A review by natneedsbooks
Dirty English by Ilsa Madden-Mills
3.0
I've been on an Ilsa Madden Mills wagon lately and have read several of her books in a row. And while there wasn't anything wrong with this book per se, it didn't wow me either. I think the main problem for me was that I didn't love Elizabeth. She goes through such a horrible experience right off the bat that my heart went out to her before the book even got going. However, she slowly lost some of my sympathy.
Why was she letting her mom use her personal nightmare for her own personal gain. Yes, I realize "letting" may not be the right word but she did nothing to stop it. She didn't even put up much a fight against her mom not to do it. For someone who was so tough and never spoke of it, she didn't defend herself much either.
And I get that she was sleeping around with lots of guys to show she had control of her own body and decisions, but it bugged me that she gave no thought or care to anyone but herself at this point. So now she becomes the one using them.
But what really made me dislike her was how she treated Blake!! He's one of only 2 of her best friends. He's supported and protected her since her experience. He deserved to be treated with more respect. He tells her he's in love with her and she pretty much blows him off, walks away, and hooks up with Declan in front of him. More than once she asks like a total b*tch when he's telling her important and sensitive things.
Then there was Declan. He's gorgeous and protective, smart and has a little bit of bad boy to him. He seems perfect! There's so much to like about Declan. What I didn't like was how he let the ex girlfriend be so involved. Seriously? This tough guy who doesn't seem to take much crap let's his ex come mess up things up in his new relationship by sitting there hitting on him in front of the guy she cheated with?! And she pops up next to him more than once. Bug Off!! Why didn't he tell her to get lost.
There was great chemistry between Elizabeth and Declan. There were hot scenes and sweet declarations. I enjoyed the book, but I didn't love it.
Why was she letting her mom use her personal nightmare for her own personal gain. Yes, I realize "letting" may not be the right word but she did nothing to stop it. She didn't even put up much a fight against her mom not to do it. For someone who was so tough and never spoke of it, she didn't defend herself much either.
And I get that she was sleeping around with lots of guys to show she had control of her own body and decisions, but it bugged me that she gave no thought or care to anyone but herself at this point. So now she becomes the one using them.
But what really made me dislike her was how she treated Blake!! He's one of only 2 of her best friends. He's supported and protected her since her experience. He deserved to be treated with more respect. He tells her he's in love with her and she pretty much blows him off, walks away, and hooks up with Declan in front of him. More than once she asks like a total b*tch when he's telling her important and sensitive things.
Then there was Declan. He's gorgeous and protective, smart and has a little bit of bad boy to him. He seems perfect! There's so much to like about Declan. What I didn't like was how he let the ex girlfriend be so involved. Seriously? This tough guy who doesn't seem to take much crap let's his ex come mess up things up in his new relationship by sitting there hitting on him in front of the guy she cheated with?! And she pops up next to him more than once. Bug Off!! Why didn't he tell her to get lost.
There was great chemistry between Elizabeth and Declan. There were hot scenes and sweet declarations. I enjoyed the book, but I didn't love it.