20 reviews for:

Opened Up

Eva Moore

3.52 AVERAGE


I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

There was a lot I liked about this book. The setting of the home improvement show was fun, and I always enjoy quirky families as part of the plot. The heroine was relatable and the hero, while being a bit dense at times (aren’t they all, lol!), managed to be sexy while initiating conversations about consent that felt natural instead of forced. So that’s good, I’ve been curious to see what romance novelists would do with #metoo, and here the author made it work quite well. Ms. Moore’s writing style kept me reading on, when lately many books seemed like a drag. I liked the writing despite a few awkward metaphors (the hero thinking of the heroine as “built like a f*cking brick house” and being incredibly turned on by her at the same time made me burst out laughing).

Admittedly, I was left with a few questions regarding some of the conflict that was introduced. The show producer was built up as an antagonist, and then nothing really happened, so I’m wondering if the next book in the series is going to pick up here. The conflict with the father was concluded rather than resolved and the parents’ story arc remained unfinished, so again I’m wondering if the next few books will see some development in these plot elements.

I’m always rooting for a plus-sized heroine, but wasn’t entirely happy with the role her weight-issues played. The way her weight-related insecurities held her back made her seem like a victim and when she finally worked through them, it felt more like resignation than empowerment. Also, a woman who’s too embarrassed by her body for her lover to see her in the nude isn’t very likely to be on a TV show without any qualms, no?

The conflict between hero and heroine was mostly internal and could have used a little more focus, but the romance was hot and I liked the build-up of sexual tension. I really liked the scenes of him interacting with his mother and if I ever have children, I will definitely tell them that their kisses are keeping the wrinkles away...

*spoiler ahead* I’m not entirely sure what to make of the “magic cure” for the mother’s anxiety. I love that the author wanted to include mental illness in the story and it definitely adds depth, but the minimal arc makes it seem like someone suffering from an anxiety disorder only needs a big enough incentive to overcome their fears. I felt a bit uneasy reading this part and think a more fleshed out story arc would have done both the book and those suffering from mental illness a greater service.

Despite the points I’ve mentioned I enjoyed the book and will likely read the next in the series.
It wasn't consistently 4 stars, but I felt well entertained reading it, and that's what matters after all, so 4 stars it is. :)
slow-paced
emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

This book was good! The couple faced their challenges and overcame it easily

Was a Solid 4/5 bordering on 5/5 for most of the read. The epilogue and the last chapter ruined that for me, personally. I felt like the resolution was found too easily and the antagonist featured too little in the resolution. He basically destroyed the fmc and her relationship with her mmc and then just kind of disappeared.
Probably still going to pick up book number 2 of this series

Oh My Goodness! I loved his book. I completely related to the main woman “Fi” and could see a lot more women doing the same. We all want what we think is out of our reach. Luckily you have a whole book to learn if Fibgets the man or not!

Omg you guys. If you have ever watched anything on HGTV you are going to love this story. I loved it so much that I promptly reread it.


Meh. I didn't like how negative the fmc was about her body. Like I get that body issues are something a lot of us deal with (myself included), but if a hot dude is trying to bang you...
fast-paced
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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
emotional funny lighthearted fast-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