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mags_louise's review against another edition
3.0
3.75☆
This was an enjoyable read. Yet I did find it hard to get into mainly because it's the last in a series I've never read. But also because it wasn't quite what I was expecting, and I found it quite slow paced.
Yet, I did like all the characters, and the familial banter between them. Even though I didn't quite get all the family connections.
However, I did feel there was just too much going on in this story. What with all the O'Brien weddings and then everything with Allie's bitch of a sister and family.
But there was more I liked than I didn't. Although I'm not sure if there was enough to convince me to go back and read the four previous books if I'm being totally honest. But I'm sure fans of the series and author will really enjoy Seamus and Allies story.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
This was an enjoyable read. Yet I did find it hard to get into mainly because it's the last in a series I've never read. But also because it wasn't quite what I was expecting, and I found it quite slow paced.
Yet, I did like all the characters, and the familial banter between them. Even though I didn't quite get all the family connections.
However, I did feel there was just too much going on in this story. What with all the O'Brien weddings and then everything with Allie's bitch of a sister and family.
But there was more I liked than I didn't. Although I'm not sure if there was enough to convince me to go back and read the four previous books if I'm being totally honest. But I'm sure fans of the series and author will really enjoy Seamus and Allies story.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
queenmegzz's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? Yes
3.0
saschadarlington's review against another edition
2.0
DNF
Definitely not a standalone with all of the Seamus sections going on (and on and on) about uninteresting things for someone new to the series. Some cringe-worthy statements. The Allie sections seemed okay, but you still have to wade through the Seamus ones.
Definitely not a standalone with all of the Seamus sections going on (and on and on) about uninteresting things for someone new to the series. Some cringe-worthy statements. The Allie sections seemed okay, but you still have to wade through the Seamus ones.
bananatricky's review against another edition
4.0
I think this is a love-it or hate-it book. I veered between three and a half and four stars but in the end I decided on four stars.
Seamus O'Brien is (I think) the third oldest of the seven O'Brien siblings. This is the fifth book in the series and I have only read one previously, [b:Feel Me|34335091|Feel Me (O'Brien Family #4)|Cecy Robson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488206699s/34335091.jpg|55403557] which features Seamus' older brother Declan, the DA.
Seamus is a big contrast to Declan. He's loud, opinionated, attracted to crazy women and has a VERY high opinion of himself. His little sister Wren is getting married and she (and his mother) are badgering him about bringing a 'nice' date to the wedding. One who isn't already married, or on parole, or will set the church on fire, literally. When cornered Seamus can't stop talking and so he makes up a fake girlfriend, someone 'nice'.
Forced to assist in Wren's wedding plans by choosing various pastries for one of the events he is queueing at a local bakery when he runs into Allie Mendes. Although he doesn't recognise or remember Allie they grew up together, she taught his younger siblings at Sunday School, they went to the same school etc. Allie too has a wedding-related problem. Her sister Valentina is getting married, to Allie's high school sweetheart, the man Allie thought she was going to marry. So Seamus and Allie agree to help each other out. Seamus will help make Allie look and feel more attractive and in return Allie will be Seamus' date to three weddings due to take place.
Seamus was a problem character for me. At first he was just a bit blunt, a 'say it as I see it' kind of guy. Then around the halfway mark he and his family became that obnoxious group of loud mouthed people who make offensive comments - you know the ones that you ALWAYS get sat next to in a family restaurant. None of them seemed to have filters and all of them felt it was appropriate to say whatever the hell they wanted. Maybe that's what people are like in Philly? Anyway I started to get that Elle Casey feel about the book but I persevered. And what do you know? Under that uber-confident exterior is a man who thinks all he deserves are skanks and crazies, that nice women only want one or two 'dates' before they leave him for a real man with prospects, like a doctor or a lawyer.
Despite my mid-book misgivings about Seamus I really enjoyed this book, I liked the way that Seamus and Allie fell in love quietly and almost unnoticed. I liked the way their fake relationship went on, not a two week insta-lurve thing but weeks of texts and calls and dinner with Seamus' family and wedding rehearsals and dress shopping - yeah they were dating and they didn't even realise!
I think Cecy Robson may have a tendency to draw her characters a little too broad - you know the baddies have no redeeming qualities and everyone is a Character with a big C - but this was still a charming and thoughtful romance where I really felt they way that Allie and Seamus got to know each other slowly, supported each other and most of all made each other laugh.
I am definitely going to go back and find the first three books to see how Seamus' other siblings found love.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Seamus O'Brien is (I think) the third oldest of the seven O'Brien siblings. This is the fifth book in the series and I have only read one previously, [b:Feel Me|34335091|Feel Me (O'Brien Family #4)|Cecy Robson|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1488206699s/34335091.jpg|55403557] which features Seamus' older brother Declan, the DA.
Seamus is a big contrast to Declan. He's loud, opinionated, attracted to crazy women and has a VERY high opinion of himself. His little sister Wren is getting married and she (and his mother) are badgering him about bringing a 'nice' date to the wedding. One who isn't already married, or on parole, or will set the church on fire, literally. When cornered Seamus can't stop talking and so he makes up a fake girlfriend, someone 'nice'.
Forced to assist in Wren's wedding plans by choosing various pastries for one of the events he is queueing at a local bakery when he runs into Allie Mendes. Although he doesn't recognise or remember Allie they grew up together, she taught his younger siblings at Sunday School, they went to the same school etc. Allie too has a wedding-related problem. Her sister Valentina is getting married, to Allie's high school sweetheart, the man Allie thought she was going to marry. So Seamus and Allie agree to help each other out. Seamus will help make Allie look and feel more attractive and in return Allie will be Seamus' date to three weddings due to take place.
Seamus was a problem character for me. At first he was just a bit blunt, a 'say it as I see it' kind of guy. Then around the halfway mark he and his family became that obnoxious group of loud mouthed people who make offensive comments - you know the ones that you ALWAYS get sat next to in a family restaurant. None of them seemed to have filters and all of them felt it was appropriate to say whatever the hell they wanted. Maybe that's what people are like in Philly? Anyway I started to get that Elle Casey feel about the book but I persevered. And what do you know? Under that uber-confident exterior is a man who thinks all he deserves are skanks and crazies, that nice women only want one or two 'dates' before they leave him for a real man with prospects, like a doctor or a lawyer.
Despite my mid-book misgivings about Seamus I really enjoyed this book, I liked the way that Seamus and Allie fell in love quietly and almost unnoticed. I liked the way their fake relationship went on, not a two week insta-lurve thing but weeks of texts and calls and dinner with Seamus' family and wedding rehearsals and dress shopping - yeah they were dating and they didn't even realise!
I think Cecy Robson may have a tendency to draw her characters a little too broad - you know the baddies have no redeeming qualities and everyone is a Character with a big C - but this was still a charming and thoughtful romance where I really felt they way that Allie and Seamus got to know each other slowly, supported each other and most of all made each other laugh.
I am definitely going to go back and find the first three books to see how Seamus' other siblings found love.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
a_wondrous_bookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
I really struggled with this book. For starters this is book 5 and I haven’t read any of the other books in this series. Although this book is supposed to be a standalone, I felt that if I knew more about the other characters in the book I might have enjoyed this one. Unfortunately, I did not care for Seamus at all. I actually couldn’t really bother finish reading his narcissistic rambles and sexist remarks about women. DNF.
emonroe26's review against another edition
2.0
Fake dating is usually a trope I love, especially in a slow-burn. But something about this just didn't really work for me. I think a big part of it was the concept of the guy making over the girl to make her more attractive just rubs me the wrong way.
thebookdisciple's review
4.0
While I struggled with Seamus at times (dude, super slutty, frat boy, manwhore!), overall this was delightful!
mrsholloway's review
5.0
This book was sooo fun. I loved it! The dialogue was hilarious! I always come back to this book when I think I need to laugh. I really wish they had an audiobook for this gem.
ladywithaquill's review
5.0
This was a hilarious romantic comedy that I blew through in just one afternoon! If you can only read one book on a vacation, pick this one up and at least read to Chapter 6. That chapter is one of the funniest pieces of writing I have read in quite some time. I generally pick up romances not thinking it's going to be very funny - a lot of books just seem to lean more on the heavy side these days, with lots of angst and drama. While this book did have those things as well, the comic relief brought by the two main characters' interactions was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Allie Mendes is facing her worst nightmare - her sister is getting married to Allie's ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her seven years ago with said sister. Confronted by them in a bakery, standing beside a hot guy from her past, she prays to God to save her. And he gives her none other than Seamus O'Brien. There is no way that Seamus O'Brien can find a nice girl to be his date to his sister's wedding. Having slept his way through the beds of women who would rather steal his wallet than steal his heart, most women who want him do not fit the bill. But into his life crashes Allie Mendes, and with a few tweaks to her wardrobe and a large helping of self confidence, and she could be the best thing that ever happened to him. If they can just keep up their relationship charade long enough to fool their respective families. What could go wrong?
This is an adult version of the classic trope nerdy-girl-turned-popular that I haven't seen often in a romantic novel but love all the same! Seamus is a shameless flirt who just can't help being that way - at 37 years of age, it is highly unlikely he will ever change, so he just embraces himself for who he is. His family constantly mocks him for his many bad dating choices, particularly the ones who have led to him losing money, clothing, or both. What's possibly the funniest thing about his character is how nice he is and how much he wants a relationship, but he just simply has the worst case of horniness. And then there's Allie - this poor thing has really had it bad for a while! Her mom is terrible, her sister is someone I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy...okay, maybe my worst, but still...and she has been put in the really unhappy situation of being dateless during the worst time in her life. Thankfully, she and Seamus hit it off quickly, and their chemistry is off the charts. Even though they don't see it at first, it's obvious that their strong friendship is sure to become a romance soon. When it does, it just gives you a really happy feeling inside.
I have read other books by Cecy Robson and really liked them! The great thing about this series is that you don't really have to read the other books to understand this one, and so you can literally dive in at will into any of these books. I can't wait to go back and read the earlier books to learn more about the O'Brien family!
**I received a free book via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
Allie Mendes is facing her worst nightmare - her sister is getting married to Allie's ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her seven years ago with said sister. Confronted by them in a bakery, standing beside a hot guy from her past, she prays to God to save her. And he gives her none other than Seamus O'Brien. There is no way that Seamus O'Brien can find a nice girl to be his date to his sister's wedding. Having slept his way through the beds of women who would rather steal his wallet than steal his heart, most women who want him do not fit the bill. But into his life crashes Allie Mendes, and with a few tweaks to her wardrobe and a large helping of self confidence, and she could be the best thing that ever happened to him. If they can just keep up their relationship charade long enough to fool their respective families. What could go wrong?
This is an adult version of the classic trope nerdy-girl-turned-popular that I haven't seen often in a romantic novel but love all the same! Seamus is a shameless flirt who just can't help being that way - at 37 years of age, it is highly unlikely he will ever change, so he just embraces himself for who he is. His family constantly mocks him for his many bad dating choices, particularly the ones who have led to him losing money, clothing, or both. What's possibly the funniest thing about his character is how nice he is and how much he wants a relationship, but he just simply has the worst case of horniness. And then there's Allie - this poor thing has really had it bad for a while! Her mom is terrible, her sister is someone I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy...okay, maybe my worst, but still...and she has been put in the really unhappy situation of being dateless during the worst time in her life. Thankfully, she and Seamus hit it off quickly, and their chemistry is off the charts. Even though they don't see it at first, it's obvious that their strong friendship is sure to become a romance soon. When it does, it just gives you a really happy feeling inside.
I have read other books by Cecy Robson and really liked them! The great thing about this series is that you don't really have to read the other books to understand this one, and so you can literally dive in at will into any of these books. I can't wait to go back and read the earlier books to learn more about the O'Brien family!
**I received a free book via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**