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karlapardo's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I liked this book. I thought it was well written (I mean is Lauren Asher, I didn't expect otherwise) and the relationship was super cute. I think that each character had good development but they were also their own person, meaning that their whole identity was in their relationship, they were just two individual people who fell in love and a relationship blossomed out of that but they didn't lose their own individual identity. I would have liked more back story on the characters, I think it was just very what's happening in the moment and because of that there were times where I would be confused by some things because we didn't know the back story. I just needed more on the back story aspect. We got some info but not a lot. Zahra is just a great character, I think she is very fun and bubbly but also knows how to be a business woman and is so responsible and passionate about her job and I love that. She is also clear in what she wants out of the relationship, she made it clear to Rowan when he messed up that he needed to work on that and fix it because she wouldn't be putting up with it if it kept going, and I think that is so powerful. Rowan was so cute. He fell in love with Zahra but struggled so much with that realization but as a reader you can see his development very clearly. I think that he made it very hard for us readers to not love him once we saw his development and I am here for it. Their relationship is so cute, the banter, the tension, and spice, the respect they have for each other, and the way he won her heart over and over again was so cute. Would read again
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, and Grief
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Blood
neeemii's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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
3.25
Zahra and Rowan together are an absolute perfect couple for each other, I just loved their connection with each other
The story line seemed a little bit rushed, but the storyline and Rowan's character development was sooo good like he was a whole ass at the start but by the end all he wanted was Zahra
That epilogue was a perfect ending, definitely something we needed to hear
But like the only thing other than the rushing was like Rowan just did too much wrong too Zahra like yeah you love her and everything but dumping her while she's hospitalised is crazy and then trying to get her back a few days later like that's just 1 of the things he did - I just felt as if his screw ups could've been better (if that makes sense)
The story line seemed a little bit rushed, but the storyline and Rowan's character development was sooo good like he was a whole ass at the start but by the end all he wanted was Zahra
That epilogue was a perfect ending, definitely something we needed to hear
But like the only thing other than the rushing was like Rowan just did too much wrong too Zahra like yeah you love her and everything but dumping her while she's hospitalised is crazy and then trying to get her back a few days later like that's just 1 of the things he did - I just felt as if his screw ups could've been better (if that makes sense)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
neffypants's review against another edition
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
this big presentaiton on how he planned to renovate the park and be more inclusive for people with disabilites (we love to see it. hell yea)
Will I read the other two books? Absolutely
Will I read the other two books? Absolutely
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Cursing, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse
epilogue: cut to a three year timeskip, they're unveiling the new ride at the park. They're married and not only are they married, but she's pregnant.siriuslyz's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
It's been a while since I've read these types of books, and I can say that it's been comforting to start doing it again.
This is your typical grumpy-sunshine, I-love-my-boss kind of book. It's nothing too exciting, but leaves you wanting for more.
The main characters are Rowan and Zahra. Rowan is your typical alluring, brooding, mysteriously silent boss, while Zahra is a ray of sunshine. Don't worry though, she has a backbone and knows her worth.
Zahra's personality is so inspiring, the way she knows her worth and when to put her foot down is admirable. She has a strong personality and is so selfless it hurts. Treating everyone with the utmost respect, she is the kind of female main character we've all needed.
I also loved Claire, Zahra's best friend, and Ani, Zahra's sister, and the support they have for Zahra and the amount of care for her wellbeing.
Rowan was alright, but I kind of think that his personality is too cliché. He makes mistakes, but he makes up for them and Zahra makes him grovel. A little. Because Rowan understands his actions and faults, he finds a way to make up for them in thoughtful ways.
All in all, I did like this book, but for me it was just lacking (if you know what I mean). I didn't get the excited tingles I feel when I really love a book, and it is kind of like all the other books that are currently trending. You don't need a Rowan, just go read the Twisted series and you'll have the same guy, the same outcome. This book wasn't anything special.
This is your typical grumpy-sunshine, I-love-my-boss kind of book. It's nothing too exciting, but leaves you wanting for more.
The main characters are Rowan and Zahra. Rowan is your typical alluring, brooding, mysteriously silent boss, while Zahra is a ray of sunshine. Don't worry though, she has a backbone and knows her worth.
Zahra's personality is so inspiring, the way she knows her worth and when to put her foot down is admirable. She has a strong personality and is so selfless it hurts. Treating everyone with the utmost respect, she is the kind of female main character we've all needed.
I also loved Claire, Zahra's best friend, and Ani, Zahra's sister, and the support they have for Zahra and the amount of care for her wellbeing.
Rowan was alright, but I kind of think that his personality is too cliché. He makes mistakes, but he makes up for them and Zahra makes him grovel. A little. Because Rowan understands his actions and faults, he finds a way to make up for them in thoughtful ways.
All in all, I did like this book, but for me it was just lacking (if you know what I mean). I didn't get the excited tingles I feel when I really love a book, and it is kind of like all the other books that are currently trending. You don't need a Rowan, just go read the Twisted series and you'll have the same guy, the same outcome. This book wasn't anything special.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, Alcoholism, Blood, Cancer, Cursing, and Death of parent
emmieanna's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
3.25✨
I don’t know how to feel about this one. I think I liked the story and wanted the characters to end up together but also he is the worst kind of person. I guess that is the point but she literally did not do one thing wrong to him the whole time and he was a liar and manipulator who couldn’t admit his feelings even to himself.
That being said, I will be continuing the series because I want to see Declan eat his words and be humbled by Iris because I know that they are supposed to end up together.
Also, I love the representation of differently ambled people in this book. Anni is the best character and you can’t tell me otherwise,plus they incorporated a positive action scheme into the park Love love love.
I don’t know how to feel about this one. I think I liked the story and wanted the characters to end up together but also he is the worst kind of person. I guess that is the point but she literally did not do one thing wrong to him the whole time and he was a liar and manipulator who couldn’t admit his feelings even to himself.
That being said, I will be continuing the series because I want to see Declan eat his words and be humbled by Iris because I know that they are supposed to end up together.
Also, I love the representation of differently ambled people in this book. Anni is the best character and you can’t tell me otherwise,
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Medical content, Body shaming, Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Stalking, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, Ableism, Death of parent, Mental illness, and Infidelity
Minor: Ableism, Addiction, Classism, Bullying, Abortion, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Cancer
neevabeeva510's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Alcohol, Cancer, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Moderate: Mental illness and Pregnancy
edietz22's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
sad
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Cancer, Terminal illness, Medical content, and Sexual content
Moderate: Alcoholism, Classism, Gaslighting, Addiction, Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Cursing, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Terminal illness
Minor: Vomit, Classism, Chronic illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Cancer, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Terminal illness
milasmom's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-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
5.0
This book just had my heart full of emotions by the end. The way the characters were written made me love them so much. It’s Sunshine and Grumpy, not so much forbidden. It’s just a really good book, full of funny dialogue, loveable characters, cute moments and etc. 100% recommend. It does contain spice, loss of a parent, and the struggle of past depression. I cannot emphasize enough how good this book was. 5/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
amateur_bookworm's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
My summary: Rowan Kane is grieving his grandfather’s death. Shortly after the funeral, Rowan and his brothers receive letters that his grandfather had written before his accident that detail what each of them must do in order to receive their shares of their family’s Dreamland company. Rowan must tap into his buried childhood aspirations of creating and become the director of the Dreamland theme park and develop a renovation plan addressing the park’s shortcomings. This seems like an impossible task for Rowan; after losing his mom to cancer and surviving his childhood with an abusive and alcoholic father, Rowan’s dreams had died long before his grandfather did. Soon after Rowan arrives at Dreamland, Zahra stumbles right into Rowan’s lap. Just a lowly minimum wage Dreamland employee, the gorgeous and eccentric Zahra once worked on a project with Rowan’s grandfather and hoped to one day become a Dreamland Creator. After drunkenly submitting a critique of an expensive new ride being developed from which her cheating ex-boyfriend stole the idea from her, Zahra is expecting to be fired but instead receives a promotion. Zahra may be just what Rowan needs to nail his renovation plan, but she also may be just what he needs to heal his brokenness too.
My thoughts: I found this to be an unexpectedly sweet love story for a grumpy/sunshine trope that delved into some deeper issues throughout the plot. And who doesn’t love a billionaire romance set in Disne—er, Dreamland?!? Lauren Asher did a great job portraying Rowan’s brokenness at the hands of childhood grief and verbal abuse and how that manifested in adulthood. I enjoyed Zahra’s positive disposition and selfless interest in helping people. The juxtaposition of the natures of each of their characters made for a good romance read. This is a great light-hearted, opposites attract love story that has enough substance to it that makes the story feel fuller than I had expected. This first book of this trilogy did not disappoint and I’ll be moving straight into the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Cursing
Moderate: Mental illness, Cancer, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Alcoholism, and Infidelity
kait_lynne's review against another edition
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Mental illness, Cancer, and Death of parent