Reviews

The Bluff by Emma St. Clair

shamaeem's review

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jsimk23's review

lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

snipinfool's review

challenging hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Winnie agreed to help James open his expanded brewery business. James had been a successful home brewer, but decided to take that a step further. Winnie knew nothing about creating beer or opening a brewery, but she was good at learning on the fly. James intended to do the project by himself even though he had no idea how to turn an old warehouse into a ten thousand barrel enterprise. Winnie planned to make herself useful and create Dark Horse Brewing’s website. After that, she would notice where James seemed to need the most help and cover that angle the best she could.

James started to think he had made the wrong choice deciding to ramp up his beer brewing business. One of the things James enjoyed the most about brewing was that he was solely in control of the operation. That control was going to be difficult to maintain when the business was expanded. He agreed to temporarily hire Winnie as a favor, but they were polar opposites. She rubbed him the wrong way. Winnie was always upbeat and he was a bit of a grouch. As long as she stayed out of his way, they should avoid any major disagreements. One of the first steps was for them to attend the Craft Brewer’s Annual Conference. He hoped Winnie didn’t plan for them to attend the sessions together.

I liked Winnie’s character. She was kind, thoughtful, and open to learning new things. She wanted to help James be successful with his business. James, on the other hand, was written too “grumpy” for me. He was frequently mean, thoughtless, and angry. I spent a lot of the book wondering why Winnie didn’t quit. I guess she thought she could change James or get him to see he needed her in his life. I enjoyed the secondary characters in the story. James’ family, Winnie’s friends, and the people living in Sheet Cake were interesting. This was the second book in the series centered around the town. I doubt I’ll decide to read any of the other four books. This was just ok.

machteldv's review

lighthearted

3.5

jsas13's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Audible. Loved female narrator. Didn't love male narrator. Also didn't love MMC. He was a sullen tool. He KNEW he was being mean to her and while some of that may have been related to social anxiety, much of it was not. He was rude. And arrogant. And treated FMC poorly. She was SUPER multi talented. It spoke of her low self esteem to accept him been an a**hole as him just being "grumpy."  We all deserve better than him. 

gammi13's review

funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.25

thepoetessa's review

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

dayamarie's review

4.0

I love the Graham family. So glad their story continues. Loved Winnie and James. Loved the character growth and development, the romance (but clean) and the emotions. All of the emotions. I laughed. I cried. Can’t wait for the next one.

tessme23's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Big difference between being grumpy and being a rude asshole. Only redeeming part of this book were the emotionally mature side characters. 

turquoiseavenue's review

5.0

I haven’t yet found an Emma St. Clair novel I don’t like… her characters are just so relatable and lovable. James was the PERFECTLY, delectable grump and Winnie’s sunshine made her a great match for him. I loved their tension-filled romance, banter and drama! The small town setting couldn’t get any better and as always, the strong family bond between the Graham sibling and their dad is just another added layer that makes this story not only fun but authentic and down-to-earth. Loved it!!!

Long live O.C.!