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3.3 AVERAGE
3.3 AVERAGE
Empiezo el 2024 con el peor libro. ¿Seguirá siendo el peor hasta finales de este año? Ya lo veremos.
This is a reread for me. I read it years ago and when I'm on a kick for angsty romance it's one of the ones I go to. It's so different from typical Presents/Modern romances. This is a marriage in trouble that feels nothing like anything else in this line of books. There are aspects to this book that are somewhat relatable - a lot going on with kids, family, illness and work. There is a disconnect between work and home life. When Rachel gets wind that Daniel has been out and about with someone else while working late, they have to figure out if they can move on together and if so how to do it. A lot of what they detail that they are working through sounds very relatable based on what I've seen real couples go through as they work through things themselves. Love the angst as you read this.
Surprisingly in-depth portrayal of a marriage in crisis and a woman unsure of what she wants. It gets pretty raw at points, and because this is an old school Harlequin novel there should probably be several full pages of trigger warnings at the beginning, but it feels surprisingly realistic and real. The last minute revelation that is ridiculously dumb, but Reid doesn't linger on that and it's presented late enough that it's not really used to avoid all the necessary groveling.
Spoiler
the hero never slept with the Other Woman after all
The Ultimate Betrayal: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Michelle Reid (Wedlocked!, Book #33)
"You were the rose-garden in the middle of the vile jungle I fought in," he likened huskily. "You were the only constant thing in my life. I would come home to you and see the sweet seventeen-year-old I first fell in love with, and I knew I would fight the very devil himself to keep you that way!"
With three adorable children and a husband who the world envies, Rachel's living her best life. Until... she gets a phone call that changes everything.
Listen, if you're surprised at me not only reading but also reading a book with cheating & miscommunicated 5 stars, best believe that I am too. This was recommended to me by Kally, who also hates cheating but somehow read this & loved it so I knew I had to as well. And my God, did I love it.
This is a very quick read, but the tension, drama, and angst is written so unbelievably well that I wished it was longer. I loved how absolutely human Rachel was and every single one of her responses, reactions, and thoughts were ones that I would definitely have had myself. She was sheltered from such a young age and when her world is turned upside down, the dichotomy of her trying to break free of this cocoon, but also being so reliant on her husband was so interesting to see unfold.
I wanted to hate Daniel, really I did. And while there were times that I wanted to smack him for some of the things he said (mind, this book was written quite some time ago) he groveled like he had a degree in it. Watching him get jealous, beg for Rachel's attention, and care for her throughout it all was just what the doctor ordered. I felt bad for him and then I wanted to comfort him. He was a very well written character overall.
The constant push and pull, one step forward five steps back, and arguments between the two of them felt authentic, and exactly how I imagine something like this would go down in real life. I cannot emphasize that human aspect of this enough because it really is so well done. Realistic, raw, and at times incredibly frustrating. But it pays off spectacularly. Because every tender moment, every sweet smile or kiss is magnified tenfold and holds so much more meaning since they worked for it.
They both were undoubtedly at fault in this relationship. Daniel, for... what he did (no spoilers). And Rachel for not really paying much attention to Daniel's life apart from when he was in physical proximity of her. Two imperfect characters whose love story you really do believe in and root for.
This book is a rollercoaster, but it is such a good one & one I will certainly remember. As soon as I put it down, I wanted to read it all over again. This book was an experience & I would love to experience it again. If anyone can kindly share any other books that will make me feel the way this one did, I would be much obliged.
Michelle Reid (Wedlocked!, Book #33)
"You were the rose-garden in the middle of the vile jungle I fought in," he likened huskily. "You were the only constant thing in my life. I would come home to you and see the sweet seventeen-year-old I first fell in love with, and I knew I would fight the very devil himself to keep you that way!"
With three adorable children and a husband who the world envies, Rachel's living her best life. Until... she gets a phone call that changes everything.
Listen, if you're surprised at me not only reading but also reading a book with cheating & miscommunicated 5 stars, best believe that I am too. This was recommended to me by Kally, who also hates cheating but somehow read this & loved it so I knew I had to as well. And my God, did I love it.
This is a very quick read, but the tension, drama, and angst is written so unbelievably well that I wished it was longer. I loved how absolutely human Rachel was and every single one of her responses, reactions, and thoughts were ones that I would definitely have had myself. She was sheltered from such a young age and when her world is turned upside down, the dichotomy of her trying to break free of this cocoon, but also being so reliant on her husband was so interesting to see unfold.
I wanted to hate Daniel, really I did. And while there were times that I wanted to smack him for some of the things he said (mind, this book was written quite some time ago) he groveled like he had a degree in it. Watching him get jealous, beg for Rachel's attention, and care for her throughout it all was just what the doctor ordered. I felt bad for him and then I wanted to comfort him. He was a very well written character overall.
The constant push and pull, one step forward five steps back, and arguments between the two of them felt authentic, and exactly how I imagine something like this would go down in real life. I cannot emphasize that human aspect of this enough because it really is so well done. Realistic, raw, and at times incredibly frustrating. But it pays off spectacularly. Because every tender moment, every sweet smile or kiss is magnified tenfold and holds so much more meaning since they worked for it.
They both were undoubtedly at fault in this relationship. Daniel, for... what he did (no spoilers). And Rachel for not really paying much attention to Daniel's life apart from when he was in physical proximity of her. Two imperfect characters whose love story you really do believe in and root for.
This book is a rollercoaster, but it is such a good one & one I will certainly remember. As soon as I put it down, I wanted to read it all over again. This book was an experience & I would love to experience it again. If anyone can kindly share any other books that will make me feel the way this one did, I would be much obliged.
fast-paced
Did I read a book as old as I am? Yea. That book was so good, gave me a whiff of yellow page pocket books even if I read it on my kindle. Reminded me of the first books I’ve read.
It didn’t have smut though which is MEH for me but it did have some heart wrenching moments. Grovelling is 7.5/10 and we do like the way they communicated their way out of this dark zone.
4 stars if I must say, would’ve given it a 5 if it had smut
It didn’t have smut though which is MEH for me but it did have some heart wrenching moments. Grovelling is 7.5/10 and we do like the way they communicated their way out of this dark zone.
4 stars if I must say, would’ve given it a 5 if it had smut
low four
felt kind of rushed and there was no real communication too much back and forth, but no real progress
felt kind of rushed and there was no real communication too much back and forth, but no real progress
Rachel and Daniel have been married for 7 years and have 3 wonderful children when Rachel's 'Best Friend' tells her that Daniel has been sleeping around with another woman.
When confronted, Daniel doesn't deny it and Rachel is devastated. Daniel insists that it is over and wants to make the marriage work. Rachel feels very vulnerable and unattractive and feels almost as if she has been kept in a prison for seven years.
Rachel tries to move out the previous suffocation confines of her marriage, while Daniel attempts to reconcile with is wife.
This is a case where i fully believe the constraints of the format really made the story suffer.
First, even though Rachel has been married to Daniel for 7 years and has 3 kids, she still comes off like a stereotypical, young naive harlequin virgin. And she's too nice. What woman in her right mind will consider a person her best friend who routinely and with serious disdain refer to your kids as 'brats'? Her relationship with her so-called best friend was as dysfunctional as her relationship with her husband.
I also don't see how it is at all realistic that a man of Daniel's stature in business could have (or would have)kept the fact that he is married a secret. He has never invited Rachel to a business dinner? Had colleagues over? Had never had her act as hostess for anything? Never went out in public with the family? Weird.
I actually really like Michelle Reid's early stuff for HP, but I could have given this book a pass.
When confronted, Daniel doesn't deny it and Rachel is devastated. Daniel insists that it is over and wants to make the marriage work. Rachel feels very vulnerable and unattractive and feels almost as if she has been kept in a prison for seven years.
Rachel tries to move out the previous suffocation confines of her marriage, while Daniel attempts to reconcile with is wife.
This is a case where i fully believe the constraints of the format really made the story suffer.
First, even though Rachel has been married to Daniel for 7 years and has 3 kids, she still comes off like a stereotypical, young naive harlequin virgin. And she's too nice. What woman in her right mind will consider a person her best friend who routinely and with serious disdain refer to your kids as 'brats'? Her relationship with her so-called best friend was as dysfunctional as her relationship with her husband.
I also don't see how it is at all realistic that a man of Daniel's stature in business could have (or would have)kept the fact that he is married a secret. He has never invited Rachel to a business dinner? Had colleagues over? Had never had her act as hostess for anything? Never went out in public with the family? Weird.
I actually really like Michelle Reid's early stuff for HP, but I could have given this book a pass.
Daniel, Daniel, Daniel.. i don't hate you but i dislike you, alot.
(I hate you. Must've been feeling forgiving last time i read it)
He wined and dined her and everyone knew about her. Everyone. And they weren't aware of him having a wife and kids? What kind of keeping my personal life private is this?
Rachel deserved better. I liked that she had a spine and accidental pregnancy didn't fix everything.
Her bestfriend situation should've been addressed.
She should've atleast looked into divorcing him.
I've read that younger people are unforgiving to their cheating partners or people, in general, are less forgiving when they've been together for a short amount of time.
I can understand how having a history and kids can complicate you life, but he was manipulative. He kept them all in a bubble and she said it best he shrugged off the dad and husband when he went outside the bubble of their home.
He continued the affair 3 months after the business deal went through if I'm recalling the timeline correctly.
Rachel deserved better. She wasn't allowed to grow up and then slapped in the face like this and had to bear it all and he was giving her ultimatums while all she could think about was him and her.
How did i not say i hate him first time around is a damn miracle.
Author took a coward's way out w both of their affairs and why the fuck didn't he clear the air once he found out? Why continue to sleep in the bed of nails when you've found the tool that can help you pull them out?
(I hate you. Must've been feeling forgiving last time i read it)
He wined and dined her and everyone knew about her. Everyone. And they weren't aware of him having a wife and kids? What kind of keeping my personal life private is this?
Rachel deserved better. I liked that she had a spine and accidental pregnancy didn't fix everything.
Her bestfriend situation should've been addressed.
She should've atleast looked into divorcing him.
I've read that younger people are unforgiving to their cheating partners or people, in general, are less forgiving when they've been together for a short amount of time.
I can understand how having a history and kids can complicate you life, but he was manipulative. He kept them all in a bubble and she said it best he shrugged off the dad and husband when he went outside the bubble of their home.
He continued the affair 3 months after the business deal went through if I'm recalling the timeline correctly.
Rachel deserved better. She wasn't allowed to grow up and then slapped in the face like this and had to bear it all and he was giving her ultimatums while all she could think about was him and her.
How did i not say i hate him first time around is a damn miracle.
Author took a coward's way out w both of their affairs and why the fuck didn't he clear the air once he found out? Why continue to sleep in the bed of nails when you've found the tool that can help you pull them out?