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A review by siijayreads
The Fine Print by Lauren Asher
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"She will always be the exception to any rule and the one person I'm willing to screw the world over for. Because if she's not happy, I'll ruin whatever stole her smile, myself included."
I've been itching to read this book (as well as the whole Dreamland Billionaire series) for months now and I am so glad I finally had the time to read the first book in the series. I didn't know what to expect from this except from what the plot provided and I admittedly tried to lower any expectations but I am pleased that I enjoyed this one so much! This story smashes the typical formula of a workplace romance, grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers trope. For as cliché as they all sound, this story offers more than what meets the eye.
As I go along the story, I find that I have grown fond of Zahra, the female main character in the book. She just has this amazing energy around her and I took in all her joyful and sunshine energy that is just so contagious! Zahra has past experiences that led her to the woman that she is now, and that woman is someone who is kind, talented, creative, explorative, independent, inspiring, and someone who knows her worth and won't settle for anyone less anymore - something that I admire immensely. So needless to say, I love Zahra with all my heart and she stole the show for me. I connected to her character so much and I can only wish I was half of the woman that she is.
Rowan Kane, the youngest among the Kane brothers also has some dark past that led him to the man that he was - which was admittedly not the most pleasant man one can encounter. He embodied the epitome of grumpy and, although he has his reasons, that doesn't excuse the shitty things he has done. While I must admit that I find it hard to love Rowan at first, the way he redeemed himself, however, is one of the most notable things about this book. I loved how bits and pieces from the story contributed to the progression of his character development which makes it even more satisfying! I loved how he learned some things from Zahra and made him realize the things that truly matter in life.
The pace at which Rowan and Zahra's relationship progressed throughout the story was also engaging and I was immediately hooked. I loved their small little moments wherein Rowan shows Zahra how much he truly cares for her no matter how much he insists that what he wants is 'casual'. His actions and words say otherwise. I ate up all the scenes where it all felt obvious that what they had was more than just a casual relationship. I also ate up the groveling part and I absolutely loved how Zahra stood her ground and made him work for it! Rowan did something that spoke so much of how much he actually cares for Zahra that she gave him another chance. I'm glad they worked it out. Also, a reminder to get you a man who is willing to go to great lengths to make you happy the way Rowan does to Zahra. I love their intense passion for each other and I absolutely enjoyed their transition from enemies to lovers. I was giggling, grinning, and kicking my feet hoping for a love like theirs.
I appreciated how this story talked about how family problems deeply affect a person and how the grief over losing someone important can ultimately affect a person. I find that the author handled these topics with understanding. Also loved the discussion about how diversity is way more than just the inclusion of different races, it should also encompass people who have visible and invisible disabilities. These topics added so much depth to the story and I love how it blended seamlessly to the plot. Didn't expect this book to have such an emotional aspect to it but it balances out the story and I loved it so much! The resolution to the conflict felt justified and not rushed which was one of the reasons that convinced me to give this book five stars. I was contemplating giving it 4.75 stars but the way Rowan redeemed himself as well as the latter chapters won me over. The epilogue was such a perfect conclusion to the story. A whole full circle moment. I loved it! The extended epilogue is even more delightful!
I am obsessed. I can't wait to read book two!
I've been itching to read this book (as well as the whole Dreamland Billionaire series) for months now and I am so glad I finally had the time to read the first book in the series. I didn't know what to expect from this except from what the plot provided and I admittedly tried to lower any expectations but I am pleased that I enjoyed this one so much! This story smashes the typical formula of a workplace romance, grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers trope. For as cliché as they all sound, this story offers more than what meets the eye.
As I go along the story, I find that I have grown fond of Zahra, the female main character in the book. She just has this amazing energy around her and I took in all her joyful and sunshine energy that is just so contagious! Zahra has past experiences that led her to the woman that she is now, and that woman is someone who is kind, talented, creative, explorative, independent, inspiring, and someone who knows her worth and won't settle for anyone less anymore - something that I admire immensely. So needless to say, I love Zahra with all my heart and she stole the show for me. I connected to her character so much and I can only wish I was half of the woman that she is.
Rowan Kane, the youngest among the Kane brothers also has some dark past that led him to the man that he was - which was admittedly not the most pleasant man one can encounter. He embodied the epitome of grumpy and, although he has his reasons, that doesn't excuse the shitty things he has done. While I must admit that I find it hard to love Rowan at first, the way he redeemed himself, however, is one of the most notable things about this book. I loved how bits and pieces from the story contributed to the progression of his character development which makes it even more satisfying! I loved how he learned some things from Zahra and made him realize the things that truly matter in life.
The pace at which Rowan and Zahra's relationship progressed throughout the story was also engaging and I was immediately hooked. I loved their small little moments wherein Rowan shows Zahra how much he truly cares for her no matter how much he insists that what he wants is 'casual'. His actions and words say otherwise. I ate up all the scenes where it all felt obvious that what they had was more than just a casual relationship. I also ate up the groveling part and I absolutely loved how Zahra stood her ground and made him work for it! Rowan did something that spoke so much of how much he actually cares for Zahra that she gave him another chance. I'm glad they worked it out. Also, a reminder to get you a man who is willing to go to great lengths to make you happy the way Rowan does to Zahra. I love their intense passion for each other and I absolutely enjoyed their transition from enemies to lovers. I was giggling, grinning, and kicking my feet hoping for a love like theirs.
I appreciated how this story talked about how family problems deeply affect a person and how the grief over losing someone important can ultimately affect a person. I find that the author handled these topics with understanding. Also loved the discussion about how diversity is way more than just the inclusion of different races, it should also encompass people who have visible and invisible disabilities. These topics added so much depth to the story and I love how it blended seamlessly to the plot. Didn't expect this book to have such an emotional aspect to it but it balances out the story and I loved it so much! The resolution to the conflict felt justified and not rushed which was one of the reasons that convinced me to give this book five stars. I was contemplating giving it 4.75 stars but the way Rowan redeemed himself as well as the latter chapters won me over. The epilogue was such a perfect conclusion to the story. A whole full circle moment. I loved it! The extended epilogue is even more delightful!
I am obsessed. I can't wait to read book two!