Ugh. This wasn't it for me. I really disliked the characters and the story. It was just too long and drawn out. Amalia was such a freaking pushover anUgh. This wasn't it for me. I really disliked the characters and the story. It was just too long and drawn out. Amalia was such a freaking pushover and she was so simple. I really despise characterization like hers. Rurik was the worst, that man/beast did not deserve any sort of happy ending. Everything Amalia did or said he approached in bad faith, even after she time and time again proved to be a good person (eugh), he took away her choices in every single matter so much so that I did not really care the one time she took away his. If you read the book you'll realize that this might be a terrible thing to say, but honestly I couldn't care less about Rurik and what happens to him. I wish Amalia stayed dead and he ended up miserable and alone. Now that would've been a good story....more
Tbh I hated the main characters. The heroine was extra bland and pathetic, the hero the cringey type of alpha-hole. I really hated them both. What kepTbh I hated the main characters. The heroine was extra bland and pathetic, the hero the cringey type of alpha-hole. I really hated them both. What kept me reading was the interesting world around the MCs and sometimes their steamy scenes fogged up the screen of my reader, my glasses and the windows in my room....more
Definitely better than the previous book. The hero and heroine are pretty decent, the story is also fun (but you have to choose to roll with it and noDefinitely better than the previous book. The hero and heroine are pretty decent, the story is also fun (but you have to choose to roll with it and not question it too deeply, otherwise it'll start to look ridiculous (view spoiler)[especially the Russian mob subplot (hide spoiler)]). There was one thing that had me shaving off another star of this otherwise fine four star read, and that is (view spoiler)[the whole sex tape fallout. The entire story, Cameron is dealing with the shame and embarrassment of having her slimy ex show her sex tape to people. Jude does his super secret manly macho ex-spy thing, her ex regrets his actions and deletes the video. But then, in a glaringly hypocritical move, she and her friends end up watching another of her ex's sex videos and make fun of him. It's painted as karma and we're supposed to feel like Cameron is avenged, but how was that okay? Especially because there's a mention of barely legal woman being filmed in the video. I'm not joking, the entire time Cameron is feeling shame about her sex tape, it's even a point of conflict between her and Jude, only for her to do the exact same thing to her ex and an unsuspecting woman. And I'm supposed to feel gratified? Um, no. (hide spoiler)]...more
DNFing this at around 30% because the "hero" breaks and enters the heroine's house two times, saunters naked (or half-naked) around her house and ignoDNFing this at around 30% because the "hero" breaks and enters the heroine's house two times, saunters naked (or half-naked) around her house and ignores her when she quite understandably tries to kick him out of her place. His lack of respect for the heroine's personal space and boundaries is something I don't find amusing and I don't want to read about it masked as romance. Emily is a delight and she deserves someone better as her love interest....more
I mean for a short story it certainly was captivating. And it was for free on Amazon, so... The only thing I suggest, if you consider reading this, reI mean for a short story it certainly was captivating. And it was for free on Amazon, so... The only thing I suggest, if you consider reading this, regard this as a sexy fantasy. It's best read if you don't take it seriously. ...more
Ugh, why did I put myself through this? This book made me irrationally angry! Mike needed to grovel a fuckton more than that for the stunt he pulled wUgh, why did I put myself through this? This book made me irrationally angry! Mike needed to grovel a fuckton more than that for the stunt he pulled with Lauren. In all honesty tho, he didn't deserve a second chance. Mr. It's-better-she-sees-me-as-an-asshole-than-a-martyr, what kind of stinking pile of bullshit is this?! That's not how you treat someone you love, someone you planned a future with. Not to even offer an explanation, not to deem her deserving of a proper conversation, just a phone call to break it off. Dude, like that's something kids in high-school do. What theeeee.... But then, years after Mike has the audacity to pursue her again and even demand he be the father of her child?! I thought my head was going to explode when I read that part. I can't forgive Lauren for forgiving and forgeting all that bullshit so easily. Ugh, just why did I put myself through this?...more
I LOVED the prequel, A Duke Is Never Enough. It is easily my favorite book of the year and it's only May. I couldn't believe my luck when the first boI LOVED the prequel, A Duke Is Never Enough. It is easily my favorite book of the year and it's only May. I couldn't believe my luck when the first book I saw when I logged onto NetGalley was the sequel, A Duke Will Never Do.
I am disappointed to say that this book was not for me. I am so confused at the concept of consent in these two books. Well let's count in the first in the series as well. In the first two books, both of the heroes were very careful about this and made sure the heroines were consenting to sex. But for some reason, in this book it's not regarded at all. Their first sex scene made me incredibly uncomfortable as the hero clearly didn't want to participate, but the heroine was persistent and even manipulative, trying to guilt him into doing it, and ultimately he "succumbed" to the throes of passion in her arms. What made this even worse was Jane's borderline predatory behavior when Anthony was in her care. Their first conversation when he was actually sober, and that is like 12% in, she wants him to take her virginity because she believes that as a spinster she is at a disadvantage. I mean I understand where Jane comes from, but read the room, girl, the man just woke up after being beaten to an inch of his life. And he was already in a vulnerable place because he felt guilty for the death of his parents. Anthony was uncomfortable with the idea and said as much, but throughout her "care" for him she would seek him out and in some way bring up the subject again. These two incidents made it very difficult to enjoy the book and I could never look past Jane's selfishness in the first half.
I received an early copy of the book through NetGalley. ...more
Before the main conflict, I had a great time. I thought both of them sucked equally and they deserved each other. This is a complicated book to rate.
Before the main conflict, I had a great time. I thought both of them sucked equally and they deserved each other. And I had fun time, which is what I ultimately care about.
Everything after the conflict was wrong. Tassie was quite condescending and mean to Hunter, even more than before, it just didn't make sense that anyone would be tolerant of her nastiness so long. She wouldn't even dignify giving him a chance to talk. Tassie humiliated Hunter in front of strangers and family in a huge, cringey resolution of the conflict. It was so embarrassing, for me as a reader, for Hunter and Tassie, for their families, everyone really. And everything could have been resolved MONTHS before hadn't she been so pigheaded. I did not have fun reading this part.
On a different note, do these college types of romance novels always have to be a quarterback and a nerdy girl? So many books have the same premise. For once it would be great to see something different, I don't know let the girl be the professional athlete and the boy a super nerd. Or how about both of them are into sports. Hell, I'd even settle for a quarterback and cheerleader romance. And don't get me even started on the bet plot device. That one is almost as overused as the good ol' "I have to dump you for your own good" trope....more
DNF @63% but honestly, I should've given up so much sooner.
There are two things that drew me to this book. First, the cover. It's gorgeous. Not only DNF @63% but honestly, I should've given up so much sooner.
There are two things that drew me to this book. First, the cover. It's gorgeous. Not only for this part but for the next two books in the series also. Now, don't think I'm shallow, I did get the free sample first, Avery Flynn being a new author to me and all. The sample was awesome and I got hooked straight away. It has a very strong beginning, different from most romantic novels I've read. I thought great, something new. Yep, that was an illusion. Whoever picked the sample knew what they were doing.
Okay, so one of the many things I disliked in this book, is that we were constantly told how sexy and attractive they found each other. By the way, there was a lot of that going on, telling-not-showing. We are told that Gina's humor is self-deprecating, and the woman never cracked a joke. But I digress. I felt like I had their attraction shoved down my throat all the time. It was so jarring. Ford and Gina would be having a conversation about something, and the author would interrupt the dialogue to inform us how handsome Ford has handsome abs, and he got distracted by how Gina is gnawing irresistibly at her irresistible lips. Or how Ford stares sexily at her with his sexy green eyes, while she stands on her leggy legs. I don't know, I got so many descriptions of both of them, I swear it's difficult to remember if they ever managed to have a proper conversation at all. For a book that has "Looks aren't everything" on its cover, it sure does focus a LOT on looks. There are other ways to create tension between the characters, just saying.
Speaking of the cover, it promises a hot romantic comedy. So let's check.
Hot? While the sex scene was decent enough, the sexy talk was cringe, omg, Ford's dirty talk makes me regret learning how to read. How can I unread something?
Romantic? It's difficult to feel the love when the hero is a lying and deceiving jerk, who also had this rare episode of sexism and condescension when he expressed his beliefs that wedding planning is women's work and it can't be that difficult. Part of me believes that is just blatant manipulation by the author, so that he can get a set down from Gina, and that we are left in awe at her feistiness and spirit.
Comedy? There was an attempt to be funny, but the jokes were mostly old and overused. Shopping for tampons with your boyfriend? He he so awkward. Accidentally let a corny af innuendo slip into the conversation? Must blush furiously, while he finds it oh so charming.
So neither was it hot, nor romantic, nor funny.
There is no love lost between me and this book. Am I ever going to finish it? No. Am I going to read the next? Yes. Why? The covers are soooo pretty and I never learn ...more
Giving up, at around 25%ish maybe. I seriously can not believe that was the reason she broke up with her boyfriend and that after two years he's stillGiving up, at around 25%ish maybe. I seriously can not believe that was the reason she broke up with her boyfriend and that after two years he's still pining after her. I'm not buying it sorry....more
I tried. I honestly did, but the heroine's sheer stupidity and the hero's creepy persistence in pursuing the heroine are what ultimately made me lose I tried. I honestly did, but the heroine's sheer stupidity and the hero's creepy persistence in pursuing the heroine are what ultimately made me lose all my patience and just give up. It was either that or throwing my reader against the wall.
Let's start with Lauren. She's this super big deal at her company. She's, like, really smart (and a very stable genius hehe), she's got science and business majors, she's the CEO of this AMAZING company and she sorta co-developed an AMAZING machine. Girl got them brains.
So the smartest heroine ever hooks up with this hot Italian dude. In a twist of fate that you could never have seen coming, turns out the hot Italian dude is her archnemesis, the owner of the rival company who's trying to buy out her AMAZING company because of the AMAZING machine. Understandably, when she finds out who he is, she's upset. The stakes are super high. So getting caught in any remotely compromising position with Antonio, the hero and archnemesis, can look really bad. But time and time again, she's apparently unable to stop his advances and just lets him kiss her, nuzzle and do all sorts of intimate activities IN PUBLIC. WHERE EVERYBODY CAN SEE THEM. Because he's just so hot. That's them brains for you.
Antonio is a whole different problem. The moment Lauren finds out who he is, she tells him in no uncertain terms that what happened between them must never be repeated. But noooooo, our boy here doesn't accept no for an answer. And that's a direct quote. It was then when the red flags started popping up in my mind, but I was feeling generous and I thought it's just the beginning, I need to read more. But he just turned worse. He was so persistent, that it really wasn't even interesting to read anymore, just very unsettling. We've all probably been there when certain people just don't get that their company is unwanted and take all your refusal to communicate as a sure sign to keep pestering you.
What's really curious tho, is how the author tried to put Trent, Lauren's colleague and ex, up against Antonio. Trent is also portrayed as this very persistent guy, who can take no for an answer, whose harassing behavior is supposed to make us hate him. But make no mistake, there's no difference between Trent and Antonio. Both of them are painted as very handsome and very smart, and they have no regard for any sort of boundaries imposed by the heroine.
And I'm supposed to swoon over that? No thanks.
The fact that this book has such a high rating baffles me. The fact that I'd have to read one more book to complete this story baffles me even more. I'll spare myself and my reader and call it quits. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but it seems I'm in the minority here.
Nope. Can't do. I thought that maybe after the "brain-rape" the hero will somehow redeem himself, but instead when confronted by the heroine, he just Nope. Can't do. I thought that maybe after the "brain-rape" the hero will somehow redeem himself, but instead when confronted by the heroine, he just laughs it off. And if that isn't enough, he forcibly removes her clothes. I feel violated and I'm only reading this.
Team "pissed because Savannah forgave him too quickly".
The story was going fine, not perfect, but okay, I guess it felt real. The big fallout happens Team "pissed because Savannah forgave him too quickly".
The story was going fine, not perfect, but okay, I guess it felt real. The big fallout happens and I understand (view spoiler)[ how hearing she's pregnant must've been difficult for him and how terrified he felt. But he left her for months and didn't have the guts to either return or seek her out. It's not because he didn't realize his mistake, oh he realized it soon enough. But the fact that he left her for months and didn't even try to contact her is what pisses me off. Even when he was in the country he couldn't make himself to even try to reach out. Savannah was the one who did that and I seriously think she shouldn't have. (hide spoiler)]The sting of betrayal is real with this one. Also, all the descriptions of everything make the storytelling in this book border on purple prose. smh...more
No one beats around the bush and overwhelms you with unnecessary information upon unnecessary information like Nalini Singh. God! You thought this booNo one beats around the bush and overwhelms you with unnecessary information upon unnecessary information like Nalini Singh. God! You thought this book is about Aden and Zaira? hahahahahahhaha think again. I can't even follow (nor do I care to at this point) what's happening anymore. So many storylines and so many characters and so many points of view like I legit don't know what's the plot supposed to be about. Is it about the Arrows? Is it about this murderous crazy dude? Is it about some other conspiracy? Is it about the packs and millions of characters that are members of these packs? Is it about the forgotten human dude that barely played a role in his own book that I'm supposed to care about now? I don't know and I don't care.
Fuck, had this book stayed on the course it started on, it would've get all the stars from me. Right now, not so much.
If you don't mind pointless fillers, be my guest, try to untangle this clusterfuck of a plot. If, on the other hand, you're short on patience for these kind of books, consider yourself forewarned.
How does this unimaginative, unoriginal, predictable, boring piece of writing get such high ratings? It's beyond me, seriously. I couldn't even finish How does this unimaginative, unoriginal, predictable, boring piece of writing get such high ratings? It's beyond me, seriously. I couldn't even finish it. How I got as far as I got is half mystery, half miracle.
The one thing I could appreciate about the heroine was her attitude towards sexuality and generally life. "Innocent, not ignorant", that's what she says and I have to say, very modern viewpoint for the era the story is set in, but refreshing. If you're new to the genre, you'll likely enjoy it, I guess. Only, I've read better and by this author too....more
The only thing I like about this book is the cover girl's hair. So pretty and shiny.The only thing I like about this book is the cover girl's hair. So pretty and shiny....more
The women hate is strong with this one. After sleeping on it, I realized I'm still spitting mad about this book and the heroine, and just saying fuck yThe women hate is strong with this one. After sleeping on it, I realized I'm still spitting mad about this book and the heroine, and just saying fuck you Suzanne doesn't cut it.
The heroine is weak, insensitive, manipulative, rude and just plain dumb. She never talks out her issues, never voices what's bothering her and expects everyone to read her mind. She's trying to start up a business as a wedding planner and the one client she has, she treats like dirt. Not to mention all the (in)discrete skinny shaming going on.
Women all over the world have it already hard enough, we don't need to turn against each other as well. You don't need me to tell you that. This book is not a friend of feminism.
I haven't read the books before, so I don't really know if the reason they divorced is mentioned before, but almost 80% into this book and I still had no fucking clue why. I'm thinking lack of communication on her part might be dead on, but I don't give enough fucks to find out.
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