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mastersal's review against another edition
3.0
One of the last books I read to close off the year - so I was looking for something fun and low angst to distract me from 2020.
This mostly worked except for a plot twist about halfway through. This book felt like two novella mashed together to pad the book length. The irony is that as two separate novellas this would have worked a lot better for me.
Separately, the two parts are pretty strong - the couple are great characters individually and as a couple. I liked the banter between them and their relationship. The hero especially was fantastic - he is a rarity in the romance genre sometime. He is direct and raunchy but is completely into the heroine. He makes no bones about what he wants but is honest and emotionally vulnerable throughout. He was a real standout for me (and I’ve also realized that the author duo tends to mix the alpha-hero tropes with beta-hero characteristics quite well).
Unfortunately the plotting of the novel let it down. The latter half was a little too OTT to sit well with the first half. The last minute plot twist () was especially egregious.
In the end I am going with three starts for the disjointed read.
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Nov 2020: This premise sounds very much similar to [b:Hate Notes|38600870|Hate Notes|Vi Keeland|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1536750850l/38600870._SX50_.jpg|60207050] - keeping my fingers crossed that this one works better for me.
Plus KU - so I've already sort of paid for it - no?
This mostly worked except for a plot twist about halfway through.
Spoiler
The book starts off with this honestly fun meet-cute between our couple but about halfway through a secret child of the hero is introduced which kind of takes the book in a direction I was not expecting.Separately, the two parts are pretty strong - the couple are great characters individually and as a couple. I liked the banter between them and their relationship. The hero especially was fantastic - he is a rarity in the romance genre sometime. He is direct and raunchy but is completely into the heroine. He makes no bones about what he wants but is honest and emotionally vulnerable throughout. He was a real standout for me (and I’ve also realized that the author duo tends to mix the alpha-hero tropes with beta-hero characteristics quite well).
Unfortunately the plotting of the novel let it down. The latter half was a little too OTT to sit well with the first half. The last minute plot twist (
Spoiler
with the heroine lying about cheating for the “good of the hero” - don't get me started. How did we end up there from the start where the couple are exchanging sexy text messages??!!!In the end I am going with three starts for the disjointed read.
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Nov 2020: This premise sounds very much similar to [b:Hate Notes|38600870|Hate Notes|Vi Keeland|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1536750850l/38600870._SX50_.jpg|60207050] - keeping my fingers crossed that this one works better for me.
Plus KU - so I've already sort of paid for it - no?
deea13bts's review against another edition
5.0
Love it. Like every other book written by Penelope. And in combination with Vi Keeland...amazing results. I couldn't put it down until I finished. Even though I barely have time to prepare for work now.
cristyt31's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
derisoj's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book!!
This book had me wanting to keep going. I never wanted to put it down. I read it in one sitting!!
This book had me wanting to keep going. I never wanted to put it down. I read it in one sitting!!
kristiseng's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-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
3.25
sharonsm_28's review against another edition
5.0
This was an incredible read. I loved every minute of it. Another fantastic collaboration from Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward. The story was steamy, engaging, and beautiful. The characters were amazing. Soraya is the sassiest, snarkiest heroine I have ever read. I love that she says what she really feels and puts Graham in his place. Graham is Mr. Big Prick...haha. He is a stuck-up suit with a soft side as Soraya puts it. I love his jerk self and sweet self. The fact that he let Soraya see it demonstrates that love can truly change a person. The plot twist within the story was unexpected and made this book even better. I can't wait to read Cocky Bastard and the other books that this duo have written. Overall, a fantastic read.
hizachan's review against another edition
4.0
At first I dropped this book because the first few chapters were a turn off for me. But, after getting past them, it got much better. And the ending was very satisfying and heartwarming. I’m glad I decided to finish reading it instead of dropping it!
mirimo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bookpanther's review against another edition
2.0
Suspension of disbelief and an ability to suffer through awkward AF dialogue is recommended when going into this one. The plot was very predictable, and the "drama" in the latter half of the book felt cheap and unnecessary.