot line is ignored in an attempt to avoid angst. And while I don’t like angst for angst’s sake, I need something more than someone taking a relationship slow to capture my interest.
bfdbookblog's review against another edition
2.0
I always try to start my reviews of books I don’t care for with the positives but that’s going to be hard for me this time around.
I know this is an old argument but I am baffled by the 5 star reviews of this book. I guess beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder because this book just wasn’t for me. One of my biggest complains about the author’s other Blackstone series was the insta-love but this book takes that to a whole new level. The speed with which Brooke went from you can’t love me to I love you too made my head spin. Everything about this story was predictable and scripted, even with the supporting cast…and that was so frustrating.
I never connected with or really cared for these characters. They were both over the top sappy and I’m really big on the low angst, feels but these were so cheesy they just made me cringe. Neither of them did anything outstanding that I’d care to learn more about.
The potential for really good suspense and angst is here but it just never happened. Brooke’s past and estranged in-law family was dangled as a possible plot line and absolutely NOTHING happened there. Is that foreshadowing or is that just a tease to make the readers think something will happen? I have no idea. The potential angst with Caleb’s ex was off the charts and I was prepared for a huge ordeal but fizzled before it had a chance to be a big deal. Caleb’s mother was a cold hearted, conniving witch but even she lost her steam when her big secrets were revealed.
There appear to be two Blackstone families here but the connection to Ethan is still unknown, at least to me as I didn’t recognize any of the names mentioned in this book. That to me means we’re going to be strung along through this series before the connection is revealed.
I am truly torn after reading this book. There were several characters I want to know about and that have the potential for great stories but I’m afraid they will be disappointing like this story. I honestly am not sure where to go from here.
I know this is an old argument but I am baffled by the 5 star reviews of this book. I guess beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder because this book just wasn’t for me. One of my biggest complains about the author’s other Blackstone series was the insta-love but this book takes that to a whole new level. The speed with which Brooke went from you can’t love me to I love you too made my head spin. Everything about this story was predictable and scripted, even with the supporting cast…and that was so frustrating.
I never connected with or really cared for these characters. They were both over the top sappy and I’m really big on the low angst, feels but these were so cheesy they just made me cringe. Neither of them did anything outstanding that I’d care to learn more about.
The potential for really good suspense and angst is here but it just never happened. Brooke’s past and estranged in-law family was dangled as a possible plot line and absolutely NOTHING happened there. Is that foreshadowing or is that just a tease to make the readers think something will happen? I have no idea. The potential angst with Caleb’s ex was off the charts and I was prepared for a huge ordeal but fizzled before it had a chance to be a big deal. Caleb’s mother was a cold hearted, conniving witch but even she lost her steam when her big secrets were revealed.
There appear to be two Blackstone families here but the connection to Ethan is still unknown, at least to me as I didn’t recognize any of the names mentioned in this book. That to me means we’re going to be strung along through this series before the connection is revealed.
I am truly torn after reading this book. There were several characters I want to know about and that have the potential for great stories but I’m afraid they will be disappointing like this story. I honestly am not sure where to go from here.
rockchick's review
3.0
Brooke has suffered heartache in the past and was reluctant to enter into a relationship with Caleb.
I loved how patient he was with her , how understanding and supportive.
Raine miller writes stories that guarantee a satisfying HEA.
The journey isn't easy, but life isn't easy.
Her characters are real, as are their struggles.
Caleb is an alpha male used to getting his way. Brooke might be vulnerable but isnt a push over.
I loved seeing Caleb change and grow in his efforts to win her over.
In the end, they not only found HEA, Caleb was also able to let go of the past.
He learned some truths about himself that set him free.
I loved how patient he was with her , how understanding and supportive.
Raine miller writes stories that guarantee a satisfying HEA.
The journey isn't easy, but life isn't easy.
Her characters are real, as are their struggles.
Caleb is an alpha male used to getting his way. Brooke might be vulnerable but isnt a push over.
I loved seeing Caleb change and grow in his efforts to win her over.
In the end, they not only found HEA, Caleb was also able to let go of the past.
He learned some truths about himself that set him free.
mags_louise's review
5.0
I LOVED this story and was completely captivated from start to finish. It was such a sweet, sexy read with some real melt worthy moments and two characters that I just couldn't help adoring and rooting for.
As for the story it had the perfect mix of angst, steam, sweetness and just a sprinkling of fun. I also loved how the relationship developed between Caleb and Brooke. As for Caleb, he really took me by surprise and wasn't what I was expecting but in a good way and I absolutely loved him for it.
Altogether this made for a fantastic story that I just didn't want to end and I will definitely be reading much more from this author and series in the future . I would also happily recommend this book to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Montlake Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
As for the story it had the perfect mix of angst, steam, sweetness and just a sprinkling of fun. I also loved how the relationship developed between Caleb and Brooke. As for Caleb, he really took me by surprise and wasn't what I was expecting but in a good way and I absolutely loved him for it.
Altogether this made for a fantastic story that I just didn't want to end and I will definitely be reading much more from this author and series in the future . I would also happily recommend this book to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC by Montlake Romance via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
bookaddict1975's review against another edition
3.0
🎧 Audio Review 🎧
First, I have a really hard time with Insta-love and this book has about 2 conversations before they are saying they love each other. I just can not feel the connection between the characters when they only know what each other looks like and have a few meaningless conversations. Once I got past that and they were together a little while I really did start to like their relationship. I loved the reaction they both has at their "surprise". The second half of this book was really sweet and loving and sexy. The narration was was great, I love Jeremy York and really enjoyed Sienna Frances too.
First, I have a really hard time with Insta-love and this book has about 2 conversations before they are saying they love each other. I just can not feel the connection between the characters when they only know what each other looks like and have a few meaningless conversations. Once I got past that and they were together a little while I really did start to like their relationship. I loved the reaction they both has at their "surprise". The second half of this book was really sweet and loving and sexy. The narration was was great, I love Jeremy York and really enjoyed Sienna Frances too.
shai3d's review against another edition
2.0
Welcome to 2017 and my first review of the year. It almost seems fitting that I start off the year with a modern day Cinderella story. And it is definitely one of those with Caleb being born with a silver spoon and Brooke being the daughter of the help. Of course, they didn't know that when they first met over a meatball.
I do have to say that I found FILTHY RICH to be an entertaining story but I didn't really connect with any of the main characters as I felt there was a glass way between myself and them. Which when you come to think of it is rather strange since the book was written in viewpoints alternating between Brooke and Caleb. I actually found some of the secondary characters to be more interesting such as some of Caleb's siblings.
There were also some issues brought up in the storyline that relate directly to Caleb and Brooke that seem to have been mentioned and then forgotten. Not the most satisfactory conclusion to the book.
I can't say that I would recommend FILTHY RICH to my readers because while it is entertaining, it does the miss the mark on being satisfying. Now mind you, this is my opinion and yours might differ greatly. If you do read it be sure to let me know what you think.
*** I received this book at no charge from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed within are my own.
monicasalor85's review against another edition
5.0
Primeramente me gustaría decirte GRACIAS. Tu post de Thanksgiving fue hermoso, gracias por compartir eso con nosotros.
Ahora sobre Filthy Rich no tengo más que decir que la espera valió mucho la pena. Hermoso libro, como siempre nos deleitas con personajes e historias unicas e inolvidables.
** "When you find whatever it is that make you happy, Caleb, hold on to it with everything you've got. You're heart will let you know"**
Ahora sobre Filthy Rich no tengo más que decir que la espera valió mucho la pena. Hermoso libro, como siempre nos deleitas con personajes e historias unicas e inolvidables.
** "When you find whatever it is that make you happy, Caleb, hold on to it with everything you've got. You're heart will let you know"**
brandiwyne4018's review against another edition
4.0
Unexpected Fairytale
Caleb is an uber rich, Boston playboy who becomes infatuated with the girl in the window. Fate throws them together and Caleb takes complete advantage. Brooke doesn't know quite what to do with this guy but allows him to take over. Caleb, as a playboy, was quite the surprise here. (You'll see).
Caleb is an uber rich, Boston playboy who becomes infatuated with the girl in the window. Fate throws them together and Caleb takes complete advantage. Brooke doesn't know quite what to do with this guy but allows him to take over. Caleb, as a playboy, was quite the surprise here. (You'll see).