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amberreadsromance28's review against another edition
4.0
I am going back and forth on how I want to rate this. I was so excited for this book and I absolutely love Sam Mariano, but this was lacking a certain something. It may be a 3.5, but I rounded it up to 4 for my love of Sam Mariano.
I wanted a more fleshed out story and I felt like we were only getting surface level development between the characters and little to no story. The bully romance I wanted was put on the backburner so we can go on and on about Hannah. This was too centered around Hannah, her horrible life, obsession with trying to get her moved into the pool house...I mean come on. Most of the story is being wasted setting up whatever story Sam Mariano is trying to tell for Hannah. I did not like Dare and thought we could move on from him, and yet we spent a majority of this book talking, thinking, or stressing out about him.
Landon and Parker did not have enough scenes together, where they were alone. They were constantly being babysat by the parents or, of course, Hannah. I was expecting a lot more growth between the characters. I wanted more info or conversations about the death of his mother, development of the bad relationship with Landon's father, and explanation on why he bullied her so bad for years. We get the reasons, but I wanted him to explain to Parker why he treated her so badly.
I did like how the conflict at the end did not lead to a 3rd act break up and it did not cause unnecessary issues between them. I knew the secret from the start, but I didn't mind that.
I still had a good time with the OTT, possessive behavior of Landon, the dubcon, and sex scenes. I was just disappointed and expected more. I am still interested in continuing the series, but I honestly could care less about Dare. I do not like Dare and I wanted to move past his evil character.
I wanted a more fleshed out story and I felt like we were only getting surface level development between the characters and little to no story. The bully romance I wanted was put on the backburner so we can go on and on about Hannah. This was too centered around Hannah, her horrible life, obsession with trying to get her moved into the pool house...I mean come on. Most of the story is being wasted setting up whatever story Sam Mariano is trying to tell for Hannah. I did not like Dare and thought we could move on from him, and yet we spent a majority of this book talking, thinking, or stressing out about him.
Landon and Parker did not have enough scenes together, where they were alone. They were constantly being babysat by the parents or, of course, Hannah. I was expecting a lot more growth between the characters. I wanted more info or conversations about the death of his mother, development of the bad relationship with Landon's father, and explanation on why he bullied her so bad for years. We get the reasons, but I wanted him to explain to Parker why he treated her so badly.
I did like how the conflict at the end did not lead to a 3rd act break up and it did not cause unnecessary issues between them. I knew the secret from the start, but I didn't mind that.
I still had a good time with the OTT, possessive behavior of Landon, the dubcon, and sex scenes. I was just disappointed and expected more. I am still interested in continuing the series, but I honestly could care less about Dare. I do not like Dare and I wanted to move past his evil character.
nicoco628's review
dark
tense
medium-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
trickyclouds's review
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
midnightrose_reads's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Contempt is the third book in the Coastal Elite series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Death and Death of parent
lavenderxohuang's review
dark
emotional
funny
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
3.75
Much more mild compared to some of Sam Mariano's other books. While Landon was a bully and a jerk, it really stems from unhealed wounds from the accidental death of his mom when he was young. He was always interested in Parker, ever since she compassionately brought him muffins to show him some comfort and support during his time of grief, but as a kid, he decided to lash out at her instead. He made a lot of mistakes but once him and Parker started their relationship, he was a pretty decent boyfriend and let her know how committed he was to her. We also get a lot of side storylines in this book, Hayden & Gemma as well as Hannah's. Super enjoyable read that has me excited for the next few instalments but this book didn't evoke as much emotion in me.
thelibraryofjordan's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
ladylaurenexplorer's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.75!
I am really glad to finally get their story. Although I did feel like it was kind of a half or 3/4 story because Hannah played a very large role in the story.
I think about, is it make me like the story even more, because I love Hannah. This also makes me think that something really did happen in the end of even if it hurts with all three of them.
I’m really wanting that scene and the extra at the end of this book with the conversation with Dare. Makes me lean towards it more.
I’m definitely waiting for Sophie to come in and give us a little bit more plot, especially since the spinoff was really good so now having her story line with Aubrey in there will be even better.
I’m glad I read this book and I’m happy to have it finally in physical form because I started reading this when it came out on KU and when it finally published as a print, I had to stop reading on KU and read it physically!!
I am really glad to finally get their story. Although I did feel like it was kind of a half or 3/4 story because Hannah played a very large role in the story.
I think about, is it make me like the story even more, because I love Hannah. This also makes me think that something really did happen in the end of even if it hurts with all three of them.
I’m really wanting that scene and the extra at the end of this book with the conversation with Dare. Makes me lean towards it more.
I’m definitely waiting for Sophie to come in and give us a little bit more plot, especially since the spinoff was really good so now having her story line with Aubrey in there will be even better.
I’m glad I read this book and I’m happy to have it finally in physical form because I started reading this when it came out on KU and when it finally published as a print, I had to stop reading on KU and read it physically!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Sexual content